Airovale · Episode Eight · By Jef Gray
The duel arrives with the inevitability of all things long delayed. Barra has come with parting gifts for the castaways, eager to see them gone — until he finds his betrothed in the arms of another man. Aden has discovered the truth about Canyon Myst, and a love for Kira that beckons him to remain. His urgency to warn the crew is perceived as cowardice. Barra drops the gifts and draws his sword.
Captain Von Holt weighs the news of the lost years and prepares to sail. Aden accepts the challenge and steps off the ship, knowing the crew will abandon him to their own interests. Barra charges with two swords against an unarmed man — but nothing is ever as it seems on Canyon Myst. Aden grew up an orphan on the streets of Airovale, survived prisons and starvation. Barra, the island's finest swordsman, meets an opponent equal to his skill.
Kira hovers above them, fists clenched in a call to the beasts that roam the field — ready to devour all but Aden at her command. But Aden refuses her protection, honoring the duel as a battle between men.
The outcome is grim, its consequences defined in the customs of Canyon Myst: Life for Life. The Law of Exchange counts the debts of decisions made, and collects its due as the duel concludes — and the Long Night begins.