Before the Duels

Faint clashes of metallic blades mixed into the muffled, thunderous cheers from the crowds were all that was audible from inside the waiting room. Shadows danced under the flickering of the torch lights, which were doing such a poor job of illuminating the spacious room that Theo couldn't tell whether it was day or night. The smell of rust and sweat from the previous day floated around the vicinity, and it was not a combination pleasing to the nose.

The four contestants were silent, all for a different reason.

Robert's eyelids drooped as he slumped listlessly in his chair. His lack of sleep from last night was apparently catching up to him.