The Acolyte and the Victor

Beneath the towering arch of bronze

The courtyard fell to stone

As Victor challenged the Acolyte

Who stood the duel alone

One bore with strength a mighty sword

The other honor more

But in the end nobility

Did on that day forswore

To witness such was fearful

As blade crashed down on blade

Seras held their mouths agape

And clutched their hands afraid

The metal hissed in battle

Sparks screeched in sudden flight

And when the bout was over

Twas Duren lost the fight

He stumbled to his feet again

Then cursed and screamed for more

All voices cried against it

As he fiercely raised his sword

A second time then wounded

Did Duren duel with ease

And fought with valiant effort

His pride to doth appease

Then came a mighty thunder

As Victor sliced the air

When Duren moved asunder

And took the last blow there

The blood poured forth in rivers

As healers rushed to aid

The gruesome slash upon his face

Carved there by the blade

A dreadful pale followed

The silent hush of pain

But no one e'er did doubt

His honor e'er again

He stared through red in victory

And deftly bore the sum

and though the battle lost

The Acolyte won.