An Army in need of Improvement - Part 1

Slowly, Oliver's sword came out of its scabbard.

"Oho, Captain!" Rhast said excitedly, taking a step back, and pushing Uron forward. "This is your chance, Uron. You've a sword on your belt, don't you? The Captain's challenging you to a duel. Now's your chance to show how strong you are!"

The last thing that man that they called Uron seemed to want to do was draw his sword, but he had little option. Not when Rhast drew it for him, and forced it into his hand, pushing him even further forward.

"Uron," Oliver said. "If you point that sword my way, I will kill you."

It was hardly a threat. It was a promise. Uron's fear was so complete that Oliver could have said anything, and Ingolsol would have taken hold of him. Uron lowered his sword with a quivering hand, without even thinking what he was doing.