"Mirta, I have something that was given to me by the witch on the mountain shortly before she left - I've kept it all this time, and I'd like you to have it."
Jun pulled out a short wooden pole, decorated with intertwining gold-coloured lines.
"She called this a Spirit Rod." she said as she handed it over. "I've never been to use it - I'm no witch. Maybe you'll have better luck trying to figure it out."
"Thank you" said Mirta, smiling sweetly. As she held the rod she could feel a faint buzz - it was almost as though it was coming to life in her hands. "But, how do I use it?"
"Oh, I'm sure you'll know when the time comes. Listen my dear... I said earlier I sensed magic in Tegryn, but it was different from the others - it was more like yours, like a witch. How come?"
"Well, it's a long story..." she started, but before she could continue she was interrupted by a loud cheer from the crowd.
Jun tapped Mei on the shoulder and said "I think its time for the championship fight."
"Oh! Yes, you're right!" Mei jumped up and gave Tegryn a quick hug. "I'll be back soon, Brother!"
"Don't be long, okay?" he shouted after her as she sprinted off.
"Where's she going?" asked Musa. "Is she off to get a better view?"
"You'll see." he chuckled.
A loud collective gasp suddenly rang up from the spectators as a huge man, with arms as thick as tree trunks, clambered up onto the tournament pole.
"Whoa! Look at the size of that guy!" said Sky in astonishment.
"Yeah... no wonder he's the champion!" Brandon replied.
Tegryn laughed when he heard this. "I think you'll find he's NOT the champion."
A huge cheer reverberated around the village as a much smaller figure jumped up onto the opposite end.
"What the...?" said Musa, hardly believing her eyes. "That's Mei! Mei's the champion!"
"Yep, that's my sister!" Tegryn chuckled. "I told you she was good!"
"But how can she beat that guy?" said Sky with a look of concern on his face. "Just look at him - he's massive! And... what's that?"
"What's what?"
"That weapon those guys are handing him."
"It looks like a giant hammer." said Riven, half-concentrating on the match and half-concentrating on trying to stop Sien Ko spilling her ice cream on his lap. "You've got to be kidding me! Your sister's gonna get pulverised."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that." Tegryn laughed. "This isn't a test of strength or power, it's all about speed and skill."
"But if she gets hit with that thing..."
"No no. You can't hurt what you can't touch. I can tell already that guy's way too slow as it is, and with that hammer as well... if you ask me, this is gonna be way too easy for her."
Sure enough, Mei was able to dodge her lumbering opponent's blows all to easily, jumping effortlessly out of the way as his mighty hammer smashed into the pole, leaving a huge dent. One swift leg sweep later, and the huge brute was soon sent crashing to the ground to a mighty cheer from the crowd.
"Yaay! Go Mei! Go Mei! Go Mei!" yelled the girls enthusiastically - it seems they decided to form their own unofficial cheerleading squad.
"That was amazing," said Riven in astonishment. "Her speed - it was almost unnatural!"
Mei soon returned to their table to a chorus of congratulations - it soon became clear that she hadn't even broken into a sweat, and as the afternoon wore on, Mei continued to breeze through the tournament.
"This really is too easy for you." Tegryn said as he patted his sister on the back. "You'll sleep well tonight!"
"Sleep? There's no way I'm sleeping tonight."
"Why not?"
"You remember that clearing up in the mountain?"
"What, the one where we all used to go camping?"
"Yes. That's what I want to do tonight. I want to show Musa where we used to hang out!"
"That's a brilliant idea! Guys, what do you think?"
"Sounds cool..." Stella replied, "As long as there aren't loads of bugs and stuff. Royalty and insects don't mix, you know."