A Firm Grip

The stiffness loosened across my joints. Deliberately, I tested the balance in my gauntlets. My fingers closed tighter around the golden staff and the heavy green-bladed sword. Before me stood a tall green-cloaked figure, completely motionless, bearing orange flames that did not flicker. I extended the golden staff slightly forward, letting its tip tap against the carpet to confirm my footing. Solid. Measured. I pulled the staff back and stood ground, ready.