"I will accept your challenge, but do you dare to accept my terms?"
Thane's taunt dug under Savis's skin like barbed needles, tearing at his already tattered pride and provoking the beast that lurked behind his normally impassive golden gaze. During the battle of the Tangled Tower, Savis fought Zedya to what could charitably be called a draw. In reality, only Nyrielle's prompt arrival had rescued her prized maidservant from the powerful vampire's claws.
Now that he was being asked to simply submit to another of Nyrielle's young progeny, it was all Savis could do to keep himself from erupting in fury in the middle of the war council.
"If you wish to settle this as a contest between men, I won't refuse," Savis growled, standing up from his chair. "Little Brother Tausau can stand as my second and as my witness. Name your second, and we can take this outside to resolve without spoiling the mood here."
