Chapter 254 Brightblades Challenge (1/2)

The hall fell silent at Brightblade's words The gathered Elders had already been shocked at her identity, and now she had openly challenged not just one but three of them

And not just any three, Arran knew There could be no doubt that these were a the most influential Elders within the Valley Otherwise, they would not have dared provoke the Matriarch so openly — not even if her position eaker than it should be

The bald Elder looked at Brightblade uncomfortably Just moments earlier, he had behaved as if he was the Elders' ruler, but now, his scarred face had gone slightly pale

”Lady Dao,” he said in a fearful tone, ”you intend to challenge all three of us to duels?” He sighed regretfully ”There is no need to go that far ThisAs teachers, ere too slow in recognizing our apprentices' misdeeds”

”Indeed,” Elder Danae interjected, her forced attempt at a humble expression as unnatural as it was insincere ”We were blinded by our faith in our students Andapprentice offeredthe others”

She shook her head, then turned her eyes toward the adept who had accused Brightblade of killing his fellow students ”But now, I understand what really happened”

The thin young ulfed in fire He screamed loudly as the fla the hall as the Elders quietly looked on His screams died quickly, however, and his charred corpse toppled to the ground a few breaths later

Arran felt so rehtblade, but it was doubtful that he'd had any choice in the iven orders he could not refuse, only to end up being executed for following them

Yet his interest in the dead adept disappeared instantly when Brightblade spoke up

”Roasting an adept will not undo the insults you have offered me,” she said contemptuously Then, with a trace of mockery in her tone, she added, ”But there is no need for three duels A single one will suffice — even together, I hardly think the three of you should pose e”

Her words caused an ie in the bald Elder's expression Where he had looked huhty look now returned at once

”If you insist on being unreasonable, then we have no choice but to accept your challenge” The man spoke confidently now, and it was hard to believe that he had been groveling just seconds earlier ”We will face each other toest you do not waste this night,” Brightblade replied ”It will be your last”

She spoke casually, as if she was discussing dinner plans, not even the slightest trace of concern to be heard in her voice

The Matriarch, however, gave her a worried glance ”Are you certain of this? There is no shahtblade interrupted ”Tomorrow, the insults I have suffered will be addressed”

”Then it is decided,” the Matriarch said, her tone regretful Then, in a louder voice, she continued, ”Tohtblade will face Elder Heran, Elder Danae, and Elder Straton in a duel sanctioned by the Valley, to resolve any enmity that exists between them Inform your Houses that any member of the Shadowflame Society who so wishes is allowed to observe the duel and stand witness”

Though the Matriarch spoke in a solints of excitement to the eyes of more than a few of the Elders in the hall While few of the and each held a venerable position within the Valley, the prospect of seeing powerful es do battle apparently still made their hearts beat faster

Arran, however, found hihtblade seemed confident, but the same held true for her opponents, and the Matriarch was visibly worried And no wonder How could facing three Elders alone be anything but dangerous, even for so the dueling grounds will begin immediately,” the Matriarch continued ”I myself shall oversee it Each of the Houses present here is asked to select an observer, so that none e”

It took the various Houses several minutes to choose representatives The smaller Houses had an easy time of it, since er ones had short — albeit heated — discussions on thethe preparations was considered an enviable thing, although Arran could not understand why

A short while later, a sizable group of Elders had gathered around the dais, a representative fro there

”Finally,” the Matriarch went on, ”I invite the opposing parties to each select two observers, as well”

The three Elders froes froroup Arran didn't like the look of either of theh that had more to do with their allies than with their appearance — had he been strong enough, the entire group would have long joined the adept in the afterlife