- Chapter 5 -

"Jane?"

"Mmm?"

"The dance is over. You can let go now. You should, I mean, if you want to find a dance partner..."

Jane lifted her head from his shoulder and looked into his eyes in a way that made him uncomfortable. "I think I've had enough dancing for now. How 'bout we go outside?"

"...If that's what you want."

As they headed towards the balcony adjoining the ballroom, Jane stopped and pointed. "Hey, there's Halron. Should we...?"

He shrugged. "Why not?"

The beastman was leaning against the wall near the double doors that led out to the balcony. He wore a dark, close fitting suit with frilly cuffs. His mood seemed neutral, which Theo decided to take as a good sign.

Jane cleared her throat. "Halron, isn't it? How are you doing?"

He cast his gaze upon the two of them. "I'm fine." He gave no sign that he recognized Theo from their brief run-in before.

"We haven't seen you on the dance floor," Theo remarked.

"That's not what I'm doing here. Varmo thought there should be someone to keep an eye on the event and deal with troublemakers."

"And you volunteered? Very good of you."

Halron gave a noncommittal grunt, and looked away.

"How are you holding up? Need anything?"

"I'm fine. If you don't mind, I'd rather not have any distractions."

The beastman's tone was openly hostile. Theo decided it would be best to pretend to not notice, to soothe Halron's aggression and dispel his suspicions.

"Sure." He casually took Jane to the door. "We'll see you around, okay?" Halron made no reply as they stepped outside.

"Nice night," Jane said. The air was clear, and the soft silence could be heard now that the noise of the ball was shut behind them.

Theo cleared his throat. "Look... don't get me wrong. I love being with you. But you don't have to stick close to me all night."

Jane gave an exasperated sigh. "You know, Natasha was right about you."

"What do you mean?"

"That time we went on a hike through the woods."

He remembered. They had invited him to come, and he had replied that they didn't have to make the offer, that he didn't want to spoil their fun.

Natasha had blurted out, "'Spoil our fun'? If your eyes weren't focused on your own toes all the time, Theo, you'd realize that people actually like you!" An awkward moment later, she blushed and said, "Uh, I mean... we'd like you to come..."

"It's not true," Theo said to Jane, but he couldn't make his voice sound confident. "She took it back, remember?"

"She took it back because it was an insult, dope," she returned. "Natasha always says the truth."

Theo flushed and stepped back. "You really think I'm too focused on myself?"

"Not exactly," Jane said, wrinkling her brow. "You... you study yourself too much... and you don't seem to like yourself a whole lot. You'd be happier, more confident if you paid attention to what everyone else thinks of you." She came closer and grabbed his hand. His stomach clenched itself into a knot; she was so beautiful. "And that'd make us happier, too."

"It's nice of you to say that."

"There you go again!" She socked him hard in the arm. While he winced and rubbed at the sore spot, she vented at him, "You want to know the truth? I'm glad that no one else asked me to the ball! I was hoping you'd take me. You're the one I wanted to be with. The girls and I spent an hour fixing my hair like this, because I thought you'd like it. Do you get it now?"

He stared back at her, stunned. If he didn't know Jane better, he'd have thought she was playing a prank on him. But he did know. Everything about the night fell into a new light. He saw what she saw now: that he'd been avoiding her.

"I... I get it." He bowed his head. "I'm sorry."

"I forgive you." She smiled. "If you want, there's a way to make up for all of your... your lack of confidence, in one moment."

"How?"

She stared seriously into his eyes. "Just do whatever comes to mind." She closed her head, tilted her head slightly. Her lips parted.

Sweet courage, does she want me to kiss her?

He gave it a moment, but no other possibility occurred to him. "Jane... I can't." She opened her eyes, and he had to take a deep gulp before he could continue. "I said before that it would be awkward for us to be a couple. I still think that. ...It just wouldn't look right! My ugly face, next to your beautiful one..."

"Oh, that's real fair!" she shot back furiously. "How about I take a knife and cut some scars down my face? Will I be ugly enough for you then?"

"It's not like that."

"Of course it isn't. You're not that shallow." She turned her head away, and he saw a tear run down the lovely curve of her cheek. "You just don't want to say that you don't like me."

