After almost six more rounds, they have four last competitors. All four are sent to the arena at once. I glanced around, shifting from foot to foot. They split us into twos, and we're told that after there are two winners, those two fight, and the winner is determined. I took a deep breath. Easy, right?
The man I'm paired against is a young guy with black hair and startling blue eyes. He smirks. Taking a defensive position, he waits for my first move. I glance at the other two, who are already in battle. I could easily see that they weren't playing for the sport. Both wanted to see bloodshed. I rolled my eyes and turned towards my competitor. I charged, my sword almost dragging the ground. He swings down just as I bring my sword up, the two blades clashing, his jerking slightly in his hand. I stepped to the right, sliding my blade against his until mine was on top and shoving his blade down, the tip burying in the dirt. Using the heel of my foot, I kicked the back of his calf, causing him to fall just beside his blade. The bell rung twice. I glanced at the other two. One of them was on the ground, a cut on his cheek, and the other was smiling viciously at me. I stepped away from my defeated competitor, raising my blade and motioning for the man to come forwards. He charged, his blade slamming down on my own. I stepped back. He seemed a little different from the others...or maybe that was just the malicious glint in his eyes. I stepped to the side and brought my blade towards his midsection. His own blade caught my finger. I inhaled sharply, dropping the blade, but I wasn't out yet. I stepped backwards, taking the sword of my defeated opponent and pulling it up as he swung down. He glared, but I smirked at him. "Watch every move." I warned him, my toe under his. I pulled my foot up, causing me to roll forwards and him to fall backwards. Before he was on his feet, I had switched blades and had my own sword again, pointing it down at him. The bell rung and I looked at my finger. It looked like he'd gotten it pretty good. I looked up to the general, who looked worried. I turned to face him and the guy with the cut on his face dropped his blade, the metal inches from my face. So that's why...all three of the guys were back on their feet, their blades pointed at me. I whistled to the guards, but they stood back, as if this was nothing. I looked at the general, my sword in a defensive stance. He nodded and I dropped to one knee. Everyone was confused, but the general stood, walking up the stairs.
Two of the men charged and my entire expression changed from calm to serious. I waited until their blades were about to hit me when I rolled forwards. I turned, my sword catching one of their feet, cutting easily through the fabric. I winced. I really didn't want to do this. He fell to his knees, crying out. I jumped to my feet, swinging my sword towards the other. He blocked it, but I kicked his knee, dragging the blade across his palm. He dropped his sword. I felt another blade drag across my back and I gasped. The third man laughed. The guards ran out onto the field, but they couldn't save him. I turned, my sword going into his shoulder.