Flawed Judgment
Tycondrius took a deep breath, taking in the scents of the sun-warmed sand. He was growing bored, watching his young companion so thoroughly trounced in front of fifty-thousand-odd people.
Maximus of Ezyria was a grown man, twice the boy's age and near twice his size. In terms of combat, Tycon had initially deemed their abilities to be about equal.
The longer he watched them fight, the more he realized how flawed his judgment was.
Pale needed more training.
Tycon still had plenty he could teach the boy. Even accounting for the difference in mass, their force output was similar. However, he could win by comparing technical skill.
Lone was the boy's usual training partner. The Ranger had greater physical strength but lagged slightly in reflexes and moderately in mana control. Both would improve from sparring matches, especially with Tycon to observe and advise.