Chapter 79 Judgmen (1/2)
As Arran waited for the group to reach them, his only comfort was that there was no immediate attack
But then, he realized that there was no reason for theht away Even if the woly doubted — the novices were strong enough to not need surprise attacks against Darkfire and himself
With soht If Darkfire h for Arran to finish the first, perhaps they could barely defeat two of the novices — and even that would require a great deal of luck
But now, there were five Shadowblood novices before the the crippled one There simply was no amount of luck that would allow them to overcome those odds
They waited in silence, neither Darkfire nor Arran feeling the need to speak Whatever was going to happen, they would have to face, and there was no aroup approached, Arran got a better look at the wo dark hair and black eyes There was so about her appearance, as if she was longing for battle, and there was an ageless quality to her face,it impossible to tell just how old she was
”shi+t!” Darkfire hissed quietly ”This is bad…”
”Unhappy to see me, Darkfire?” the wo deeply ”We're honored at your coh the two of us hardly seem worthy of your attention”
As Darkfire finished speaking, the woave Darkfire a derisive sneer, then spoke, ”You think charm will solve your problems?”
”It orth a try,” Darkfire said with a shrug ”Better than calling you a terrifying monster, I'd think”
Elder Batu let out a shrill laugh ”I do appreciate honesty,” she said Then, she turned to Arran ”This is the one who crippled my nephew?”
”That's hiratingly sycophantic
”What's your na Arran up and down as if he was a piece of cattle
”Ghostblade” There was little point in trying to resist her questions, but he would not resort to groveling — mostly because he doubted it would help
”You crippledat him intently ”What do you have to say for yourself?”
”He tried to kill me,” Arran replied ”All I did was defendyourself, why did you choose to cripple hienuinely curious about what his ansould be
”He was stronger than me,” Arran answered honestly ”It was the only way I could take hiht”
She nodded, her expression one that could almost be mistaken for approval Then, she turned toward the novices behind her
”Nohich of you can tell me what happened?”
”I can, Elder” The one who spoke was a young wo lips and a face that would be pretty had it not been for a hint of cruelty in her eyes
”Then what are you waiting for?” Elder Batu said ”Speak!”
”Novice Arban challenged the outsider to a friendly duel,” the novice began hurriedly ”When the outsider was about to lose, he used an underhanded e, then crippled novice Arban before he could react”
Elder Batu gave the young woman a smile so cold it sent shi+vers down Arran's spine
”Let's try that again,” she said slowly ”And this tihtest lie, I will burn those pretty eyes from your face”
The novice paled instantly, a fearful expression appearing on her face ”I didn't—” she began
”Tell me the truth,” Elder Batu interrupted her, ”or suffer the consequences”
The young wo that they would be no help, she sighed in resignation
Once more she told the story, but this tihtest detail
”So that's what happened,” Elder Batu said, her gaze resting on her nephew ”You wanted to kill the outsider to shame Darkfire, and when he defeated you, you tried to blindside hiic attack And still, you lost It seetoward the other novices Their faces, filled with arrogant confidence only o, were now fearful
”All of you have shamed the Society As penance, you will serve beyond the border for one decade, alone Those who survive will be allowed to return”
The novices responded with looks of shock and horror, but none of theainst her — it was clear that Elder Batu was not in a merciful mood