Chapter Eight

Zahara and Panesia held their wooden practice blades before them and waited for their combat Master,; Leyd to give the command. The middle aged soldier was sitting on one of the stands in the arena, sucking some baobab fruit." For the Great Mother's sake, fight!"

They begun circling each other, looking for an opening. Zahara saw one and went for it. Panesia parried and swung the blade at Zahara's head. She blocked, lashing at his neck but he stepped back just in time. They blocked,lunged and parried,with Zahara gaining the upper hand.

Her attacks became faster and stronger and Panesia realized she'd just been playing with him. He could do nothing but party and block,since her attacks made it almost impossible for him to retaliate.

Panesia was losing and he knew it. If he didn't do something and do it fast, Zahara would win. He had already lost to her during the qao qi match,he wasn't prepared to lose again.

Their swords clashed and the force made Panesia's hilt reverberate. A small blue flame travelled from his hands and across the swords. It burnt Zahara's palm and she leapt back,her sword falling to the ground.

Panesia took his chance and brought his blade to her neck, stopping just inches. He turned to the stands, his heart freezing in excitement.

Sitting on the stands and dressed in a yellow smock was Emperor Xust,his face expressionless. He stood up slowly and walked out of the arena,his guards trailing behind him.

Panesia stood there with a sheepish grin on his face, elated the Emperor had seen his victory. He couldn't wait for his father to find out.

Zahara sat on the ground, clutching her palm and wincing,but inwardly she was smiling. Her move had worked beautifully.

. . . .

"Where is that fool!" fe-Marock stormed into his son's room. Panesia jumped from the bed,his smile disappearing. He was wondering what it was he had done.

"Father, is everything alright?" Panesia asked meekly.

" You moron." His father thundered." Do you know what you've done? You used your powers in a practice combat against Zahara."

"But I won and the Emperor..." Panesia was confused.

"The Emperor saw you use your powers in practice combat with Zahara,who has no active powers. What do you think that means? It shows that you are weak and can't even match a mere girl in combat. Don't you think it questions your credibility?"

Panesia's jaw dropped. Realisation of what he'd just done dawned on him. "That wretched princess, she must've..."

"Don't you dare lay the blame of your stupidity on anyone but yourself. I've told you time and again to be smart,but you don't listen. How I got a buffoon like you for a son is beyond me." fe-Marock spat and left the room.

Panesia's wet eyes were filled with anger.......and hurt.