This came about when I realized that Doloran is over 2000 years old and so he has plenty of time to get really good at any fighting style.

And so, here is Roland learning this the hard way.

Originally posted on tumblr on April 10, 2019

Stick to the Script and Other Stories

By Bilbo-sama

Child's Play

Roland gritted his teeth as he blocked his opponent's attempt to swipe at his side.

Doloran seemed unbothered about being foiled and more amused if the tilt of his disguised head meant anything. Roland would rather not know if the man's smirk reached his eyes.

This duel seemed to have gone on forever but really it had to be no more than ten minutes. Roland had gone ahead of the others (why did he do that? He should not have separated from them) and found Doloran.

The sorcerer attempted to bring Roland over to his side with promises of his world restored but Roland had found enough sense to resist the temptation. He had summoned his sword from his arms band and charged at him. This only resulted in Doloran shifting his snake-headed staff into a sleek blade and parrying back, kickstarting the fight.

Maybe if Roland fought him long enough, he could delay the other man until his colleagues arrived.

"How long can you keep this up?" asked Doloran idly as Roland rushed towards him. Doloran side-stepped out of the way. Roland merely turned around and attempted to chop into his lower back. Their blades collided once more before Doloran carefully backed away, his sword sliding against Roland's.

"I've had years of practice," added Doloran, his tone smug, "centuries even. What can you do with a mere few months?"

Roland didn't want to admit it, but perhaps he was a bit over his head. Of course an immortal sorcerer would branch out to other fighting methods! He had all the time in the world to build up a fighting style, stamina, and endurance. He didn't even sound winded at all.

Meanwhile, Roland could feel what little energy he had left after the sudden fainting episode earlier draining. In the back of his mind, he sensed the Horned One's amusement as if this duel was a game to it.

It then occurred to Roland that the others haven't arrived yet. Where are they?

"How about a bargain, Roland?" said Doloran, "if you manage to land a blow, I'll might tell you one thing about myself."

"Why are you doing all this?" blurted out Roland.

"Hit me and I'll tell you." Unfortunately, Doloran proceeded to continue countering Roland's every move with ease. Almost as if he could read Roland's mind. But…that's not possible even in this world.

…Right?

Roland lunged forward only to have his sword parried again.

"You look tired," taunted Doloran, "why don't you rest for a while?"

"Never," growled Roland. He settled back into his stance and was rewarded by Doloran grabbing the blade of his own weapon and smacking Roland on the forehead with the hilt.

Roland hit the ground and he laid there panting as he saw stars.

He heard footsteps as Doloran calmly approached and he froze when the tip of a sword pointed at his chest.

"Well, Roland," chuckled Doloran, "it appears I win."

The move Doloran uses at the end of the duel is apparently legit and is called the Murder Stroke. It's handy when you're up against an armored foe...or just want your dumbass soul mate to stop misusing his only brain cell.

And by the way, Doloran didn't reveal his connection to Roland yet. He's waiting for the best moment to be extra dramatic about it.