### 85

‘Surely the great master of all the Kai is not a coward?’ sneers Wolf’s Bane, taunting you for your refusal to accept his challenge. ‘Are you not brave enough to prove your worth?’

‘I have no fear of you, impostor,’ you retort. ‘I simply do not trust you to fight with honour.’

‘If you should win the duel, Lone Wolf, you will be returned to Tyso—of that you have my word. And the word of my master.’

‘Both equally worthless,’ you reply, coolly.

For a few moments you stare into your adversary’s murderous eyes and sense that every word of his pledge is a lie. Yet you know that your options are limited. If you do not fight this duel, he will be sure to summon his minions to capture and kill you. There is nothing to gain by refusing his challenge and so, with reluctance, you accept.

Turn to 304.