I stepped into the ring, spinning my staff. My arms were tired and I felt drained – the battle with a Templar who could strip my powers was taking its toll. Knight-Commander Meredith and I circled each other warily, never looking away from the other. The power of her insanity was growing with each step, the raw lyrium corrupting her mind and spirit. My right eye burned with the effort of watching her – so overwhelmed as she was by it.

Then she struck. She was so quick I barely had time to move out of the way, stumbling over the fallen statues. I grimaced as Meredith nicked my side in another move. Lightning arced across my staff as the massive blade pierced my side.

"You cannot win this Champion." She hissed, wrenching the blade in deeper. I winced and a low growl built up in the back of my throat.

"I must win this." I snarled through the pain-haze.

I drew on whatever mana I had left to throw her away from me. She hit the ground hard, stunned by the force. I advanced, blue fire gathering in the palm of my hand.

She was mumbling something under her breath, something that I couldn't hear from here. As I stepped closer I realized that coming close was a very grave mistake.

"Maker give your servant strength!" She howled and the raw lyrium exploded outward.

As the blast faded, the world went black around the edges. I swayed on my feet and collapsed with the sounds of my companions cries echoing in my ears.

Author's Note:

I'm a horrible person and I know it. :D