Eodan sat up. "My Lord," he said raggedly, "give weapons to us two, or our bare hands, and watch who heaven favors!"
Mithradates murmured thoughtfully: "I have heard you speak of yourself, Eodan, as a man whom the gods hate."
"For once he spoke truth, Your Majesty," said Flavius. "It would be an impiety if—if I, at least, suffered him to live."
"Would you meet him in single combat, then?" asked Mithradates.
"It is an uncouth German custom, Your Majesty," said Flavius. "It is not worthy of a civilized man."
"You have not answered my question."
"Well ... I would meet him, Great King, if there were no better way."
Eodan sprang to his feet. "At once!" he yelled.
"Give me my hammer, and I'll take care of his following!" said Tjorr.
Phryne sat up on the couch. "No!" she gasped.