ting his relief show. "I want you or someone you
choose to teach me Sandeman magic, clan-chief. The only way I can see
for an outsider like myself to end this war is to challenge whoever the
clans designate to single combat, and I'd have no chance in a
conventional battle. I was told shortly after I arrived that I have
strong magical powers, though, and that you were the only ones who
could train me to use them at their maximum. I have had no training
whatsoever, so I have no bad habits to unlearn."

Ryan frowned. "I can testify to your power, Prince; that was obvious
in the strength of your automatic defense against my compulsion spell.
But magic training is started young, as soon as the . . . I suppose you
could call them magical-energy channels . . . begin to develop. With
respect, you are no longer young; such training would be both painful
and dangerous. And fighting a magical duel would be even more so. I
would prefer not to pay our debt in such a negative way."

"I was under the impression the choice was mine," Medart said quietly.

"It is, Highness, and if you insist I will begin your training myself
as soon as proper preparations can be made. But honor also requires
that I point out the drawbacks and possibility of injury."

Medart frowned. "The Imperials didn't want to teach me because their
training would limit my powers, not because the training itself was
dangerous."

"They also told you, I'm sure, that there are great differences in
methodology. Terran magic operates primarily through symbols, tools,
and ceremony; ours operates through personal mana. There's very little
danger in their method, but as they admit, it costs them power. We
accept the risks in return for that extra edge."

Medart chuckled. "Exactly the reaction I'd expect. Since I need that
edge too, I have to accept the dangers as well. How long will it take
for me to learn enough to fight a duel?"

Ryan shrugged. "We have very little information on training adults,
none on training Terrans, so I have no way to give you an estimate.
Why?"

"I want to end this war, and end it as soon as possible. It's as
simple as that."

"In that case, I'd suggest you issue challenge right away. That will
bring an immediate truce, which will last until after the duel. And
the duel cannot be fought until Clan Vader has finished discharging its
life-debt, now that we've begun."

"How do I do that?"

"Since you're leaving the choi