Professor Aldric was already walking to the arena. “The challenged picks the rules of the bout. Hurry, unless you’re already giving up?” He turned to the rest of the class, who had gathered at the sudden commotion. “Make sure you’re watching. This is your impromptu lesson for the day.”

Professor Rainer quickly looked at all the staff members present and apparently found no help for himself. Face going red with fury and indignation, he screamed, “Fine! Duel to first blood! If I win, you will leave this school and never show your face before me again!”

“Agreed. I propose the same terms.”

“Agreed,” Rainer growled. The two of them faced off in the middle of the arena. Professor Glory went to join them, an anxious look on her face.

Nadrina felt like she was in a nightmare. Her professor was going to fight on her behalf against a conjurer? For him to be a professor here at all, Rainer had to be an exceptional mage. For a sorcerer to fight such a person...

Nadrina was already sprinting forward before she realized it. “Professor! Please don’t do this!” she cried, grabbing his arm. “I’m fine. There’s no need to do this. They’re just words. Really, it’s alright!”

He gave her a lopsided grin, but still gently pushed her back. “I know. But I’m being selfish here. Have a little a faith, yeah? And make sure you take mental notes. Today, you learn how a sorcerer fights.”

“I’m afraid I must agree with her, Aldric,” the headmaster suddenly said from behind Nadrina. “This is going to be a mess, no matter what. I understand why you’re upset, but is it necessary to take it this far? Why does it need to be done this way?”

Professor Aldric looked Headmaster Elmaris square in the eye for several moments, before he simply said, “Because I believe in them, obviously.”

The headmaster looked like he’d been struck with a hammer. He could only stand and stare, stupefied, as the professor continued toward the center of the field.

“Headmaster?” Nadrina asked, almost pleading.

Seeming to come out of a trance, the headmaster looked at her and smiled ruefully. “I’m sorry, my dear. My own words have been used against me. It appears I have no leg to stand on.” He patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Have no fear. I suspect this will be over quickly. We will watch the whole thing from right here.”

Lilianna had stepped up next to Nadrina to take hold of her hand and squeeze it, conveying her own worries to her. Codrin and Alek were close by, as well. Rainer’s class wasn’t showing nearly the same support, but they were obviously eager for a spectacle as they sat in their stands.

“Will you be able to provide healing if we need it, Headmaster Elmaris?” Lilianna asked.