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“Thank you, Sir Victor.” I give his shoulder a slight squeeze and turn my attention to Jordy.
“Milla,” Sir Victor adds, “Jordy is no knight. There is no dishonor in ordering assistance. We need to end Malek now. The longer he breathes, the more dangerous he becomes.”
I nod and move closer to the swordplay still in my line of vision. Jordy’s face displays full concentration, his eyes following Malek’s every movement. My heart aches with pride and terror, too afraid that Malek will strike Jordy down at any moment, but more than impressed that Jordy is holding his own. From the way he’s handling his sword, perhaps Malek is the one who should be afraid. Guilt pangs my middle when my mind is set, hoping Jordy knows I trust his skill completely. But Sir Victor is right—Malek needs to be stopped. I make eye contact with two of my men and motion for them to attack Malek.
As the men draw their swords, Malek hears them and turns slightly. Jordy moves in closer and Malek lands a surprise kick to his middle, sending him flying.
“Jordy!” I lose my breath.
Malek faces the two soldiers. He pulls a dagger from his boot and throws it into the neck of the taller soldier. The man falls dead in a heap and Malek chuckles, then looks to the other soldier.
“What are you waiting for?” Malek taunts. “Bring your best, soldier.”
It hits me as swiftly as the knife in my poor soldier’s neck. That dagger has been in Malek’s boot all along.
He was toying with Sir Victor and Jordy.
If Jordy continues to fight, Malek will killhim.
Jordy stands and inhales a few deep breaths. Malek squares off with the other soldier. They spar for a few moments and the soldier stumbles back. Malek swings his sword in one swift motion, taking the soldier’s head clean off his shoulders. I throw a hand to my mouth, bile backing up in my throat. Jordy makes eye contact with me and takes a fortifying breath. His slight nod reaffirms the promise he made before this battle ever began. He is determined to take Malek and come out of this alive. He tightens his grip on his sword and steps up to face Malek again. I can’t breathe, can’t move. I won’t allow Malek to take my Jordy. I look about at the soldiers standing around, intently engaged in the duel before them, hoping they are not called next to fight the demon who has tortured them for years. Malek has held his position for quite some time through fear and intimidation. Not one man here truly wishes to face him.
But I am no man.
And this is my kingdom.
I will die before I allow him to take it from me. I outstretch my right arm and aim it at Jordy. “Mother, aid me in my magic,” I whisper and take a fortifying breath. “Quicken his hands!” I scream, releasing the power now cradled in my palm. I launch my magic toward Jordy and his hands alight with flame.
Malek stumbles back, surprised by the fire. Jordy panics, but soon realizes what I have accomplished when he glances in my direction. He swings his sword with impossible speed as Malek scurries back several paces.
Jordy advances and Malek’s stunned expression gives me hope. Malek stills himself and readies his own sword, matching Jordy’s speed at first. After several seconds, Malek’s stamina fades and Jordy clearly has the upper hand. I take my first real breath since the swordplay began. I am mesmerized by Jordy’s glowing hands and swinging sword. Fire hands indeed. He lunges to land a blow to Malek’s chest, but Malek somehow dodges it. Jordy swings his sword again as the fire leaves his hands. He is momentarily distracted by my fading magic and Malek uses it to his advantage. Malek swings his sword close to Jordy’s chest and Jordy twists backward to avoid the blow. He loses his footing and falls as Malek’s sword plunges into his shoulder. Malek pulls the sword from Jordy’s trembling flesh as Jordy cries out.
My screams fill the space around us and Malek turns to face me. Jordy falls to the hard ground, taking my heart with him as his sword falls from his hand.
Flashes of Malek in our cottage on the night I lost Gram assaults my memory, the way he took her poultice and thought it folly. I will not allow him to be the death of Jordy too. Magic be damned. I am the match girl, the peasant.
I know who I am.
“Be with me, Gram,” I whisper. “You promised you would always be with me.”
Malek taunts Jordy. “I told you never to oppose me, boy. I told you what would happen. You thought your woman’s witchery could best me? You are a fool, lad. And you will die this day.”
I step forward and pick up a sword near my feet. I lift the sword in the air and remind myself to breathe. “Sir Malek, I challenge you.”
Raucous laughter pours from Malek’s throat. “You, girl? You challenge me?” He looks about and motions to the soldiers standing around us as far as the eye can see. “You have an army, andyouchallenge me?”
“Yes.”
His smile is criminal. “Then when you are defeated, this army is mine.”
My voice no longer trembles. “We have an accord.”
“Milla, no!” Jordy shouts.
“I have heard enough from you,” Malek growls to Jordy and lifts his sword.
“No harm will come to Jordy,” I say. “No matter the outcome, no harm will come to him.”
Malek faces me again. “Now aren’t you the sweet one? Sacrificing yourself for your lover.” He lifts his sword. “And I thought you a witch. Well, then, bring your best, girl.”
