---
"This is Shadeclaw," the old warrior said. His voice had not entirely lost its tremor, but it held. "We hear. We will match your move. On my count. Three. Two. One. Go."
Two shapes detached from each front.
From the Scarlet side, a pair of heavily scarred veterans stepped into the circle, moving slowly and deliberately, spears slung on their backs, hands held open where everyone could see them.
From the mountain, Silvershadow and Yavri moved, weapons sheathed, palms bare.
They crossed the sand like men walking over the back of a sleeping beast.
Silvershadow reached Kai first.
Up close, Kai looked even worse than he had from the ramp.
His armor was cracked in three places. Blood had soaked the left side of his harness and dried in a dark smear across his jaw. His white hair was matted with dust and sweat. His right arm lay flung out, fingers slightly curled, claws still stained with Vorak's blood.
