Seth knew, however, that he could reach up and snap Geoffrey’s neck in an instant. The lord would never have suspected Seth capable. He wouldn’t even know what happened to him as his life ended.

 

Seth broke Geoffrey’s grip, brought his hands up to the man’s neck. He knew the next heartbeat would change everything. He promised Prince Valam he wouldn’t hold back. But would Geoffrey’s death bring the thing he sought?

 

He brought his fists down.

 

Geoffrey collapsed.

 

Seth pushed the other off, spun around, found his sword. He got to his feet, watched Geoffrey struggle to his knees.

 

Seth gripped the sword. He could end this with a single blow. Geoffrey expected it. Seth could tell.

 

When Seth didn’t move, Geoffrey struggled to his feet. Geoffrey looked at Seth, his eyes seeming to ask, “What are you waiting for? Strike, end this.”

 

The image of Redwalker Tae flashed through Seth’s mind. Loyalty to his cause is what he needed, not a dead lord. Geoffrey dead at his feet would solve nothing.

 

Seth tossed his sword to the ground at Geoffrey’s feet. Geoffrey stared at Seth, awe written in his expression.

 

Geoffrey stumbled, fell forward, clinging at Seth’s waist as his legs collapsed. Seth held him up.

 

The two walked from the circle.

 

At first the crowd did not roar or cheer. They simply parted. The viewers were as awestruck as Geoffrey had been. Men and women reached out to touch Seth as he passed.

 

Chanting began. In the hearts and minds of those who had seen the match the victors were clear. The Kingdom trio had won. They had won in grand style.

 

Seth assisted Geoffrey. The two went to the place Valam had been taken. A girl with long black hair followed in the shadows. Seth saw her out of the corner of his eye.

 

Seth helped Geoffrey to a bench just inside the door.

 

Valam lay near death. Keeper Martin and Father Jacob were gathered around him.

 

Valam motioned Seth to come closer. “They told me what you did,” he whispered. “I believe. Word will spread. You will have your army.”

 

“Save your strength. Rest,” Seth said wearily.

 

The door opened and closed. Seth turned to see Princess Adrina enter. He had felt her presence in the shadows. There had been sadness in her mind and tears in her eyes then too.

 

“He dies,” whispered Jacob to Seth, hardly looking up, “I pray, but there are no answers.”

 

“Oh, there are answers,” Adrina said wiping tears from her eyes as she found sudden resolve. “There is poison in his veins.”

 

“Poison?” asked Jacob.

 

“That’s impossible,” Geoffrey said, “Weapons are all checked and cleaned before each use.”

 

“Trust me,” Adrina said. “Anything is possible.” She unshouldered the bag she was carrying and knelt beside her brother. She reached into the bag carefully, making sure to grab the tiny dragon just behind the head. “Give me your hand, brother,” she said. She took Valam’s left hand in her free hand as he offered it. “Don’t give in to the fear,” she whispered. “It will be all right, I promise.”

 

Geoffrey turned to Seth. “Know this,” he said. “You’ve earned my respect and that of the Free Peoples.”