Gillian knew he was set for a tough challenge, the moment he was escorted to the arena.
After being locked up in the lurid dungeon since last evening, the sudden light of the day greeting him, was almost blinding. He shielded his eyes against the sun and flung his arm out of the guards hold.
Sweeping his gaze around the arena, he found his heart thumping with an unknown force. The entire place was filled to the brim with an eager crowd. For the men gathered to witness the event, it might just have been a show- one for their own entertainment.
Gillian found solace in the fact that they had kept the chieftain away from this. And upon closer inspection, there did not seem to be a single man from their convoy in attendance.
He took a deep breath of determination, knowing that this was all done by the Prince as an attempt to lower his confidence.
Little did the boy knew that he was not going to waver by such cheap tactics.
He dug his heels into the sand and raised his chin, regarding the restless crowd awaiting the duel to begin, and to the podium where the Prince himself sat, along with a few guards and the old minister from before.
Gillian did not bow before him, choosing to acknowledge his presence with a simple nod of his head.
He saw the mans jaw twitch, indicating his displeasure.
Well, you are not going to get any respect from me, boy.
The arena, which was filled with impatient murmurs, quietened as soon as the Prince opened his mouth to speak.