VIII. The Duel
The duel was to take place on a grassy plain closer to Kurval’s camp than to Castle Angilbert. For starters, the ground was more even there. Besides, it was safely out of the range of Castle Angilbert’s archers, just in case the Black Knight was planning treachery after all.
Kurval’s own troops as well as several of the Black Knight’s men surrounded the improvised arena at a respectful distance, eyeing each other warily. Above it all, loomed the gallows as a constant reminder of the fate that awaited the Black Knight, should he lose.
Kurval gave some final orders to his advisers. “None of you or any other of our men are to intervene, unless the Black Knight’s men attack first. Is that understood?”
Izgomir, Vangenard, Kelgurd and Ragur nodded in agreement, though none of
