Aakuta’s arm moved swiftly, blocking the kick aimed at his head. Xavo snarled and immediately tried once more to kick Aakuta’s face.
“Stop it!” shouted a woman near a building on the other side of the street. “Stop it immediately,” she added as she strode across the street.
“This is of no concern to you,” snapped Xavo. “You no longer have any standing in the court of Vand.”
“I may not have standing in the court,” glared Lady Mystic as she halted between Xavo and the old mage sprawled on the ground, “but I am telling you to stop it right now.”
“Or what?” sneered Xavo. “You can’t even enter the temple to complain, besides, abusing one who has been stricken by Vand’s curse is not prohibited. In fact, it is encouraged. Be gone.”
“You are a fool, Xavo,” scowled Lady Mystic. “I have no need to complain about your actions. I will just match my power against yours, right here, right now. Are you prepared to die?”
“My power is a match for yours,” Xavo quickly shot back, but the nervous reactions of his body told a different story.
Lady Mystic smiled menacingly as she watched the younger mage’s body tick spasmodically. She stepped close to the young mage and stared into his face.
“I have nothing to lose by continuing this confrontation,” she declared softly. “Is your stubborn pride truly worth your life this day?”
Xavo was acutely aware of the soldiers behind him and knew that they were waiting anxiously for a confrontation. He would look foolish walking away from the fight, but he had no desire to match skills against the Emperor’s daughter.
“You were thrown out of the temple for catering to this old fool,” Xavo said loudly. “Perhaps the best punishment for your actions is to let you continue to associate with such refuse.”
Xavo swiftly spun around and strode off, brusquely pushing his way through the gathered soldiers. Lady Mystic shook her head and then glared at the soldiers. The group fidgeted only briefly before turning away and dispersing. Lady Mystic watched the soldiers leave before turning and squatting next to Aakuta.