Confrontation

Balla roared in anger and pulled his large mace and shield into a fighting position. Moving towards Gargul, who did not move, but met him only with a cold stare of contempt.

Torbul intervened at that point, “Balla, quit being a child and accept your place. Your time will come.”

Balla said loudly, “I claim the right of manhood. Gargul has wronged me and he must pay retribution for his insult, or he must face me man to man in the ring. He can give me his human woman, or die.”

Torbul was clearly angry that things were getting out of hand. “Both of you stop it. We need to be moving before the Duke’s soldiers are upon us. Gargul offer your apology, and Balla accept it.”

Balla roared out. “No, I will have my payment for his insult.”

Gargul said back, “And I cannot accept an apology that has not been offered by this sheep fucker.”

Gargul eyed him and handed the human woman’s rope to his second, and let his gear drop to the ground. He carefully placed his shield on his arm and drew his long, sharp sword. Eyeing Balla he said to the group, “If the young fool wishes to die today, who am I to stop him.”