(29) - The Code Duello

Griffonclaw started down at where Thessandra lay, bloody and beaten on the grass just outside of Stormwind, and summoned the Light's healing for her, holding her on this side of death's dark doorway.

The Kaldorei huntress had demanded the duel, in front of witnesses, including Aislin. Griffonclaw had considered refusing; she was so mistaken in so many things, but her passion could not be denied. A lesson, then.

The pet spider had died first, and as with her, he had healed it just short of death.

He had dealt with her swiftly, without mercy, and left her bleeding, the jagged edge of his hellblade inflicting shadowy poisons as well as ripping her flesh asunder.

As she lay there, her muscle and tissue healing under his hands, he spoke to her in a stern voice.

"You fought well, but learn some lessons, Young One..."

"First - Keruptis was under death sentance, for killing and eating five guards during his escape from the Vault. I broke no laws in killing him."

"Second - He threw the fight. I was almost spent after banishing the Doomguard; he could easily have slain me, rather than follow me down to the sands. He knew what he was doing, and used me for his own ends - although what he hoped to achieve by that I cannot say."

"Third - Killing me gains the Obsidian Order nothing, except more vendetta from those who love me, and legal condemnation. Learn to pick your battles if you are to succeed. Keruptis had not learned that lesson, in his arrogance and power - and it was his downfall."

He called forth more power, imbuing her with something she would rarely have, given her company... the blessing of the Light. He turned to leave, debated, and added one last instruction.

"Fourth - and finally - there are differences between murder, killing, and duelling. Only with a the duel can you kill me with impunity, and then, only by observing the proper forms... and I am not an easy target. If you want an opponent dead, kill it from a distance, with one of your bullets to its head, without warning. Kill with purpose and effect, and find your honor in the result, not because you want to puff up your own sense of self-importance."

"Learn these or don't - I don't mind fighting stupid opponents".

And he entered the Stormwind gates.