Metal strikes metal as spear clashes against spear. The crowd ooh-ed and other onlookers ah-ed. But the two fighters focused with steady hands and conflicted hearts.

Marius wasn’t sure how things had ended up this way. It was supposed to be a minor duel set in a more private setting. But here he was, battling for the prince’s honor that was soured by the foul man in front of him.

He was a mere...