The masked man emerged from the shadows, his presence ominous and enigmatic. He approached Guto, his voice low and filled with gravity.
"You must be wondering what that duel was about," the masked man said, his words carrying a weight that demanded Guto's attention.
Guto nodded, his expression of one who is confused.
"The warrior he dueled," the masked man continued, "He was responsible for the death of Erik's family. Erik had been training tirelessly to exact his revenge, to end the torment that had haunted him for so long. That is why he challenged the warrior to a duel."
Guto's eyes widened as he absorbed the revelation. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
Dastan sat alone in his small, dimly lit room, the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. The flickering candle on the wooden table before him cast elongated shadows that danced across the walls.
As he contemplated about his daughter, his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a soft knock on his door. Dastan's heart skipped a beat as he rose from his chair, his hand trembling slightly as he reached for the door handle. He pulled it open, revealing a concerned villager standing in the corridor.
"Forgive the intrusion, Dastan," the villager began, his voice laced with urgency. "But we've just received news about your daughter."
Dastan's heart sank, and a chill ran down his spine. His daughter's condition had been deteriorating rapidly, and he feared the worst. Without a word, he gestured for the villager to continue.
"It's... it's not good," the villager stammered, his eyes filled with sympathy. "She has taken a turn for the worse, and the village healer believes that time is running out. He says that we must act swiftly if there's any hope of saving her."
Dastan's world seemed to crumble around him. The news was a heavy blow, a confirmation of his worst fears. He knew that he had little time left to make a decision, to either save his daughter's life or uphold his honor.
A tumultuous mix of emotions surged within him—love, guilt, desperation. He had to act, and he had to act now. Without uttering a word, he rushed out of his room, leaving the villager behind. His daughter's life hung in the balance, and he would stop at nothing to ensure her survival.
Upon finding Guto, Dastan said "Édmir" his tone firm and resolute, "I challenge you to a duel."
Guto's expression shifted from surprise to a profound sense of disbelief. He had not anticipated this turn of events, and his words stumbled as he tried to make sense of the situation. "What? What are you talking about?" he stammered, his mind racing to grasp the gravity of the challenge.
Dastan's gaze bore into Guto's, unwavering and determined. "If you win," he declared, "I will let you go. But if I win, you will become my prisoner."
The masked man, who had revealed the truth about Erik's duel, stood nearby, his presence a silent but potent reminder of the consequences of this clash. Dastan wasted no time and ordered, "Shut up. Follow me. We will not battle in the village."
With each step they took deeper into the forest, Guto's mind whirled with a myriad of questions and doubts. Why was Dastan doing this? Had he committed some grave transgression without realizing it? But above all, the pressing question that occupied Guto's thoughts was, "How am I going to win?"
The bear fight had left Guto physically weakened, his body still bearing the scars of that harrowing encounter. Furthermore, the considerable height difference between him and Dastan was a stark reminder that victory in this duel would be a daunting challenge.
***
Meanwhile, in the village, Frøya stirred in her comatose state. Her eyelids fluttered open, and consciousness returned to her. Her recovery had begun, but she remained unaware of where she was, as she looked to the side she saw the little flower that Guto had left for her.
***
As Guto and Dastan they reached the chosen dueling spot, Dastan turned to face Guto. The tension in the air was palpable, and the forest seemed to hold its breath in anticipation. Dastan's voice broke the silence. "Okay, this is it."
In that pivotal moment, Guto seized the opportunity. With a sudden and unexpected attack, he lunged at Dastan, his dagger finding its mark as it pierced Dastan's ribs. The warrior staggered back, a mix of shock and pain crossing his face. Guto's gambit had paid off, evening the odds in a duel that held the fate of two lives in the balance.