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But even as her vision began to blur, Ashia could see Aleverak was only taking the boy’s measure, his aura calm as he explored Maji’s defenses and probed for weaknesses

She saw it in his bearing when he locked on to his target The Daht, but he, too, had noticed Maji’s increased abilities, and the fist he kept clenched tight as he fought

Aleverak could not see the lines of power that kept Maji’s fist clenched, but he shattered the dah he recovered quickly, balling his fist again, the da conflict, no one, not even Asome, took note of the shard of de across the floor

But all could see the shift in the battle Aleverak’s expression rean to press more fiercely He took a step back

Savas stepped forward to aid Maji, but Asome held a hand to stay him "This test is for him alone, brother" Savas did not look pleased, but he bowed and stepped back

A round with Aleverak’s hand around his throat

Ashia chose that le, a last attempt before she lost consciousness Asukaji, distracted by the battle, returned his attention to her, tightening his grip further, but it did not ers closed around the bit of deainst the wards painted on her nails, filling her with new strength

"Your father, Shar’Dama Ka, swore e ht my son for leadership on my natural death"

Asome bowed "I know this, honored Damaji But I am not my father His oaths are not mine"

"It is said in the Evejah that oaths spoken by fathers are binding to their sons," Aleverak said "And oaths spoken from the Skull Throne bind us all Had you kept that pact, I would not have stood against you this night"

He sneered "Instead you break oaths and attack in the night like an honorless chin And so your victory will not be colanced down to Maji "You have no other Majah to supplant me" With that, he snapped Maji’s neck

The new Da the floor for Asome and Aleverak The ancient Damaji took position before the steps to the Skull Throne, blocking Asome’s path

Ashan stood ready atop the steps Tradition demanded he wait until the path between theer for the fight

"You honor our people this night, Daates of Heaven to you Himself"

"We’re not dead, yet," Aleverak said as Asolow of hora about her husband He ht have allowed his brothers to win dishonorably, but he fought as tradition dictated

He struck hard and fast Aleverak slipped to the side, but Aso to drive an elbow into Aleverak’s ar the oldhiround, then planted his knee and broke Aleverak’s spine across it

Asootten, as he rose to his feet, eyes on Ashan

Ashia had er into the chain It was not yet leverage enough to break free, but she wheezed in a breath, and it doubled her power

Asukaji tightened his grip "Everarays, sister"

Ashia had a third finger in place now, but she th

Ashan strode down the steps froht stand as equals on the floor His brothers cleared the dead from the path between them