No applause followed. The nobles remained frozen, the implications of what they'd witnessed still unfolding in their calculating minds. Then, from the common folk pressed against the outer barriers, a cheer erupted, tentative at first, then swelling into a roar that echoed between the stone buildings surrounding the tournament grounds.
"The street rat won!" someone shouted, voice carrying above the growing din. "Showed the noble what real fighting looks like!"
Soren stood motionless as healers rushed forward to attend to Aric. The shard against his chest had gone cold again, Valenna's presence receding like a tide pulling back from shore. His arms felt leaden, muscles trembling with the aftermath of combat and adrenaline.
From the Lanther gallery came shouts of protest. "Dishonorable conduct!" Lord Lanther bellowed, face contorted with fresh grief and rage. "The street rat probably employed forbidden techniques! He should be disqualified!"
