Arden stepped forward, his gaze sweeping the gathered clans without an ounce of hesitation.
His voice rose, as he spoke to the Elders, calm but loud enough to cut through the murmurs.
"Here's how we'll settle this," he said. "If any of your younglings can defeat me, they can have the ruin. Simple."
The silence that followed was brief. Then came a wave of scoffs and muttered curses from the crowd.
"Arrogant brat."
"Who does he think he is?"
But the elders were watching closely now, curious. The proposition was bold, reckless even, but it served their interests. And if he really was the one who cleared the ruin, then beating him would be all the more glorious.
Arden smiled, a slight tilt of the head.
"Go ahead, send them one after the other. I'd rather beat them quick than listen to your old complaints all day."
The elders didn't share in the humor. Their pride had been poked, and pride didn't sit quietly.