The words stung like a barbed dagger's first incision. Shallow... that was exactly what he was being, and to a girl that he'd become close to, at that. The truth sickened him.

Is the only thing keeping us from being a couple our looks? He gazed at her... his inescapably pretty friend. Why am I fighting this? She's so wonderfully kind, so understanding of people, so purely beautiful... and she wants me. Wouldn't I call anyone who threw away this chance a fool?

The night was silent now that they weren't talking, and they were draped in a mild darkness broken only by the moon and what light came through the cracks of the balcony doors. In this strange void, Theo felt ready - compelled, even - to give in to impulse. He reached out and brought a guiding hand to the cheek Jane had turned from him. The touch startled her, and she turned to look back into his eyes.

He took his time with the approach; this might be the one kiss with a girl he'd ever have, and he wanted to get it right. No bumped noses or conked foreheads. He carefully found the perfect angle to tilt his head, and tenderly brought his lips to hers. To his surprise, her mouth almost immediately opened, but the touch that came was far from unwelcome. He brought one hand to hold her supple waist, while the other slowly caressed the lock of hair that lay upon her shoulder.

They remained like that for some moments, but he had no awareness of time until they parted. She was the first to manage to speak, and her reaction mirrored his own.

"Wow."

He was overcome for a moment, his head sailing. When his thoughts came down to reality, the realization of his mistake hit him like a blow. "I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

"You... you mean..."

"No!" he said quickly, alarmed by her crestfallen look. "It was true. But I should have waited. I -" He ran a hand through his hair. Dammit. Shouldn't have let her care about me this much. Not with what I'm about to do. "I've got to talk to Varmo."

"Now?"

"Waiting can only make things worse." Only put it off this long because I wanted Jane to enjoy herself. I've ruined that now. "Please, whatever happens... don't worry about me." He broke away from her and pulled the double doors open, marching straight towards Varmo.

The music was stopped for the moment. Once he was within a few yards of him, he called out, "Sir Varmo!"

The kyantol looked back into his eyes and smiled. "Sir Theo. I do hope that you don't intend to ask me to dance with you?"

"I want to know when you're going to send a search party for the missing troops."

"Never," Varmo answered, his expression turning serious. "It's not worth the risk."

"Then..." He steadied himself; it was paramount that he say it with confidence. "I challenge you for the leadership of Castle Cypress."

A noticeable hush fell over those close enough to hear. He heard Jane hoarsely speak his name, and felt her hand clasp his arm. The smile returned to Varmo's face. "You think you can lead us?"

"If I win, Irinod will be our leader."

"Is that so? Sir Irinod!" He beckoned to the aged centaur. "Might we have a moment of your time?"

Irinod laid aside his instrument and came forward. The whole assemblage was beginning to take note of the confrontation. "Yes?"

"Do you know of the challenge Theo is making?"

Irinod nodded assent. "I do not approve of his reckless course of action, but if he wins, I will accept the post of leader tempore."

"Very well." Varmo turned to Theo, his face cool and unsmiling. "You understand that such a challenge is decided by combat, which may be to the death if the victor so chooses?"

Theo nodded. The fatality option was a necessary part of the law; before, there had been an alarming number of combatants "accidentally" killing their opponents. Realizing the law against mortal dueling only worked on those who chose to follow it, the then-king of Cypress decreed that all duelists could fight to kill.

"Good. Unfortunately, though, I am an unsuitable opponent for you, being a mage."

Varmo didn't need to say why. If they started their duel at a wide distance apart, Varmo could kill Theo with his spells before he could even reach him. If they started it within arm's reach, Theo could knock Varmo senseless before he could focus his will on a spell. Anything in between would be mutually assured defeat: Theo would be fatally hit by Varmo's magic, but could easily finish the mage off before succumbing to the wounds. Such mismatched duels were not yet outlawed, however, so his challenge was valid. If Varmo declined it, it would be considered a forfeit, and he would lose his post. It was a matter of which of them would blink first at the threat of a battle guaranteed to kill them both. Theo had little doubt it would be Varmo.

"Therefore," Varmo continued, "...I must choose a champion to fight on my behalf. Which is fitting, since Irinod will be similarly having you fight on his behalf. Halron!"

What... What in a demon's lair...?

