Duel II (A)
A bloodthirsty crowd roars as the gladiators enter the arena.
Nervous but hardheaded team managers watch from their battle crested pavilions.
Will months of training and patiently rehearsed strategy pay off with an arena victory?
Or will all be lost on the jagged blade of an opponent's sword?
Apart, on the throne of honor, the Duelmaster looks on, a body of knotted muscles and scars a testimony to his honor.
His visage is impassive but his thoughts boil.
How long before some young warrior's sword finds his heart -- perhaps one of those he now watches?
He shakes himself, casting aside dark thoughts.
For the moment, he is the Duelmaster, Champion of the Games.
His smoldering eyes scan the arena floor where the warriors assume their fighting stances.
His raises his clenched fist and the gladiators leap forward...
Victory, disgrace, or death lies awaiting on the open sand.