“After last night, I expected more than just a boy,” Foray said. “You’re quite a novice for these four buffoons gave you as much trouble as they did. Still, considering your physical build, it is by magic alone that you were able to beat any of them.”

“You plan to put up more of a fight than them?” I asked, more to hide my fear than out of any vanity.

“Most assuredly,” Foray replied.

He approached slowly, and I waited. I watched each step, made myself aware of every flutter of his dark green cloak as he moved. More than likely he was stronger and had more experience fighting than I. My one advantage was magic. The best thing I could do was strike him down before he had a chance to make an attack.