Kieron dropped his sword point and stepped away from Ivane, as though she were contaminated. There was little danger from her now — but there was still another.
Freka appeared at the edge of the dais, his tall form towering above the courtiers. "You called for me, Imperial Ivane?"
Ivane stared at Kieron with hate-filled eyes. "You have failed me! Kill him now!"
Kieron whirled and caught Freka's blade on his own. The mich tiers drew back, giving them room to fight. No one made a move to interfere. It was known that Valkyrs held the city of Neg, and according to the warrior code two warlords must be allowed to fight to the death if they wished.
Kieron made no attack. Instead he retreated before the expressionless Freka.
"Did you know, Freka," asked Kieron softly, "that Geller of the Marshes is dead? He was your father in a way, wasn't he?"
Freka made no reply, and for a moment the only sound In the hushed Chamber was the ring of blades.
Suddenly Kieron lunged. His sword pierced Freka from threast to back. The Valkyr stepped back and pulled his blade clear. The crowd gasped, for Freka the Unknown did not fall.
"Are you really unkillable?" breathed Kieron. "I wonder!"
Again he lunged under the mechanical guard of the KaHgan. Again his blade sank deep. Freka backed away for a moment, still alert and unwounded.