Kyra Tales Season 3

Crimson Duel A Tale of Steel and Sorcery

The Duelist's Gambit

The sun was setting over the city of Halcyon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. In an alley, two men stood facing each other, their swords drawn. One was a seasoned duelist, his name whispered in awe by those who knew him. The other was a young upstart, brash and overconfident.

The duelist smiled, his eyes locked on his opponent. He had seen too many like him in his time, all bluster and no substance. He knew exactly how this would end.

The upstart charged, his sword flashing in the fading light. The duelist sidestepped effortlessly, his own sword lashing out in a blur of steel. The upstart stumbled, his sword arm suddenly numb.

"You're outmatched, boy," the duelist said, his voice cold and clinical. "Stand down and walk away."

The upstart snarled and lunged again, but the duelist was ready. He parried the blow and countered with a lightning-fast thrust. The upstart managed to dodge, but only just.

The duelist's eyes narrowed. He had had enough of this. He stepped forward, his sword poised to strike.

But then, something strange happened. The upstart's face twisted in pain, and he fell to one knee. Blood seeped from his mouth, staining his teeth red.

The duelist frowned, his sword still raised. He had not struck the boy, of that he was certain.

And then he saw her. A woman, standing at the mouth of the alley. Her hand was outstretched, her fingers curled into a claw. She was a sorceress, he realized, and a powerful one at that.

The duelist hesitated, his sword arm trembling. He could take her, of course. He was one of the best swordsmen in the city, and he had defeated many a mage in his time. But something in her eyes gave him pause.

She spoke then, her voice like honey and poison. "Leave him be," she said. "He is mine."

The duelist weighed his options, his mind racing. He could fight her, but he might not win. And even if he did, he would be marked by her magic forever.

In the end, he made his decision. He lowered his sword and stepped back.

The sorceress smiled, and the upstart gasped for breath.

The duelist turned and walked away, his mind already turning to his next challenge. He had survived this one, but he knew there would be others. Such was the life of a duelist.

As he disappeared into the shadows, the sorceress knelt beside the upstart. She whispered something in his ear, and he nodded weakly.

Together, they disappeared into the night, leaving the alley empty once more.