Trevor’s eyes narrowed and a scowl spread across his face.
“My people. My clan. My family,” Oria said, pounding her chest as she spoke. “I will not leave them here to be treated poorly by you. You cannot force a farmer to be a warrior or a craftsman to neglect his skill. You have no idea how to be a clan chieftain.”
“You dare insult me in my own home?” Trevor asked and took a step toward Oria.
Royden stepped in front of his wife. “Remember what we said about our wives.”
Trevor took a step back.
“Why don’t we settle this in the practice arena,” Royden suggested. “I win and you let those go who wish to leave with us. I lose and none leave with us.”
“I won’t let all of them leave,” Trevor said. “If you win, you may take ten, no more.”
“Not counting their children,” Royden said.
Trevor nodded. “Not counting the children.”
“Let’s see this done then,” Royden said and turned to his wife. “I may not be able to see all of your clan released now, but it’s a start.”
“You be careful, husband. I don’t want my foolish anger bringing you harm,” Oria said, worried she had not considered the consequences before letting a sharp tongue loose.
“Worry not, wife. You gave me the perfect excuse to see this done.” He kissed her cheek and entered the practice arena.
Oria turned, hearing Demelza raise her voice. “I will not go to the keep. I will stay here and watch.”
“I gave you an order, wife,” Trevor said sharply.
“That I refuse to obey,” Demelza said and walked away from him to slip her arm around Oria’s. “Let’s watch our husbands act like foolish young lads.”
“Let’s go, Trevor, unless you wish to surrender,” Royden called out with a laugh.
Trevor sent his wife a scowl as he walked past her and snapped, “Later.”
“He will not hurt you, will he?” Oria asked.
“Never,” Demelza said. “Never has he or would he raise a hand to me. As I said, he’s a good man.”
Royden and Trevor positioned themselves in the center of the field and as the wooden swords clashed, it drew people to watch the two mighty warriors fight.
Oria had watched her husband when he practiced at home and she’d been amazed then how skillfully he handled a sword. Seeing him now fight against a real opponent, she was amazed even more of how talented he’d become and with only one hand.
It was Trevor who stepped back a moment. “You learned well to fight with one hand.”
“I had no choice and when choice is gone, so goes loyalty,” Royden said.
“You think to teach me a lesson?” Trevor laughed.
“One can try and teach, but learning is up to the pupil.” Royden raised his sword, ready to resume the fight.
The wooden swords slammed against each other and people watched in awe, more gathering as news spread of what was at stake.
The ending came so swiftly that a silence fell over the area as if everyone could not quite believe it had ended with such a quick thrust. It stunned everyone and gave thought that the winner had been teasing the loser all along and brought the fight to an end in his own good time.
A cheer suddenly rang out. “Royden!”
Trevor stared at Royden, his sword gone from his hand and the tip of Royden’s sword pressed to his chest.
“You can thank your leader for your defeat today. He made me who I am now,” Royden said for their ears alone. He lowered his sword. “I’ll see those people gathered now who return home with us.”
“I will have a cart made ready for their possessions and if any can’t walk the distance,” Trevor said. “But I also expect a rematch one day.”
“Gladly,” Royden said. “I will enjoy besting you again.”
Demelza hurried to her husband, his arm going around her to draw her close. “You are all right?”
“My pride is a bit scarred, but it will heal,” Trevor said. “This did not upset you?”
“I am not fragile, Trevor.”
“I know, but you are with child and—”
“I am fine. Stop worrying. Wren says she will be here if or when needed. Now let’s help those who wish to leave and see about making sure we don’t lose anymore,” Demelza said in a whisper.
Oria hugged her husband and couldn’t help but hear what Demelza had said. She hadn’t thought she would like Trevor’s wife since she didn’t care for Trevor, but to her surprise she liked Demelza and thought she just might be good for the clan if given a chance.
“You did well, husband,” Oria said, giving him a quick kiss.
“Do I get a prize for my victory?” he asked with a playful smile.
“Aye, you do,” she said and leaned up to whisper in his ear.
“Damn, Oria, you can’t say that to me here,” he scolded.
She grinned. “I just did and you better walk close behind me since he’s rising to the occasion.”