John rubbed his hands together, eager for the match to start. Down on the sand Master Sagan conjured a long thin sword for Damien. It looked just like his father’s demon sword. Did Master Sagan know or was it just a coincidence? Damien swished it back and forth, playing around. Beside him Eli groaned.

Sig got his weapon and roared for the crowd. They took their positions. “Begin!” Master Sagan said.

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John blinked and Damien’s sword was in Sig’s neck. Stunned silence surrounded him. Students and sorcerers gaped at Damien’s speed. From the intense look on several of their faces he suspected they were trying to figure out how Damien used his soul force without them noticing.

Amanda grabbed his sleeve and tugged. “What happened?”

“Damien won the first point.”

“I barely saw him move then it was over.”

John nodded. He’d dueled Damien once when they were little. He was nine and Damien eight, and he hadn’t fared any better than Sig. If the match lasted another full minute he’d be shocked.