Ninerise appeared confident that Alex had been hiding something. "What truth it is I want?" he asked. "I want the truth about how you found those sabers. And I want to learn whatever else it is you are hiding."
"What makes you think I am hiding something?" Alex asked.
"I do," Ninerise said. "Just duel me. If you are hiding something, tell me. If not, I won't demand that you tell me anything."
"Okay," Alex said. "But I have no intention of learning about your background, you know? I meant, I am interested in knowing where you come from, but not enough to duel you for it."
"You… don't?" Ninerise asked. That was the only thing he had on him that he could use for that duel. "Wait a second, I might have something else. Uncle, can we talk for a moment?"
Ninerise looked to the side, waiting. He remained quiet for a second, and Alex wondered why that was. Was he waiting for this uncle of his to arrive?
