Early morning, and the sparring match is about to begin. Thousands of spectators are ready to witness the games outside the palace gates. The eight best Ladonean warriors are prepared to fight the eight best Atlantean generals and captains.
Tito and Ryeland both fight the first round against other combatants, whom they quickly defeat. The Atlanteans place their weakest fighter against Tito. During the second round, the fighting becomes tougher. The spectators are enjoying the games, and see that both sides have lost two men. The sparring continues until only four men remain.
Ryeland’s next competitor is Kryless, second in command of the Ladonean Empire. Both face each other, bow, and immediately the swords begin flying in the hands of the combatants. They spar for several minutes before the Atlantean General finds a weakness and almost pins down his opponent. Both fighters are out of breath. The Ladonean spectators become silent. Ryeland knows he is earning the respect of the soldiers and civilians. Sparring at this altitude is exhausting the fighters. Ryeland saves his energy and takes advantage of Kryless’ fatigue, finding another weakness and striking his opponent to the ground. The Atlantean general wins the match.
It is time for Acteon to fight Tito. Thinking back through all the sparring and fighting he has done in his lifetime, Acteon is not afraid to fight the Ladonean general.
Tito and Acteon face each other and bow. The crowd goes wild. Seconds into the match, Tito knocks Acteon to the ground with a harsh blow. Acteon stands up, undiscouraged, attacking with his own sword. After thirty seconds of blows and counterblows, Tito goes on the offensive. For several minutes, the swords beat against each other. Acteon starts tiring and does not have a clear mind. Tito defeats the Atlantean competitor with one easy move.
After the fight, Acteon tells Ryeland of his encounter with the best fighter of the Ladonean Empire, helping the Atlantean General understand the way he fights. His offensive moves are much different, but Ryeland is hoping he can adjust to win the match.
The pride of both empires centers on Tito and Ryeland in the final competition. The Atlantean General enters this bout with a clear head. Ryeland and Tito stares at one another for almost a minute before beginning aggressive moves. Neither wants to strike first.
Ryeland chooses to take the first charge. After a quick offensive move, the Atlantean General purposefully goes on the defensive so that Tito will tire. The Ladonean warrior has strength, but it’s of no comparison to Ryeland’s. Tito’s strength is his ability to block any move without giving way, and his sword blows are constant. The Atlantean General has no idea when Tito will become fatigued. Ryeland’s adversary shows absolutely no sign of breathing heavily. The Atlantean General is showing signs of exhaustion, on which Tito capitalizes. With both sides trading blows, Ryeland remembers the time when Daygun fought and lost to the grandmaster; he decides to use the same tactic used by the grandmaster that defeated the Atlantean Prince. Ryeland turns so that Tito’s eyes are facing the sun, and continues to counter every blow. The tactic starts to have an effect. Tito becomes confused about what to do next. The Atlantean General takes full advantage and pins Tito to the ground. The audience falls silent. A simple move won the sparring match for the Atlanteans. Their best fighter has been defeated.
Following his victory, Ryeland’s pride soars, and his confidence is high. He just beat the best warrior in the Ladonean Empire, but also has a new respect for the foreign military. He had always wondered how the Ladoneans would muster in hand-to-hand combat.
With their numbers and discipline, the Ladoneans could conquer the Atlantean Empire despite the Great Atlanteans’ East and West Wall defenses. After the match, Ryeland and Tito see Melercertis proceeding toward the sparring grounds. Both combatants congratulate each other. The Atlantean General shakes Tito’s hand and salutes him in the Ladonean tradition. Ryeland does this to show respect and that there is no barrier between them.
Ryeland says, “You are the best I’ve ever fought. Your sword skills are unbelievable. You would give our grandmasters a run.”
Tito looks at the Atlantean General with enthusiasm and says, “I have great respect for you. That was the best rush of my life, thank you.”
Ryeland laughs and replies, “There was a lot of luck involved.”
Tito says respectively, “My father fought in the Great War and I grew up hating the Atlanteans. I was skeptical about this alliance. I have helped make the Ladonean Army great. You will make it better. I am at your command. My loyalty is to Melercertis and you. There is a gathering tonight with my generals. They will come from all over our empire. I will introduce you as the Supreme Commander of Ladonea. We have ten months together to prepare for this campaign when we will fight as one. You will be in command on the battlefield against the Sabathean Empire. Your army will arrive in three days. Our scouts say they are making good time. Two divisions, the elite of my soldiers, are escorting them through our realm. With my colors accompanying them, they will meet no threat.”
Ryeland says gratefully, “Thank you. My men are important to me. I know our civilizations haven’t always agreed. It concerns me that a Ladonean faction could ambush my warriors. They can take care of themselves, but a war between our two empires might easily begin.”
Tito replies, “We do have some factions, but they aren’t strong enough to fight against your elite division. That would not be in the best interest of any Ladonean group. Melercertis and I have complete control of the empire.”
Ryeland says, “I have confidence in our alliance.”
Melercertis arrives and salutes Ryeland in the Atlantean fashion. Ryeland acknowledges with a Ladonean salute. The Atlantean General feels like a hero.
The rest of the day, Tito and Ryeland discuss the Ladonean Army. They talk of the weaknesses and strengths. Tito tells Ryeland that Palexus, Melercertis’ daughter, will be at the gathering. Like any man, Ryeland wonders what she looks like. At the same time, he knows he has a mission to accomplish.