A few seconds passed, and then the small crowd of onlookers parted, waves leaving a wide berth for the powerful beastman. He stepped up to Varmo, eyes glinting with a sort of eagerness to end whatever the trouble was.

"My friend, would you be willing to fight this bold warrior on my behalf, the prize being my post as leader tempore?"

Halron gave Theo only a brief look. "Gladly."

"Wait a minute - you can't do that!" Theo blurted out. "I made my challenge to Varmo! Irinod, tell him the rules -"

"Sorry, my boy," the centaur said sadly. "The law says nothing either way on dueling by proxy. And you've invoked that privilege yourself, by challenging Varmo on my behalf. If you can fight for me, Halron can fight for Varmo. And Varmo knows it."

No... This wasn't what I wanted. Against Halron it'll just be skill and strength versus skill and strength... and it's a sure bet Halron has more of both. The beastman stood at least a head taller than him, with hands that could probably break any of his bones with ease, and yellow eyes that regarded him with the same superiority that a predator regards his prey. Jane's hand gripped his tightly, offering her strength, but he still could not stop his legs from trembling.

"Well, Theo, do you withdraw your objection?" Varmo asked with a smug look.

"I... I..."

"Stop taunting the boy, Varmo," Irinod said angrily. "Of course he withdraws it."

"Good." Varmo smiled. "Then perhaps he would like to withdraw his challenge as well?"

Theo couldn't manage to answer. He felt Jane lean in close. She whispered, "Theo... you don't have to do this. Please."

"But... General Mayfair... Dawn, Natasha, Deanna... even Eric..."

"You tried. You can't do anything more."

Would Halron really kill him if he won? He stared into the beastman's eyes, but could find no answer there. He would be gambling with his life if he fought with him. But... he could win. Not likely, but possible.

"I see you need an old man and your lady friend to do your speaking for you now," Varmo observed.

"Varmo, that's enough," Halron broke in. "Theo... that's what he called you, isn't it? No one has even considered facing me in mortal combat before. If you withdraw your challenge now, I would still consider you the bravest man I have ever met."

"I'd back off, my boy," Irinod offered. "It isn't worth it. In younger days I'd have made the challenge myself, but now I'd stand even less chance than you. I've seen Halron fight, the few times he's shown up to the mock battles; he's better than any of the youths here, except maybe Binuto. You'll be incapacitated for weeks, and for nothing."

Theo was silent a moment longer. "No... there is a chance." In a louder voice, he said, "My challenge stands. Name the time and place, please."

"Early afternoon tomorrow," Halron said. "On the practice grounds, naturally. Unless that's too soon for you?"

His heart clenched at the thought of having so little time left to live. But... "Best to get it over with as soon as possible. I accept."

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Jane lost Theo for a minute in the crowd, but she caught up with him shortly outside the ballroom. "Hey," she called, running up and snatching his arm. "Go ahead and ditch me, why don'tcha."

He looked at her sadly. "Do you really want to hang around with a dead man?"

"You're not dead yet. For one thing, you can still call it off."

"No, I can't." He turned and stared into the distance as they walked along.

She studied him for a moment, biting her lip in thought. "...It wasn't your fault."

He started. "What?"

"Isn't that why you're doing this?" She gently ran the backs of her fingers against his cheek. "Because you weren't there when Varmo was elected. You feel guilty."

"No... it's not guilt." He clenched his fine hands into fists. "I just can't let something like this happen without doing something... I have to do something to change it. I have to try."

"I understand." The thought of him dying when she'd only just found him hurt, but she understood. His urge to help people was what made him a good Cypressian. It was what made him so attractive. As they came around a corner, she pulled him to a stop. "Stop worrying. You're going to beat him."

He raised an eyebrow. "I'm going to beat Halron? How?"

"Because you're fighting for the right thing, darn it," she said, punctuating her point with a little jab at his shoulder. "Because you've got people who care about you. You've got... you've got..."

"The will to win?"

"Yeah." She grasped his hand tightly. "I believe in you."

An immense silence fell over them. Theo broke it by clearing his throat. "I'm sorry I ruined your night."

She smiled. "I was kissed by a hero. Nothing can ruin that." She loosened her grip on his hand. "Would you walk me back to my dormitory?"

