The Orc chieftain launched another attack, closing the range rapidly, and then driving the Therengian back with a flurry of blows. Athgar stumbled, his feet slipping, and he crashed to the ground, onto his back. Gorlag towered over him, striking down with an axe but the Human managed to block with his own weapon. Their axes struck one another, sending sparks flying, and still, the Orc bore down with all his strength, pushing the weapons ever closer to the Therengian. They were almost face to face now, the fetid breath of the chieftain close enough to smell.

Athgar uttered a magical phrase, and the head of his axe burst into flames. Gorlag pulled his face back to avoid the fire, and then the Therengian bent his knees and used his legs to shove the Orc away from him. As the chieftain staggered back and tried to gain his footing, Athgar hurled his axe. It dug into Gorlag's left shoulder, causing him to yell out in pain, and drop one of his axes. The edge had buried itself into the chieftain's armour, and now the Orc let out a bellow of pain as the padding beneath started smouldering.

Gorlag pulled the weapon from his wound, tossing it to the side while Athgar used the time to rise to his feet. The Therengian uttered the words of power and a streak of flame shot from his fingertips. This time, Gorlag was unable to dodge, and it hit him full in the chest, knocking him from his feet and sending him to the ground.

Athgar dropped his shield and rushed forward to stand above the Orc, his hands held ready to cast again.

"I yield!" called out Gorlag.

After a surprised gasp from the spectators, the field went quiet. Athgar recognized fear in the chieftain's eyes, but also loathing. He wanted to finish the Orc off and be rid of him, but he knew that would result in his own banishment, for the ways of the tribe must be followed; Gorlag had yielded, and the Therengian's task was now done. He was the victor, but he stood still as if caught in the moment, unable to move.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. "It is done, my friend," said Kargen quietly, "you have won."

Athgar lowered his hands and backed away from Gorlag.