"Take no offense from my words, sir, but I can kill Volkov regardless of whether you help me or not. What will change if you help is when it would happen."
"You look very sure about yourself, young man. But do not be mistaken. To me, your words are just those of an arrogant brat."
Erik smiled.
"My words may look like those of an arrogant brat, that's for sure."
"But they are backed by something," he paused to increase the emphasis on his next words "Power."
Van Dyke looked at Erik with a humorless snort.
"Power, you say? We'll see about that, boy."
He grinned, and Erik did the same. Then the older man rose and ran toward the younger man.
He was fast, and a lot at that.
Erik dodged out of the way as Van Dyke swung his war hammer in a wide arc, aiming for Erik's torso.
The Red Palace's principal surged forward again, his hammer swinging in a programmed pattern devised to test Erik's agility and reflexes.
