Andrew snorted, his face full of disdain. "In the end, you're still afraid of death. Or perhaps the idea of never wielding a sword again, of letting Swordhaven Keep be ridiculed for all time. That's a blow you simply can't withstand."

He added coldly, "For a swordsman, to be honest, your backbone isn't all that tough."

Alfredo gave a bitter laugh. "I have nothing to say for my defeat. In this lifetime, I'm likely no match for you or Reginald. Living on holds little benefit for me now.

"But An