In the morning they left town to continue on the road. Their way led to the east to Krishmar, the biggest city around. After half an hour they left Catherine stopped Joseph and showed him to stay silent.

"Someone is coming after us. They will reach us in a few minutes."

"Aren't they just travelling on the road?"

She stopped to think for a moment.

"I don't think so. It's 10 men on horses and they are coming fast. It seems like someone wants to catch up."

"Then let's wait and see what do they want."

"Okey."

They stood on the side of the road and waited for them. After a while they saw the horsmens coming from distance, they were galloping towards them. One of the faces was familiar. It was the guy, who got thrown out from the inn.

"It's that guy. Huh... I wonder what does he want."

The other people seemed well dressed and they didn't seemed like thugs, but more like nobles. When they reached them Claus stood with the horse in front of Joseph.

"The other day you made me look like a clown. So I've come for you."

An other guy, who looked like he was in his 40s took out a paper and started to read.

"Mr. Claus von Krishmar officially challanges you to a duel. If you loose the duel you'll have to bow down and appologize for him. If you winn the duel, you will be payed a 100 gold and Mr. Claus will never turn against you in case of the happenings in the past."

Joseph looked at the people gathered there. They all looked like people who were from Claus's houshold.

"I see. But why are there this many people here?"

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Claus frowned.

"What you are afraid?"

The other men who read up the paper answered.

"They are the witnesses of the duel and I will be the judge. I'm Bernard, an official member of the crown judges of Krishmar. I assure you there will be no cheating at the duel."

"Like I would need to cheat to beat a starved dog like him..."

Joseph looked at Catherine who just shrugged.

"So what would the duel be? Sword play, or magic is also allowed?"

The judge took out a parchment.

"The main rules of official duels are the following. None lethal weapons and magics are allowed. The duel will go on, until one side gives up, or loses consciousness. Any interference will make the duel invalid and the duel will be announced as draw. But the one who interfere will be punished severly."

"Seems straight forward. So I need to beat him until he looses consciousness?"

Claus laughed.

"Like you could do that!"

Joseph just smiled.

"Then let's duel."

They stood away from the road and then the witnesses made a circle around the two of them. Joseph looked at them.

"I think this circle will be small. Please stand back."

They looked at him supprised. Catherine stood the furthest away, so they all followed her example.

Claus took out a sword. Joseph laughed.

"Are you sure you only want to use that?"

"This will be more than enough."

The judge held up his hand. Then he let it fall down.

"Let the duel commence."

Claus instantly jumped forward and tried to hit Joseph with his sword, but he held out his hand and made his mana go out in a spiral form, that pushed Claus back. He felt on his back and made a painful caugh.

Then Joseph made a baseball sized ball from his manna and shot it at the guy who was standing up from the ground. He felt right back and let out an other painful sound. Every time he moved an other ball hit him.

"You don't really have a chance. You should learn how to handle this much, if you want to fight against anyone."

He shot an other ball at him, but this time Clause held out his sword and parried it.

"Hah!"

After that an other ball hit him right in the face. His nose started to bleed. Joseph made an other bullet in a form of a cone and shot it at him. It went through his right leg.

Claus shouted in pain. The judge intervened.

"That is enough. Claus lost the match."

"He is still conscious and did not give up."

Joseph made a hole in his other leg as well.

"Aaahhh!!! I give up! I give up!"

The judge ended the match.

They patched his leg up, so it doesn't bleed. Then the judge gave Joseph the gold.

"You have won the duel and here is your reward and here is the official paper from Mr. Claus for his statement."

He handed Joseph a parchment.

"Thank you."

They got on horses and galloped away even faster then they came.