The Necromancer's Wand: Rise of the Phoenix
Chapter 23: A Duel of the In-Laws, Part 1

I took the night to meditate upon my approach to William’s duel. This was his attempt to prevent further bloodshed for if you cut the head off a snake, the body dies. However, William fails to realize the same goes for him.

If I defeat him in the duel, his little task force will be sent into a state of disarray. This would leave the remaining two councilmen very vulnerable. However, if I lose, everything I have worked for comes to an end. So, I won’t lose...

The following morning, I gathered my men in the sanctuary. “As you know, William Griffin has challenged me to a duel,” I stated. “We are to meet tomorrow, 2 P.M., at the Hallows.” The Hallows was just a forest of dead trees, north of Misty Grove. It was a perfectly secluded location for a duel.

“He believes he can prevent further blood from being spilt,” I continued. “He is wrong though, for I shall spill his...and the other council members. However, if the odds are against me, you are to flee...”

“You want us to leave you behind?” asked Micah in distaste.

“Yes...for if I fall, you will have to fight on another day. William will try to take me in alive, which means If I do lose our duel...I can be freed at a later date.”

“You can count on us, my lord,” spoke Damien firmly.

“I know I can. So, let’s enjoy a unified gathering tonight...as the family we are.”

They cheered in agreement. As the crowd dispersed, I was approached by Gemma with worried eyes. “Another duel...” she greeted in sigh.

“So it would seem,” I replied. “However, if I win this duel, it could quicken our success by allowing me easy access to the last two councilmen.”

“A benefit...if you win.”

“I will win,” I reassured. “Have faith in me, for I have not let any of you down yet.”

She placed her hand gently on my chest. “I will always have faith in you. You know me...I just like to worry.” She chuckled lightly. “I know you will win.”

“Come,” I said, taking her hand that was on my chest. I led Gemma back to my room for some alone time, before we spent the night with the others. As we entered my tent in the room, I took off my mask and tossed it on the bed.

I turned to face Gemma, she looked on me with a smile. We took one another in each other’s arms, before embracing in a kiss. As we finished, I brought my hand up to softly stroke her warm and rosy cheek. She reciprocated, lightly petting mine.

“You cheeks are soft,” she grinned. “Are you going to keep it off?”

“Yes, I want William to look upon me. I want him to see the satisfaction I get when I stand over him, right before I extinguish his life.”

“Who is this William Griffin to you?” Gemma asked, picking up the vibe that we had history.

“A coward...he is my sister’s former lover. Yet, is also an advocate for the humans.”

“After they killed Claire?”

“Even more so...His believes are a betrayal to my sister’s love. Humans are nothing more than animals that need to be tamed, caged. I will correct this imbalance. ”

“I have no doubt in that, my love.”

“Enough about William though,” I said changing the subject. “I will deal with him tomorrow. For now, let us return to the others and enjoy this time together.”

We left the room and went back to the sanctuary, many were surprised to see me without my mask. As night started to fall over the land, I conjured up a feast with beverages, like our celebration after the breakout at Black Water Hold. We enjoyed each other’s company, laughing, singing, and carrying merrily on through the night.

Once the gathering died down, we all returned to our personal quarters. I meditated all night, as usual, on upcoming duel with William. Oh, how I couldn’t wait to bring back honor to my sister’s good name.

The next day, I collected everyone once more for final details about the duel. “Soon, we shall depart for the Hallows,” I started, “William will surely bring back up, just to make sure we play fair.

You are not to engage anyone. This fight is between William and I, alone. You will spectate and nothing more. Is that understood?”

They all agreed that I had made my instructions clear. “Good, carry on until it is time,” I commanded. As I walked away from the crowd, Gemma cut me off. She placed a quick peek on my cheek.

“A kiss for good luck,” she stated, before scurrying back off.

Once the time was upon us, we began our leave for the Hallows. We teleported from the cathedral, appearing outside of the dead forest. The wind was howling as thunderstorm clouds rolled in.

“They...are already here,” I claimed, sensing the presence of magic nearby.

Rays of light flickered from within the Hallows to right outside the forest, with us. William Griffin appeared, standing with his noble house members and Inquisitor agents. I quickly noticed, however, that Peter Pegasus was not among them.

The very sight of William irritated me. He was clean shaven and dressed in the High Inquisitor azure blue robe. “Hello, dear William,” I greeted. “Its a shame Peter couldn’t make it, due send my regards to him.”

“You have caused so much pain...” he spoke in anger, gritting his teeth. “You have taken from so many. Why?! In Goddess name, look at you Corvin! You look more monster than wizard.”

“Everything that I have done, I did for Claire...My sister deserves justice and I shall have it by any means necessary, even at the cost of my own life!”

“Well, I am afraid that’s the price of your crusade for vengeance...your life.”

“Or maybe...it’s yours?” I jokingly asked.

“Maybe, I guess there is only one way to find out.” William motioned for his men to step back as he unsheathed his wand.

“I guess there is...” I did the same motion, for my men to step back as well, as I removed my wand. “So, this is it then? The loving faithful brother duels the pitiful, spineless, fiancé. I have waited for this day for far too long and I shall enjoy every second. I can’t say the same for you...”

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