A second, a split-second, was the deciding factor in the duel, though Fitz himself was not astute enough to see it. No, all he saw was man become badger—a happenstance that he nodded to the nearby healer to deal with.

"The match to Selwyn," Fitz announced, not waiting for the un-badgering, "who will progress to the next round of competition! Well done to you both."

With no innate desire to become a badger himself, Fitz would have to be careful.