The sound of slaps and thuds could be heard over the crackling of the fire. Two boys stood bloodied in a circle of fire sparring as the fire moved inward, bringing them closer.
The hot air was thick with the stench of blood and sweat. Onlookers held their breaths as they watched the latest fight. Brad and Ryan had both fought six other boys to get to the final round. Their opponents were badly bruised or burned.
Firefighter. It was an annual tradition among the boys of Lord Braxton's boarding school. Every summer, the boys gathered on the hill at the back of the school in the late evening. They sparred in circles that were separated from the surrounding ground by furrows. The ground of the circles was covered with woven mats. The patterned weave of the mats allowed the fire to burn a path to the centre, which was a 2-foot circle hole, just big enough for one boy to remain in the ring.
The crowd watched in anticipation as the fire burned closer to the fighters. This was the last fight before they had to return home. The winner of this match would be this year's firefighter.
Brad and Ryan had their rivalry brewing all year, with a few scuffles interrupted by the teachers. They had sworn to determine who was better between them. But they had not met prior to the final round. Now they fought desperately to best each other.
As the circle grew smaller and their strength waned, they threw fewer but calculated punches. Brad swung at Ryan, who dodged the blow. Brad found himself off balance. Taking the opportunity, Ryan shoved him through the fire and out of the ring.
"Ryan, you scoundrel!"
"Last one in the ring is king, Brad."
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