Duel #14

Duellists:

Referee:

Date:

Challenge Words:

Original versions:

Web-site versions:

Denny's rules: No rules.

Referee’s decision:: NO time problems -- bloody Malinov took only 1 hour, 59 minutes! Katie took just about the full 3 hours.

Each had a couple typos--<shrug>; Malinov left one fragmentary sentence.

Both did a good job of incorporating the words into the stories; not that they're peculiar words.

I'm supposed to pick a winner--and I have two really good stories here. Both are well-plotted, complete, with characters who the reader can 'know'. Just checked the rules. "The referee declares a winner, based on the referee’s own subjective opinion of the stories..."

Good thing it's not 'objective' -- I'd declare a draw.

But I've resolved 'no more ties'--so I'll pick a winner on subjective grounds.

Sometimes I find Malinov a bit too busy painting with words, and letting the action lag. Not in this case. Given my general tastes, and an assortment of personal things, I like 'Wizardry' a wee bit more than 'Mallory'--but it's very close.

Thanks to Mal and Katie for writing excellently. Not that I expected less.

Denny