These two are really evenly matched. Both sit, grunting, struggling for supremacy. Hjördis' arm twitches just a touch, and Cormar smiles. He flexes hard, seeing this as an opportunity.

But this is one of Hjördis' best tricks. She clamps down, and the moment his burst of power is spent, she slams his arm down. The match is won.

Before Hjördis can gloat in an unladylike manner, I quickly wave over a barmaid. "Two beers for these fine warriors," I say, tossing her two silver coins.