“He’s a foreigner, my duke,” I said, letting my voice drip with condescension.

Relos Var schooled his expression into one less angry. “I don’t deny this. But I think I have a right to know what you both mean.”

The duke waved a hand. “Oh, well, you have each accused each other of serious crimes. There is one way to settle the matter: in combat.”

I smiled at Relos Var. “That means we’re going to have a duel. And if you refuse, everyone will know you for the fraud you are.”

He stared at me. He looked a little shocked or, at the very least, a little appalled. Then he started to chuckle.

“My dear girl, you must know you cannot win against me.”

“You mean I can’t win against a sorcerer of your caliber?” I rested one hand at my belt, near my weapons but not on them. “Yes, I know.”

He made a face. “That’s your game? You think you can put me in a position where I would have to use magic to defend myself? A fool’s plan. I expected better.”

“We’ll see,” I murmured.

The duke said, “I hate to interrupt, but it is traditional to separate the two sides. Relos, why don’t you accompany me? We must find someone to fight in your place.”

“I’ll fight my own battles.”

“What?” The duke seemed taken aback, but then shrugged. “Well, if you wish. Then we must find you armor and a weapon. Come with me…”

I smiled. Relos Var’s stare never left mine until he allowed the duke to lead both him and Tamin out. As soon as he exited, I felt like all the air returned to the room, and my heart remembered how to beat again.

“What have I done?” I muttered to the quiet.

But no one answered.

29: AN ILL-ADVISED DUEL

Jorat Dominion, Quuros Empire. Three days since Kihrin littered the Capital City with unwanted talismans

“You didn’t,” Kihrin said.

“Oh, I did,” Janel admitted.

“But you didn’t fight him.” Kihrin raised an eyebrow. “I mean, I’m not kidding when I say I’ve seen Relos Var face down gods. Not just god-kings. The Three Sisters themselves: Luck, Death, and Magic. At the same time.”

“Oh, she fought him,” Dorna said. She looked up at Star. “I can’t reach her from here. Do you mind, dear?”

“No problem,” Star said. He leaned over and slapped the back of Janel’s head.

“Hey!” Janel glared at Star. “Watch it!”

“And you deserve a thousand more, colt,” Dorna said. “I raised you better.” She stabbed her finger at the bar top. “Don’t pick a fight with someone who scares gods. Words to live by.”

“I knew exactly what I was doing,” Janel protested. “Mostly.”

Qown opened his book. “I really hate this part.”

Qown’s Turn. The Malkoessian compound, the Green, Atrine, Jorat, Quur.