In front of Dorin lay a black one which was growing larger. The dust and dirt around it seemed to be sucked into it, never to be seen again.
"Fate has spoken." The Spire said. "Reclaim your egos, they will be of use to you in your battle. Anyone who wishes to join either side, do so now."
Everyone in the group looked at him with various emotions as they walked out of the mist. All of them walked to Lonn's side. Even Rae had chosen his opponent's side, but he had his eyes to the floor the entire time.
Dorin felt his stomach turn, he had been an orphan his whole life, but he had never felt so alone.
"That's enough." The Spire's voice tore through the street as he tossed his coin towards Dorin's feet. It crashed against his ego, the one had grown large enough to nearly touch the barrier of the square. His ego rose from the floor back into his hand, and it seemed to scream against him taking it back.
A surge of energy entered Dorin's body as he reclaimed his ego, which had melded into his hand where the eight lay. His mind cleared, and he felt a beaming confidence, but not enough to feel good about his chances.
Veri whispered something into the Spire's ear as he pointed at Morah.
"This won't even be close." The Spire looked across the square. "Morah."
"Yes, Spire?"
"Stand with Dorin."
"Of course."
Lonn stomped his foot. "This is nowhere near fair, Spire, how does this make any-"
"Quiet, boy." The Spire clapped once more. "Who are you to tell me what is fair. One boy against twelve is hardly a worthy fight, wouldn't you say?"
"I apologize, Spire."
"Just because she is on his side, doesn't mean she will be at her full potential. I am banning her from using her ego, just as your followers have yet to claim their own."
Morah threw her satchel to Spire, who didn't make any effort to catch it. Dorin heard several stones scatter as it hit the floor, and he thought he would see a reaction from the woman but Morah merely stared across the square towards Lonn's group. "This won't be easy, Dorin Walker. In fact I think we are both doomed."
"Save it for the trial, Morah. You can always surrender the moment it begins." Spire smiled. "You will see very quickly the difference in what fate has given you once the trial begins. I can't begin to guess what it will be exactly, but know that even with a large imbalance in your beginnings, given long enough time that can be evened out."
To Dorin it felt as though the Spire was talking to Lonn personally, as if giving him a reason to end things as soon as possible. "Is he allowed to do that?"
Morah stayed silent, putting a hand up between them.
"May the light protect you all. We still need you all to complete your duty to humanity." Ara nodded as the Spire spoke, she seemed to completely relax after hearing his words.
"When you are both ready, let your followers enter first, as your side of the square will close once a spark passes the barrier."
Morah entered first, followed by the group on the other side. Dorin kept his gaze on Rae, but his former friend never looked up.
"Even your best friend knows that it's over. I am looking forward to seeing you and that woman begging for your lives." Lonn entered the square as Dorin looked back at the Spire, who seemed uninterested as he flipped his coin from hand to hand. It looked as though there was now a small chip taken out of it as it caught the light.
"Best of luck, Walker."