Warrior of the Wild(77)

But I am glad that he will be there.

“I also spoke with your sister Irrenia. She tried to give me a pack full of medicinal supplies before I left the village.”

“That’s Irrenia,” I say with a sad smile.

“She wants you to know she will be at the battle. She’s eager to see you.”

A wave of emotion shoots over me. So many people will come, looking for entertainment. It is such a relief to know my sister will be there to offer support.

“Then we should go scope out the battleground and prepare.” Peruxolo will receive his invitation last. I want him to have as little time as possible to prepare for the battle.



* * *



THIS SPOT ONCE HELD such awe for me. The Payment site is the first place I ever saw Peruxolo and witnessed his powers. It’s fitting that it will be the last as well. Whether I win or die.

The space is large and circular in shape. There will be room for those who want to watch the battle to stand along the outskirts. The road that extends all the way to Peruxolo’s mountain ends on the west side of the clearing. That single line will be the easiest place for me to fight him. Since I’ve seen Peruxolo floating in the air, I doubt he will worry over the rough terrain.

“If I can keep to the road, I’ll have an easier time fighting him,” I say aloud.

Iric and Soren snort at the same time.

Aros stares the two of them down. “Why do you doubt her? She has saved the both of you from banishment. If anyone is equipped to take on the god, surely it is her.”

Sufficiently chastised, they both look toward the ground.

“Thank you, Aros.” I continue my assessment of the area and list everything I’ve learned about the god. “He carries hidden blades on him.” The healed wound on my abdomen pulses just at the memory. “I’ll have to watch for that.”

“And what if he chooses to strike you down with his power?” Soren asks.

“That can be dodged. I’ve done it before. I recognize what that motion looks like.”

Iric kicks at a pebble with his boot. “So you’ll battle him ax to ax, while trying to keep to the road. You’ll watch for hidden weapons, and you’ll try to dodge anytime he uses his power.” He pauses. “There has to be more we can do to give you an advantage.”

“Can we use this new lodestone against Peruxolo in some way?” Soren asks.

We all think for a moment.

“Rasmira’s ax is also made from the new lodestone,” Iric says. “Anything we might do with iron will also affect her.”

“Perhaps,” Aros says. He reaches for a coil of rope at his side. “But this won’t react with anything.”



* * *



ONCE WE’RE DONE SETTING up the area, the boys and I head back to the wild. They wait in the tree house, while I make the trek to the god’s lair.

Your silver blade wasn’t enough to kill me. Let’s finish what we started. The day after tomorrow, at first light, all the villages will be gathered to watch us duel. It ends at the place where our suffering begins.



I attach the note to a sturdy branch and then pound it into the ground like a stake. When I leave the mountain this time, I revel in the feeling that I never have to return.





CHAPTER


23


The rising sun dissipates the morning fog, leaving the clearing dry and bright. This is where our villages sacrifice their livelihoods to Peruxolo. This is where I first laid eyes on the god and saw his mighty power.

This is our battleground.

And this is where either he or I will draw our last breath.

Soren, Iric, Aros, and I arrived hours earlier, when the stars were still out and owls filled the air with their hoots. We brought with us the final touches for the battle, a series of rocks we’ve placed strategically around the area.

“If things go wrong,” Soren said as we lowered the rocks to the ground, “if you need a breather, you get him to follow you to this spot. The boulders will be your marker. Look for them, and Iric and I will handle the rest.”

I survey the three boulders around us, hoping they’re enough if things do go bad.

I hope the battle doesn’t last long enough for us to find out.

A crowd has started to gather. Strangers huddle along the tree line, murmuring to one another. The stench of fear mixed with curiosity wafts over me with the breeze. I am the day’s entertainment. This is no mere warrior coming-of-age trial. This is a mortal facing off with a god. It could be quick, over in an instant, but it will be exciting nonetheless.

It feels as though a caged animal lives in my stomach, clawing to get out. Nerves almost consume me. I think I might be sick.

A hand tugs on mine, spinning me around.

Soren is there.

He places a hand on either side of my face.

“Don’t think about the crowd. Using an ax is as effortless to you as breathing. But you be smart. And don’t you dare die on me. We’ve come too far for it to end now, do you hear me?”

I’m not about to make promises I don’t know if I can keep. “I will do my best.”

And standing here, finally taking the focus off myself and looking at him, I realize—

He’s a mess. He looks ready to crumble. Ready to grab me and run.