Leo doubted it would be so simple. He shook his head, glanced at his brothers’ solemn expressions. “It is a matter of integrity, Ivana. Nikolai has laid down the challenge, and I must accept. I must fight for you. I must fight for us.”
“No. I won’t let you. Do you hear me?” She thumped his chest with her clenched fists, the sound like a hollow drum. “I don’t want you. I lied when I said I loved you.” She fell to her knees, wrapped her arms around his leg and hugged it tight as she sobbed.
Leo glanced back over his shoulder. He locked gazes with Alexander, who came towards them and helped Ivana to her feet. “You are certain this is what you want to do?” Alexander said as he held Ivana to his chest.
“It is the only way. Would you not do the same in my situation?”
Showing some reluctance, Alexander nodded.
Elliot stepped closer and placed his hand on Leo’s shoulder. “After all that has happened, I cannot lose your friendship now. But I understand your desire to do what is right, what is needed.” He sighed deeply. “Forgive me, for the way I acted earlier. Know that I will never fail you again.”
“There is nothing to forgive. You have been my constant companion these last few years and during all that time you have always had my best interests at heart.”
“All this sentimental talk makes me feel nauseous,” Nikolai complained. “Well, are you man enough to accept the challenge, Leo?”
Leo’s mouth curled into an arrogant grin. “I think you know the answer.”
Leo did not wish to reveal his preferred method of engagement, but he suspected from Nikolai’s dress and cane that a sword would be his weapon of choice. Or, at least, he hoped that was the case. Besides, a fight to the death meant one of them must lose their head. Hence, a blade was a necessity. “Are we to fight in hand-to-hand combat?” he said feigning ignorance.
Nikolai sneered. “There is something so unrefined, something so vulgar about using one’s fists.”
“If we are to duel, I doubt you will find someone to act as your second.”
“A pistol is the weapon of a coward. There is little skill involved, and I am not a man who gambles his life on the efficiency of a trigger. We will fight as our ancestors did. We will fight with swords.”
Leo grinned inwardly. He would soon discover if Calvino’s tutoring had been worth the extortionate price he had paid. “As you have chosen the weapon, I feel it only fair I should choose the place.”
Nikolai rose from the chair and gave a dandified wave. “As you wish.”
Spatial awareness was the key to winning any fight. Leo knew he must choose an environment that worked to his advantage. His tuition had taken place in an empty room. Calvino believed one must not rely on barriers or objects as a means of defence. To hide behind a chair or table only served to weaken the mind: it gave a false sense of security. A swordsman must possess the skill necessary to defend in the dark. He should not need to see his opponent to anticipate his movements.
“I choose the courtyard.”
Nikolai appeared surprised.
Elliot bent his head and whispered, “It is raining. The cobblestones will be slippery underfoot.”
Leo suppressed a grin. “I know.”
The terrain must never be a disadvantage. Calvino’s words drifted through his mind as he recalled the time he had ridiculed his teacher for forcing him to parry whilst standing in a pit filled with small lead balls.
Ivana looked up at him. “Please, Leo. We will find some other way. If you care for me at all, please do not do this.”
Leo cupped her cheek, wiped a tear away with the pad of his thumb. “I love you, Ivana.” He felt the truth of it as the words left his lips. “But there is no other option open to us. I will not take a man’s life when he is outnumbered. To do so, would make me a coward, a murderer.”
“But he wants to
kill you.”
“Yes. And I will defend myself when necessary.”
She clutched his shirt. “I can’t watch you die.”
“Have a little faith,” he said knowing that all of their lives were dependent upon the outcome of this battle. “But know that whatever happens, I believe death brings peace. It brings freedom from our affliction.”
“Don’t say that.” She wrapped her arms around him. “Don’t leave me again.”
Leo could feel sorrow’s empty cavern opening up in his chest. Such an emotional exchange was not the best way to prepare for combat. He nodded to Elliot, who understood his concern without him needing to say a word.