"The First Herder's Trickster Snake," Aspakos told his dumbfounded adversary. "Of all the First Herder's pets, he is the most troublesome and the most difficult to tame. But he can be very useful in provoking the herd to move where the Herder wishes," he said, sounding like a teacher at an academy rather than an enemy on the battlefield.
"You have fought well and bravely, Rastlan," Aspakos said. "You have shown us the fundamental skill of a Warrior, the precision of the Hunter and the dedication of the Watchman. These things are all admirable. You are deserving of the title of Master," he praised.
"But this is the end," Aspakos said as he raised his staff high above his head. "You've reached your limit. Surrender now and descend the stairs on your own. Accept this defeat with the grace and dignity for which your clan is famed."
