(Elthas ~V~ Quentin Boone)

Recovering from a previous battle, Elthas Blethasar found himself in one of the medical wards if the grand structure. A few weeks had passed since he first ventured into The Citadel looking for refinement in his training. Elthas was getting dressed in his full combat gear when a cleric approached him. The clerics were gifted in the healing arts and could mend injuries and even prevent death! Elthas always admired the skill of The Order to cheat death. Elthas stared at the female cleric as she approached, his eyes narrowed cautiously. His last opponent had thrown him a sound beating and Elthas's ego was still quite bruised. Elthas assumed that the girl would have more bad news for him. Setting the last button of his shirt, Elthas acknowledged the cleric.

"What business is there this hour?" Elthas asked.

"You lost your last match I was sent here to inform you of that." The girl said. "Furthermore we have reset your chamber for use." She added.

"I have business to take care of with my superiors. I will probably not be here much longer." Elthas said grimly, his expression was a hard one.

"There is always time for one more match." She said. "My superiors will not allow you to leave until you've taken care of this matter."

"What matter? I am still trying to recover." Elthas said, his annoyance clearly growing.

"Why your next match of course." She responded in a matter-of-fact sort of way.

Elthas growled audibly and made a motion to leave.

She placed a strong hand on his shoulder.

"Don't leave. You are paid for this work." She said carefully so as not to overstep boundaries.

"Fine." Elthas added. "I have some time to kill. Who is this warrior that I must do battle with?"

"I cannot reveal his name but he has made an official request. He wants to use the very halls of The Citadel to do battle in a real combat scenario." She said.

Elthas raised an eyebrow. "He is willing to risk death?" Elthas asked.

"He is." Then she tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Elthas. We cannot interfere until it's over."

Elthas sighed.

"Very well. Show me to him." Elthas walked out of the medical ward.

***

Twisting and winding in every possible direction, the halls of The Citadel was a modern wonder. The architectural design of The Citadel always amazed Elthas but when he wandered to the deeper sections of the structure, the edifice became less of a building, and more of a living being. The blood of warriors and magi fed The Citadel's hallowed grounds. And in some ways, it was an organic entity that was constructed for war. Elthas walked along the comfortable carpet, the colour of it was royal blue. Paintings were etched upon the surface of each wall he looked at, and these paintings depicted The Demon's War, and The War of the Tap. Elthas was escorted to the lower levels of The Citadel. The reason being was that they could not place bystanders in danger.

It was a long hike, but they finally made it to a somewhat large room that had four equally sized pillars. The ceiling in this basement section was considerably high. Statues were visible that were made of stone, brass, or other forms of metal. Some of the statues were of famous Heroes, and Villains, that came through the bloodied halls. Even this part of The Citadel contained it's share of mural paintings. It was well lit despite being several floors underground. When Elthas was escorted to the very center of the chamber, The Monks that did the escorting surrounded the combat space. Exits and escape routes were immediately cut off.

As Elthas walked with The Monks they explained the rules of the match up. Death was possible. His opponent was willing to risk all, and the identity of the foe raised a deep sense of curiosity within Elthas's heart. When the final destination was reached, Elthas stopped as the female cleric touched his forehead. Elthas did not feel anything out of the ordinary, but simply watched and waited. His excitement growing with every passing moment.

"Think before you act." The cleric said. "This is for real. Just remember that." Then she turned around and walked to her fellows to observe the battle.

Elthas felt his heart racing. He drew his two combat daggers and moved into a fighting stance.

It was all or nothing.