*Erik POV*
Hawke and I sat on opposite ends of the clearing while our attendants prepared us for the duel. The screeching sound of whetstones upon swords made my battle senses itch with anxiety.
The day had finally come when I would face off against a brother of mine, and for once I would not be the victim who curled into a ball and took the beating. This time Hawke would face the tip of my sword. He was used to people not fighting back, so I was eager to see how he would handle a real opponent.
“Are you ready for this?” Roger asked as he tightened the straps of my armor and made sure the pauldrons sat properly on my shoulders.
“I have been ready for this my whole life.”
“That is what I am worried about. I’m afraid you’re going to let your emotions overwhelm you and cloud your wits during this fight.”
