The Villain's Hero
“You did not compete for the flag. You cheated your way to it.”
“They used their heads,” Daerton said from the table behind us. I glanced over my shoulder in surprise. I had not known he was there. He had turned on the bench to face us, in order better to hear a conversation. “And took the opening presented to them. Brute strength is not the only skill required for winning. Intelligence, quick wit, cooperation, and magical ability were all demonstrated by Aien and Daethie, and so, you are wrong, Liam. They do deserve their prize, and Akyran and Ecaeris agree.”
“Whatever,” Liam was non-plussed by the interruption. “Excuse me. Tomorrow morning, princess?” He said as he rose to his feet.