Zevric inhaled, let the air out in a long hiss, and forced a grin that tasted of blood. "I knew Fenva is strong, but not this strong," he thought. He shook his head, tasting iron. "I thought this would be easy. I thought." His breath caught. Fenva had never even shown his full power before. Monstrous was the only word that fit.
He spat, crimson flecks arcing from his mouth, then planted his feet and charged. The arena blurred into streaks of color, sand, banners, faces, then narrowed down to one point: Fenva. The giant's eyes were still closed, his stance calm like a statue. Zevric's sword rose and came down in a brutal arc.
Fenva met the blow with a bare hand.
