We have all sold our hope. The words beat in a jarring rhythm inside his head, swirled around in a hopeless dance like oil and water. Defe...

We have all sold our hope.
The words beat in a jarring rhythm inside his head, swirled around in a hopeless dance like oil and water. Defeat lingered on the edge of Govinda’s consciousness, a welcome salve to the torment he felt. But to deny himself that consolation held pleasure, as though there was something more to be said and he had not said it yet.
In a daze, Govinda reached up with a strength he did not know was in him and grabbed Chanuran’s right arm. Before his opponent could react, Govinda pulled the limb towards him, uncaring of the way the fingers curled as Chanuran harnessed his magic. Ignoring the ball of fire that bloomed from the middle of the Magician’s palm, the way it singed Govinda’s brows and lips, he bit down as hard as he could on Chanuran’s wrist. “Aah!” Chanuran cried out, more taken unawares than hurt by the attack. His vice on Govinda slackened.
Govinda was ready. He pulled down on Chanuran’s left arm with all his might. Slipping out of his opponent’s grasp, he rolled away and pushed himself up on to his knees. A welcome pain hit his lungs as air finally filled them. Wheezing...