Shatterer of Worlds: A Novel

A murmur arose in the crowd. Is it true? Even the Boentu Guardians seemed unclear whether they should allow the challenger into the stadium.

Mehar Renecke frowned at the woman, his blue eyes narrowed with displeasure. The tourney had been going so smoothly up until now. He had no clue whether this custom was true or not. In all his years as Mehar, he had not heard of it. Only one person here would know for certain. He strode to the stands to speak with Katha and Quani, who were already deep in discussion.

“I know of no such tradition,” Mehar Renecke said flatly. “However I am not Boentu-born. Is there some chance that this is true, or can I finish my tourney in peace?”

Quani chewed on his lip thoughtfully. “It is said that in older times Boentu could challenge warriors in the tourney.” He then added hurriedly, “However, this was many generations ago. We have not followed such traditions in over a hundred years.”

Unhappily, Renecke turned to Katha. “What is your decision, my liege?”

Katha shrugged. “It seems to me that this person has a valid claim. Let her enter the arena.”

Sighing, Renecke turned towards the confused Guardians and with a slight tilt of his head, indicated that the woman be brought into the arena.

All around, spectators leaned forward to catch a glimpse of the mysterious woman that interrupted the festivities. Yasana, who was seated next to Quani also leaned forward, curious about this girl who dared challenge her daughter. She wasn’t worried for Arjuna. Of all the competitors today, Arjuna was easily the most skilled and the most ferocious. It would take some courage to want to challenge her daughter, and for that, Yasana had to see the woman for herself.

Into the arena stalked the tall, haughty figure, glaringly challengingly at the audience. Some of the audience had begun to boo her, but the boos quickly died down once they saw her features. The woman was not full Boentu. Although she had the ears of a Boentu, her limbs were slender and completely hairless.