The Contest

Talanon’s next words help ease his discomfort.

"Don't be disappointed, my friend. It was necessary to make you believe that I had succumbed to the power of the sword, so maybe you could find out what I could not," said Talanon, wearily, for the adrenaline was finally running low, and he was feeling the effects of the entire combat.

"But what about our contest? Who won?" inquired Martook, grinning despite his own exhaustion. "Remember, we have to have a victor to win the prize that's been promised to us.

Smiling despite himself, Talanon nodded, admiring his friend. "Very well, but this time, no cursed spheres!"

Laughing, Martook took his position in the ring, and said, "Agreed."

The confused referee had nothing else to say but "Begin."

Now the crowd leaned forward, zooming their attention toward the pair as both fighters bowed formally, readied themselves, and said at the same time, "Ma-te!"

Even the masters at the judge's table groaned in denial as the two friends walked off the mat together, laughing. The ring official who held two items, one in each hand, met the pair. He bowed formally, and gave one to each of the former students, for they had now graduated. Each of the items was lovingly wrapped in an auburn cloth. That self-same cloth would become their new uniforms made by the former students.

Talanon knelt reverently at the end of the stage, and began to unwrap his present. Several students gasped as the item came into view. Beautiful could not begin to describe the staff as more and more of it was unwrapped. Intricate characters in their language spiraled down the top of the polished wooden staff, and as Talanon began to read them, he gasped aloud.

Hearing the monk's exclamation, the ring official stepped forward. He glanced at the writings, and smiled. "You have a mighty gift, Talanon of Kren-Ta. In addition to being a weapon, your new staff is also a chronicler. Everything that you learn or see shall be inscribed magically upon it. In addition, as you grow in power and wisdom, the enchantment that has been placed upon the staff shall lesson. No longer will you have to depend upon this weapon to vanquish a foe that could only be struck by a magical weapon."

Humbled, Talanon could only stare up at the master, too shocked to even speak his thanks. He looked over to see Martook receive a similar weapon, and the ringmaster gave a similar speech. Talanon stood to depart, and was soon joined by his former competitor. A feeling that could only be described as joy filled Talanon’s heart. And all that he knew was, he was glad this was happening. He had a new friend, who was getting to be like a brother to him. And, as they walked off the stage, Talanon heard a heartfelt cry coming from the sky that touched him more than anything else that had happened that day. He glanced up at the circling beauty as she called out in her avian dialect.

"Well fought!! Farewell, man-friend! I hope to see you again! "

And Talanon hoped he would, too.

The End