"Praise the Sentinels, your hand has completely healed," Nurse Abott said, examining Jammy's hand for the third time. Her smile was broad, yet a hint of surprise still flickered in her eyes. Jammy figured his spectacular recovery had more to do with Ved's secret elixir than Nurse Abott's potions.
"And it's good too, what with all the duels today." She applied an ointment that smelled of lavender. "Terrible for me, of course. The whole infirmary will be filled with kids by tonight."
"I might be one of them," Jammy mumbled, trying to keep the fear from his voice.
"You'll be fine. Just do your best," she said, still focused on his hand. "Besides, you have a bright future as a Flag star."
Jammy liked these one-on-one sessions with Nurse Abott. She was a tough old lady, but she cared for the students like a mother. He'd spent a lot of time in Yawana's infirmary, and it had always been bearable, largely because of her.
"Not if Rose has anything to do with it," Jammy grumbled.
"Hush, child! Learn to accept defeat with grace," she said, finally standing. "She certainly does."
"Yeah, when has she ever lost?"
"We all lose, James, and most of our defeats aren't there for everyone to see." She said giving him a strange sadness in her eyes. Jammy wanted to argue, but too many thoughts crowded his mind. And he knew she was right.
"The duels are this evening, so don't put too much stress on your arm. Rest up and do your best." She then left in her crisp black and white uniform, walking too quickly for someone her age.
Jammy rested his head back, thinking of the duels to come. He was nervous. He hadn't practiced enough with his broken hand and could barely manage basic spells with his off-hand.
"I imagined you'd be a little happier with your hand healed." Ved's quiet voice jolted him from his daydream.
"How do you do that?" Jammy asked.
"Do what?"
"Just appear so quietly."
"You were daydreaming. Nurse Abott greeted me quite loudly."
"Uh-huh."
"What's up?"
"I don't know. Just thinking about the duels. What are you going to do?" Jammy asked squinting.
"You think I have an idea?" Ved sounded amused.
"Yeah, because despite being the laziest bum at Yawana, you're somehow top of the class." Jammy said throwing a pillow.
"That's just books, Jammy."
"No, it's not just books. Like what is that drug you gave me." He said in a low voice, "My hand's completely healed. Even Nurse Abott couldn't manage that."
"Did it do anything to you?" Ved asked looking finally interested.
"What do you mean?"
"The drug I gave you. Did it make you sleepy or dreamy, I don't know?"
"No, nothing like that. In fact, I feel better than ever. Even my knee feels better."
"That's good."
"So, give me some ideas. What do I do today?"
"I don't know, Jammy. I just heard it's an Instant Death duel, right?"
"Yeah, I did too. What does that mean?"
"We'll find out soon enough." Ved whispered handing him another vial of drug. "Just in case you need a little help."
Jammy clutched the vial tight in his hands smiling. This was better than nothing.
***
At exactly six in the evening Jammy marched with his friends to the Flag grounds which had never looked so alien to Jammy.
Gone were the house stands the banners and the floating lights. In their place: a vast, cleared floor glowing with the pale blue shimmer of containment runes. The enchanted dome overhead reflected a noonday sky, too bright, too serene, for what was about to unfold below.
He stood among the other students of Yawana, his stomach turning in knots. The champions and students from the visiting schools watched from the raised balconies, their eyes like measuring scales. And they were not the only ones. Teachers, Ministers of the Parliament and even first-years packed the seats above, murmuring with excitement and dread.
A duel to the last.
Professor Sidharta's voice cut through the tension, sonorous and cruel in its calm. "Students please pay attention. The rules are simple. This is an Instant Duel of Death. Two opponents will be ported at random on the ground to face their opponents. Be ready there will be no start or finish bell. No safety spells. Every spell save the Death Curses are permitted."
Jammy glanced sideways at Javi, who stood stiff beside him, hands twitching slightly as if already rehearsing counter-spells. Raj was at the edge of their group, oddly silent, eyes fixed on the ring.
Ved was standing behind and even he looked more attentive than he had ever seen him be.
The air turned electric. A pulse in the runes. A shimmer in the ground. Then, the first names rang out.