Two days later, when Nenim and Athor were completely rested, the king called for them to meet him once again in the throne room.
“A king must be many things,” he told them. “He must be prepared, like every other citizen, to defend his country. Be prepared to defend it alongside his people. He must be a diplomat, but also a fighter. To this end, I’ve arranged a private tournament whereby each of you will fight one of my best soldiers. If you’ll both follow me.”
The king left his throne and marched across the floor to the doors. Nenim and Athor followed and Pan, flanked by two of the palace guards, brought up the rear. The king led them down several corridors until they arrived at a large courtyard where two soldiers were waiting, each with a shield in one hand and a sword in the other. Th
