A Desperate Venture

"Oh, I think I know," Joan said. "It must surely be Arthema herself. If I can challenge, defeat and kill their leader in single combat, then the amazon forces will surely be demoralised, maybe even retreat without a battle.

"I'll need a sword, and some more appropriate attire. Full armour is not practical, I think. It would take too long to manufacture any that would fit me, and anyway the weight might be too much for Ecstasy to carry. But how I look will be important psychologically, and this peasant garb isn't suitable."

"Hold on; not so fast," Uxton objected. "You saw on your reconnaissance flight that the Evil Belboz was standing right next to Arthema. He's hardly going to let you defeat her without intervening. I know you have enhanced strength, speed and agility. That's great for fighting Arthema, but it won't count for anything against a mage."

1. "That's a risk I'll have to take," Joan said. "I can't see any other way, can you?"
2. "I don't think he'll intervene," Belboz said. "Arthema won't let him. It would mean a massive loss of face for her in front of her troops, as it would imply that she wasn't confident of winning fairly."
3. "I can give you a measure of protection against his magic," Belboz said.
4. "I think you're jumping to conclusions in assuming that it's Arthema you must fight," Jastina objected to Joan.

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