Read Freelance Heroics for Free Online Page B

up?” A hush took over the crowd. “Next, the undefeated newcomer, Mazik I. Kil’Raeus, in his third match of the afternoon, will take part in a bittersweet reunion as he faces off against one of the very people who fought alongside him in the Battle of The Pit one month ago! Please welcome the sterling veteran from the Brotherhood of the Steel, Rynthe Mouré Jor’Alsuiv!”
    The Gate of Life opened, and Mazik watched as a familiar face emerged. Rynthe looked little different from when they first met in Captain Ankt’s guardhouse, when he tried to get Mazik and the others tossed off the Amougourest quest. His robes were new, though that was no surprise—no one’s gear survived that battle unscathed. But they were still long and green, and he still wore a leather mantle on his shoulders, and Mazik could still see the emblem that proudly marked his guild.
    Rynthe stopped and nodded. “Afternoon.”
    “Afternoon. How’ve you been?”
    “Fine. You?”
    Mazik laughed. “It’s been a busy week. Plus, you know . . .” He gestured at the arena. “Employment troubles.”
    Rynthe nodded. “Sorry to hear about that.”
    What had changed, Mazik decided, was Rynthe’s demeanor. Where before he was haughty and dismissive, now he was calm and professional. Mazik didn’t think Rynthe liked him, but he sensed a grudging respect, chilly though it was.
    “Let’s have a good fight,” said Mazik, bowing.
    “Agreed,” said Rynthe. The two moved to opposite sides of the central ring.
    While Mazik had little success uncovering their opponents in the days leading up to the event, he did learn about Rynthe. Even though he hadn’t known what his previous opponents were capable of, Mazik was more worried about this match. That’s because he knew what Rynthe could do, and the answer was pretty much what Mazik could do.
    Rynthe specialized in evocation like Mazik. He was skilled in enhancement, force, and protection like Mazik. He preferred to use simple, direct attacks, also like Mazik. He was better at protection spells, and not as inclined to get into melee, but other than that their styles were identical. He also wasn’t stupid. That meant Mazik’s chances of a clever victory were low.
    This is going to be a slugfest.
    The announcer’s voice thundered over the stadium. “Gentleladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for another stirring match! Let the battle between Mazik I. Kil’Raeus and the Brotherhood of the Steel’s Rynthe Mouré Jor’Alsuiv . . .”
    Bwaaaaang!
    “Begin!”
     
     
    The explosions began immediately. Mazik’s ethereal blue clashed with Rynthe’s pale gold as the afternoon lit up like a bank of fireworks. The air shook where spells collided, while others arced past and still others struck home. The arena floor was an inferno of light and heat and sound—and in the center, Mazik and Rynthe stood hurling spells at each other, and then they hurled themselves. They came together with a crash, Rynthe’s clenched fists and Mazik’s daggers wreathed in mana.
    True to Mazik’s expectations, they were evenly matched. Where the previous bouts had ebbed and flowed as one or the other gained the advantage, this was like a dance, a terrifying back-and-forth as advantage was gained and lost in the space of an instant. No tango could be so beautiful, for in its fragility was the battle’s brilliance, and in the spectators’ knowledge that this spectacle could end at any second, never to return.
    Mazik struck, and Rynthe blocked. Rynthe cast, and Mazik ducked. Mazik lunged, and Rynthe replied in kind. A column shattered from a wayward spell, but the spectators ignored it, the barrier crystals protecting them so their eyes never had to leave the show.
    It was hard to tell how long the fight lasted, so riveted was everyone on the dazzling display. Mazik and Rynthe fought like tigers, each struggling to take the upper hand, but they were never able to hold onto it for more than a split second before