Figowy's Stand

"I will not allow you to pass," Figowy growled as she gripped the hilt of her blade tighter. Her eyes bore into the hooded man before her defiantly. The cowards! They could not face her so they sent they sent this fool to meet his death? "I protect these people now. Tell your brethren that they no longer hold claim to this land or me!"

Canus stood beside his mistress, uncertain of what he should do. As her familiar he was bound to guard her but now as she stood before him, it looked as if she were guarding him. Never before had she stood up to her masters. What was she thinking? One word...with just one word from their cruel lips she could be brought to her knees, quivering and gasping for air!

"I suppose you should be warned," she said when he did not respond. She thrust her free arm forward and lifted it. The damp sleeve of her shift slid down to reveal nine thin bracelets. With a twist of her wrist, the bangles slinked down, one by one before they bunched together on her forearm. Lightning illuminated the runic engraving on the silver bangles. "Don't bother to count them. There is only nine. The master seal has been broken so my impure soul is no longer bound."

The man took a step back and clenched his fists at his sides. Almost as if by command, the wind tugged his hood back. He was young, perhaps even her age. The trademark platinum blonde hair of his brethren was swept from his eyes. Cold brilliant blue eyes that looked determined. They observed the witch before him without any trace of fear.

No fear? Figowy might have been impressed but she knew the ways of his brethren.  His false courage came from ignorance.  What was the saying?  She smirked.  Ignorance would not be a bliss today!

"Don't look so smug," the man spoke finally.  "I know of your tricks and I had suspected that the seal was missing."

Figowy's brows lifted.  Well, now wasn't that a surprise?  Even had the master seal been intact, he hardly looked to be a match for her.  The witch searched his eyes again.  Was he a suicidal glory hound or just another mindless follower sent to his death?

"I find it intriguing that you possess the humanity to want to protect those wretches," the man mocked. His voice was strong and carried without even a quiver along the cool wind. "Don't waste your pathetic pity on me.  I need no warning demon. I can hold my own against something as vile as you."

Vile?  Now he was pushing his fortune!  Still, from the conviction in his voice, Figowy knew why he had been chosen. The fool actually believed his own words! But then belief was always the most dangerous of attributes.  It would be fun to see just how strong his belief was.  It would have to be unwavering to beat her.  Dare she hope? Maybe...just maybe, he could back up his ego! She licked her lower lip hungrily. How long had it been since she was free to fight? To fight her way?