good.'' He spat at the feet of the Monk. ''Today you die.''


    He looked the other man up and down, reading his body language, his expression. You act your character''s pain well. But you dishonoured yourself, not me. Cadaoir held his tongue and maintained his calm.


    What is this? ''I''m...'' Confused.


    Six Hands? ''I knew I had a reputation.'' It wasn''t something I wanted. ''But Six Hands?''


    fans?''


    is the strongest of us.'' Cadaoir grunted at the name, the Soldier noticed. ''But! But. I think you have the potential to be the best!''


    three of your men. They requested it, I obliged and I won.'' And then for some reason they became offended and lied about our arrangement.


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    ''Your men did not respect me. They took part in the ritual of my sect, the duel, and when they lost they concocted a lie. I attacked them?'' Cadaoir was firm. ''They attack my honour.'' He glanced around him, scanning over the circle of men and women around Kainda and himself. ''Why not let your men fight? If I am guilty, will I not still lose? Why embarrass yourself?''


    Kainda was furious. ''Embarrass myself? How dare you!''


    ''How dare you.'' Cadaoir said darkly. ''Your men dishonour me, disrespect you. They lie and you fight for them? You should put them to heel!'' I thought you a worthy opponent. You have skill, true, but no spirit. This will be no trial by combat, this won''t even be a duel. This will be your destruction. Cadaoir was angry, but he did not let it show on his face. I gave myself up to you, allowed myself to be tied down. And for what? This weakness? I deserve more than this!


    No, Captain Kainda. Cadaoir thought to himself. I will show you who deserves respect. And then he was on her with no hesitation.


    Do not flinch, do not panic or you will lose. The Monk stepped side to side as the quick attacks came, his hands held up in an open handed guard, waiting for a moment to react and take control. The moment never came but Cadaoir could see that Kainda was quickly losing stamina. Her speed decreasing slowly after each flurry of thrusting strikes. She''s giving it her all in order to end this quickly.


    This is it. He thought to himself, but was wrong.


    That was good. He threw the weapon to one side, letting it clatter to the ground. But not enough. Kainda struggled to stand but the Monk was on her before she fully could.


    ''Why? Have I not proven my innocence?'' Kainda chose not to answer, but her anger, frustration and utter defeat were written all over her. Cadaoir put his face close to hers to speak. You chose to engage a stronger opponent, do not be shocked when you lose. He didn''t say it, pulling away instead.


    Cadaoir rose up, then came back down. His elbow struck the crown of Kainda''s head and then she died. When he stepped away from the body, letting it slump to the ground, the circle of Amaratsu Soldiers and Spear-men closed in. They were shocked silent by the violent end. Cadaoir had other things to think about. The Monk made his way through the crowd, searching. When he could not find what he wanted, he spoke out to everyone. ''Where is Gunnerson?'' I will deal with him next. No one replied. He spotted Jaecar. ''Where is he?'' Still no answer. Cowards.