He bit his lip, thinking hard about what to do. They'd both be in trouble if he refused to fight her, but she was so young. Too young. His lack of action would put her in danger just like that awful mistake he had made before, but if he did act he'd still hurt her. She'd be punished for losing. He could put up an act and let her win, but then who would she face later on? Would it be crueler to let her advance? Then there was breaking his word to Ankh if he lost... if he didn't win, would that mean Ankh would go back on his promise not to kill anyone?

It was too much to think about at once. He was paralyzed.