With a powerful overhead smash, Arkhan shattered her guard and sent her sprawling to the ground. Her sword flew from her grip, landing in the shallow river water. Arkhan stood over her, the dark energy of his blade crackling.
"No," Arkhan said softly. "The world has had enough of conquerors." Arkhan
"Your reign ends today, Arkhan!" the girl cried out, her voice trembling but resolute. "The people will be free!" With a powerful overhead smash, Arkhan shattered her
They traded blows that illuminated the night. The girl was fast and driven by a desperate courage, but Arkhan was a master of a thousand wars. He deflected her strikes with brutal efficiency, slowly wearing her down. "No," Arkhan said softly
"Do it," she whispered, looking up at him without fear, her eyes filled with tears of frustration. "Kill me."
A scout approached, kneeling in the dirt. "My Lord Arkhan, the enemy forces have gathered at the river pass. They are led by a young warrior who wields the Light of the Sun."
Slowly, Arkhan drove his greatsword into the earth at his feet. The dark energy flared one last time and then went silent. He reached up and unlatched his heavy iron helmet, letting it fall to the ground. For the first time in centuries, the cool night wind hit his scarred, weary face.