As Kanu followed Hassian the crowd became thicker and the sounds of shouting became louder. He did not know the language, but Kanu knew the sounds. These were the sounds of a frenzied crowd watching as warriors sparred as weapon met weapon. Hassian seemed nervous, or enraged, Kanu could not tell. As they got closer they witnessed a large circle dug into the sand to separate the crowd from two fighters clashing.

Their weapons were different than what Kanu had seen. One man used a large club with two braided ropes and knots at each end. Hassian explained that this was a kind of whip. The other used a club as well, but his featured a large jagged ball on the end, a type of mace, Hassian explained. The man with the whip was fast, a lot of rolling and dodging. It was mesmerizing to Kanu, he had never seen a man primarily dodge as his way of attacking. He wasn’t able to land many glancing blows but a whip did not seem to be a useful weapon to Kanu. As the man with the mace brought down a crushing blow on his arm it was proved to be true. The man with the whip screamed out a word Kanu did not understand but the man with the mace yielded. Hassian was unable to hide his disgust as the man celebrated his victory. People collected their funds as another looked for a new challenger.

“You do not seem happy,” Kanu finally noticed his new friend’s emotion.

“That is the man that killed Zakia. He had the victory and Zakia yielded but he landed a final blow to Zakia’s side. He immediately spit blood from his mouth and succumbed to his wounds later.”

“Then you seek vengeance.”

“I do, and I am confident in my skill. But, I also know I am too emotional and at disadvantage.”

Kanu nodded, and contemplated his friend’s plight and what it meant to be a friend. Kanu quickly decided that as a friend, it was his duty to help Hassian gain some kind of vengeance. When the man seeking challengers came near Kanu volunteered quickly sending whispers through the crowd as Hassian tried to prevent him.

“You do not know what you are doing,” Hassian shouted at Kanu.

“I know how to fight. I spent most of my life fighting, I will be okay. I will avenge your friend.”

“I did not ask you to do that.”

“But it would haunt you if you did not see revenge.”

“You are an outsider, if you kill him, you will be sentenced to death.”

“Then I will not kill him,” Kanu smiled an awkward smile in an attempt to calm Hassian. “Please, bet on me. I will regain the coin you spent to purchase my meal.”

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Fighting was something that Kanu excelled at; he had been fighting for survival his entire life. On this morning, he would fight for someone else. It was an odd feeling for him, never having fought for anyone else. Kanu drew his sword and prepared for the signal beginning the fight. It never came as the man rushed forward with his mace. Kanu barely dived away causing the crowd to cheer. They were a people made up of individuals from many lands, but Kanu was an outsider and they were eager to see him quickly beaten by their champion. The crowd was larger than any that Kanu had ever seen but it was no different than any he had seen. Hundreds, maybe thousands cheering for his defeat. Would he be an outcast wherever he went? He had n ever run from a fight before he left home, now he was unsure he was a warrior still. Did he still have the heart, or ability to fight? Kanu lost focus and dropped his sword as the mace crashed into his hand. Kanu abandoned the sword and put distance between them. He could spot Hassian shouting, but could not make out the words. He needed to focus. Kanu closed his eyes, only for a second, letting the noise of the crowd vanish from his mind, leaving just him and his opponent. In a moment he analyzed his opponent’s style; slow, brutish and close. Kanu opened his eyes as his opponent rushed in. Tucking his head to his chest he rolled through the attack and removing the assegai from his back in a single movement. The crowd was excited, they were sure they would be seeing a fight now, but Kanu did not hear them. As his opponent swung his mace again Kanu dodged slamming the wooden end of the assegai into the back of his knee. It would not stop him, but it was a start. Another dodge, another blow, this time to his shoulder. He would bring the charging beast down limb by limb. It was not as exciting as the crowd hoped, but it was a sure victory. Kanu became comfortable and did not expect his opponent to kick sand into the air. Kanu bare dodged, still taking a heavy blow to his own shoulder. He was no longer calm, there was no honor in this fight. As his opponent laughed and taunted Kanu gathered himself. Another dodge, this time Kanu sliced the opponent’s side, cutting through his garment and displaying blood to the crowd. They were more excited now than at any point prior. Another cut, and another followed by another. Kanu was sure not to make any fatal wounds, but he no longer hesitated to draw blood. He would cut the flesh from his opponent if it meant victory. The man was weak from blood loss, the rage could no longer allow him to ignore his wounds. Kanu was not tired, he still had plenty of energy, choosing to go on the offensive. More cuts until he realized his opponent was on the verge of collapse but still refusing to yield. A final blow from the back of his spear to his opponents head dropped him a cloud of sand as the crowd began to shout and applaud Kanu. Quic

Kanu collected his sword and some gold coins of his own before returning to Hassian who seemed to be relieved.

“They are calling you The Ebony Eagle,” Hassian laughed.

“I don’t get it.”

“Your dark skin and eagles are beautiful yet vicious bird who stalk their prey and find creative ways to kill them.”

“It sounds better when you speak it in my language,” Kanu laughed.

“Thank you.”

“Shall we go see your father now?”

“Yes.”

The two would discuss fighting techniques as they made their way to the front of the cafilia where they leaders would be. The actual fight was done, a favor between friends. Zakia’s death would not be repaid with death today, but it would be enough to calm Hassian and allow him to focus on the task at hand. Kanu was simply glad he could do something to make his new friend smile, and that his ability to fight did not leave him when he left home.