They watched several of the strength competitions taking place in the many smaller arenas all over the commons. To Skehl’s surprise, he found them as much fun to observe as to engage. When asked, he competed in a few rounds against winners of the other bouts.
To no one’s surprise, he won them all.
At the day’s end, he obeyed a direct order to present himself in the arena, expecting one final challenge of the elders’ choice.
“Cloud champion Skehl of Vyctore, we would see your skills against the female warrior, Skye of Vyctore,” Elder Ohgren said, a twinkle in his eye.
Skehl glanced at his alpha, sure the elder was mistaken. But Talzec nodded. Skehl would never hurt a female, and certainly not his alpha’s mate. A warrior did not falter during a challenge, so trying not to do his best was not an option. What in the great skies of Ussed was he to do? Disobey an elder? Disobey his alpha, or possibly harm a precious female?
Panicked at any option, he stood like a stone, frozen with indecision.
Then Talzec took his choice from him.
