Blake swallowed hard. Korax looked like he could snap him in half without breaking a sweat.
"The rules are simple," Marlowe continued. "Defeat Korax in single combat, and my blood is yours. Lose, and... well, I'm sure Korax will enjoy a fresh meal."
"This is insane!" Dumphries protested. "Blake isn't a warrior. This isn't a fair fight!"
Marlowe shrugged. "Life isn't fair, old friend. Besides, isn't your Rose worth fighting for?"
Blake felt torn. The odds seemed impossible, but could he walk away knowing he hadn't tried everything to save Rose?
"I'll do it," he said quietly.
His companions erupted in protests, but Blake held up a hand to silence them. "I have to try," he said.
Marlowe's smile was triumphant. "Excellent. We'll adjourn to the courtyard. I do so hate getting blood on the carpets."