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"You're making a big mistake!" Dave railed against Theo, who was quietly sitting on his bed, stuffing his shirt with rags and other cheap padding. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you caused just by challenging our leader? How much more trouble you'll be stirring up if you actually manage to overthrow him? Our King and our General are missing, we're at war; we can't deal with an upheaval in our leadership now!"

"Leave him alone," Jane snapped, stepping defensively in front of her morose boyfriend. "He's made up his mind. And I'll bet he put a lot more thought into it than you!"

"Stubborn hypocrites! Both of you!" Dave turned and stormed off. "Throwing the whole castle into chaos for nothing! Very patriotic!"

Dave seethed with anger as he strode down the corridors of the castle. How could they- Well, it doesn't matter. From what I've seen and heard, no one but Binuto can stand a chance against Halron. And he refuses to take Theo's place in the challenge. A few broken bones ought to teach Theo not to go looking to make trouble. I just hope he doesn't get hurt too badly...

Opting not to watch the senseless fight, Dave headed for the mess hall to grab a late lunch from the leftovers. As he was about to turn a corner, he suddenly pulled back. On the other side of the hall, leaning beside a door, was Binuto.

Inwardly Dave laughed at himself for his extreme reaction, but Binuto's cold stare could be really unnerving, and he preferred to avoid it. He was probing his brain for any alternate route to the mess hall when the door Binuto was leaning beside opened. Halron stepped out. As the beastman went past Binuto, he pushed himself away from the wall and began following. "Strange..." Dave murmured, and carefully stepped around the corner, becoming a second follower.

They didn't go far before Binuto, skipping sideways, came up beside Halron. "So, Dantom's nephew goes out to fight."

"My name is Halron," he replied coolly, without slowing his pace.

"You know, my parents knew your uncle."

"Did they now."

"Quite intimately, you might say. I remember seeing your uncle slash off every one of my father's fingers on his sword hand. Right before he sliced his head in two from ear to ear. Not a very pretty sight."

"Thank you for sharing." Halron increased his stride.

Binuto was ready, though, and immediately hopped in front of him, bringing him to a stop. "Some might say atrocities like those committed by your uncle are enough to damn his family for generations to come."

"While others might say the fact that he risked his life to protect several of his prisoners redeems him somewhat."

"Prisoners... you mean the Guardianans." Binuto sneered. "I guess the pleas of their soft hearts were more moving to him than the agonized cries of his countrymen."

"I wouldn't know. Now, if you'll excuse me..." He brushed past the burly youth.

"Wait a moment. Does this belong to you?" Binuto pulled out a thick book, holding it up for Halron to see. The title was written in huge letters, and by squinting Dave could make out the words "Apex of the World".

Halron turned and, apparently recognizing the book, growled, "Give that back."

"Of course; that's why I brought it." Halron stepped forward and Binuto handed him the book. As soon as it left his hand, everything that lay between the two covers spilled out in a shower of confetti. Halron was left clasping a hollow binding.

Binuto shrugged. "I did some practice with my knife on it."

"Binuto!" Dave cried out, stepping from where he hid in the shadow of a doorway. "Have you lost your mind!?" He knew Binuto could be cold, rude… even heartless. But he'd never seen him act with cruelty.

The only reaction Binuto showed to his outburst was an instant's glance, and Halron gave no sign of having heard him at all. Dave swallowed. Oh no... He's trying to goad Halron into a fight so that he can kill him. And I'm a witness! Once he's finished off Halron...

Though he continued to glare at Binuto with dangerous hatred, Halron was the one to break the silence. "All of you are worms," he said slowly, his voice thick with the subtle snarl of a tiger. "Pathetic maggots. And you've just volunteered yourself as one of the ones I'm going to crush. Unlike you, however, I believe in following protocol. You will fall on a fair battlefield, and your last scream will be approved by the judges." He dropped the remnant of his book and walked away.

Dave stood dumbfounded. Binuto turned and gave him a thin smile. "The old proverb is right. Revenge is sweet."

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Picking at him, always picking at him... like little goblins. Easy to crush beneath his fists, yet they kept on tearing away at him without reason...

Halron clenched his fists as he headed out towards the practice grounds. He'd had enough; it was time to take something back. He would see their blood spilt today.