DAVE
Fifty Days
The King's fist connects with my ribs hard enough that I feel bones crack before the blessing repairs them. We've been sparring for three hours, and my body screams protest despite divine fire healing damage faster than he inflicts it. Dawn breaks over Tanalian in gold and pink that hurts to witness, Alaska asserting its dominance through beauty that transcends human aesthetics.
"You're holding back." He doesn't sound winded despite the violence we've been exchanging. "Still calculating angles like you're arguing before a judge instead of trusting the Prime to move your body."
"The Prime wants to kill you." My breathing comes harder than his, embarrassing given I'm four centuries younger. "Pretty sure that violates hospitality."
"The Prime recognizes worthy opponent an
