Page 109 of The War is Coming

“I don’t always cheat,” he protested.

“Just any day ending in an y,” Han said from beside him.

“I think I’m insulted,” Zeus huffed out.

“It’s not an insult if it’s true,” Dask said, joining them.

“Anyway, I don’t need to cheat. Maletayah will win.”

“I’ve got fifty on it being a draw,” Battle said, grinning at him.

“I have fifty that says Maletayah will easily defeat him,” Zeus added.

Those around them started placing bets.

Blake held his hand up for silence. “Gentlemen, take your positions.”

The two men moved and faced each other as Blake walked to the side of the circle. “Begin when you’re ready.”

They both lifted their swords and saluted each other, then took a fighting stance.

Maletayah held his sword in front of himself; Angus held his behind his back, holding it by the blade.

“He does know how swords work, right?” Puff asked Mateo.

Mateo laughed. “He does, just watch.”

Maletayah grinned and moved first.

Angus moved his sword forward and used the handle to block Maletayah’s attack.

Cheers and boos were coming from each side, depending on who had the upper hand.

They fought like that for a while, when Angus flipped his sword and took the handle, blocking Maletayah’s attack.

They both attacked and defended as they moved around the circle.

“Maletayah should have won by now,” Zeus said, stroking his beard.

“They are both incredible,” Battle commented as they watched the angel flip over the top of Angus. Before the angel could land, Angus had spun round and dropped to his knees, sliding under the angel and slashing upward.

Maletayah spun out of the way, Angus’ sword missing him by millimeters.

The gargoyles cheered loudly.

“Angus is incredible,” Donovan said. “He could be even better than Lucas.”

General Merryweather was standing next to Frederick. “Their skills are amazing.”

“I’ve never seen better,” Frederick replied.

“Do you think they will help us improve our skills?”

Frederick looked at him. “I’m sure they will.”

The battle was still going on, but everyone could see they were both tiring.

Tudor looked at the time on his phone; they had been battling for nearly two hours. “How long should we let this go on for they are both tiring and look too evenly matched to find a winner.”