I appeared in a blaze of heatless fire, flames rushing the length of my sword as I lifted it high to salute the crowd. The ring was larger and the applause louder than I had anticipated, somehow. It seemed like a long time since I last stood here.

The announce spoke just as the flames swirled into a cloak and disappeared,
“The Swordsman, Shu Sam Chen!”
A new flash of orange lit up the banners above me and slowly died away, revealing the banner of crimson lit by a single flame. I smiled at the fresh wave of applause, bowing deeply again and searching for the other legends.

The other heroes stood tall, drawn from other lands, other worlds – but they were friends and comrades bound by the Order of the Ficleteers, and they too honoured the call. Sir Bic, of course, Sir Robert, and many others – fellow wordsmiths of the highest calibre.

I rested the sword’s point against the ground and spoke of greatness.