Chapter 22
Copyright © Gem Higa 2011
Something cold and wet dribbled down Leiv’s cheek until it trailed down to her chin, immediately waking her up. She wiped the drool stains that left a trail from her mouth, sitting up as she did so. At some point during the last hours of their travel she must have nodded off. It seemed her body forced itself to rest at every possible moment, probably afraid there wouldn’t be another time.
Winds quickly picked up speed, the baring trees twitching in response as each leaf started the stages of discoloration. Fall had just begun which meant it was too early for the cycle to start, but the outlands went through decay twice as fast as the other regions The winters were longer there, sometimes overlapping spring completely. It was like the place held its own pattern of seasons – changing quickly and drastically that not even the vegetation could keep a proper routine.
After leaning up against the bars for some time, all the muscles ached in places where they normally wouldn’t. Everything seemed to hurt; even when she tried stretching out the numbness, the pain would ebbed and refuse to fade. Leiv stopped trying to massage parts of her body, because it was completely useless.
Their caravan had finally stopped, but where, she had no idea. The few withering trees they passed had subsided, and left the terrain with nothing but rocks and dirt. Frigid winds whipped her hair, as the bitterness bit at her skin. Thought it was not pleasant, it was easily bearable. The rocky terrain left only a narrow trail for their group to travel on, one that was used quite often judging by the worn dirt trails they moved upon.
She tugged at the fringes of her cream colored shirt – which reached the points of her elbows – trying to bring it down further with no luck. Even her green and brown leather bodice, which served as a second layer provide no extra protection against the prevailing winds. The clasps holding the garment in place gave no signs of tearing, as the outfit held true. Though there were several cuts on her clothing, there weren’t any major holes that would cause air to seep through. Not even the fitted wool pants she wore bore any signs of true wear – the seamstress had known what she was doing.
Ahead of them stood a large rock formation, the barrier spanning a good couple hundred miles. The path brought them to a large opening, which seemed to lead into a spacious cavern. Desmond was speaking to Theo in the front of their party, then called out to one of his scouts. After a few moments the barbarian scout rode to the entrance of the cavern and went right through the darkness.
Tristan trotted his horse right next to her cage, holding something in his hands. “I brought these for you.” He slipped a bundle through the metal. “You might want to put it on. We’re entering the caverns in a few minutes after the scout comes back with the signal that it’s safe to enter.”
“Thank you.” Unfolding the cloth, she found herself holding a green cloak that was perfectly her size.
“It was my mothers.”
She looked at him. “I can’t take this.”
“No, use it. I insist. I’ve held onto it for far too long.”
“Is your mother-“
“Gone?” He finished. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It was long ago.”
A whistle sounded from the path ahead. The scout stood in front of the cavern’s entrance, signaling them to come. Desmond then turned to his men and commanded them to proceed forward. The mouth of the cave looked larger as they approached, revealing not a dark tunnel, but a dimmed one.
Entering the open space, Leiv wrapped the cloak tightly around her body as the temperature around them dropped significantly. Looking behind, she saw the rest of her companions were also given something warm. If this was fall, she could only imagine what winters were like. Shivering slightly, she watched the men around her pay no heed to the coldness. Were they this thick-skinned?
The cavern was fitted with torches that lined the walls, lighting their way through the once darkened tunnel. She could hear water dripping from the surfaces, cascading down onto the ground below. The hollow cave reached as high as any castle she had ever seen, the ceiling invisible to the naked eye as it disappeared above into the darkness.
Crumbles of rock fell from the sides, and as Leiv looked up she was met with figures hovering over them in several places; watching their every move. They mimicked sentries that patrolled the kingdom at all hours of the day. Several of them lined the high ledges of the cavern, pacing back and forth. The men merely watched as they passed through, keeping a close eye on them.
Faint glimmers of light filtered through ahead, and as they continued forward it turned into a beacon that signaled the tunnel’s near end. Silhouettes of a few men walked from the light and stood stationary at the exit, waiting for their group to reach them.
“Remember,” Tristan whispered, “be strong, and above all just be yourself.”
She tensed, but nodded.
Since her caravan was placed in front, Leiv was able to see the men that greeted them when they finally reached the mouth of the cavern. Like all the others they were husky in build and tall in height.
“My liege, welcome home.” A black-haired man who was about Desmond’s height came and clasped arms with him as a sign of respect.
The mage smiled. “It’s good to be home.”
“Who do we have here?” The second barbarian walked up to her cage. His hair was a red mess atop his head, as his nose was just a bit too large for his face. He looked more like a bird than a person. He inspected her, roaming his eyes up and down her body. “Is this her?”
Desmond looked upon the man with mild disdain, but quickly changed his face to friendly when the barbarian turned around. His eyes that once flared annoyance switched to something calmer, forcing himself to be diplomatic about everything.
The last man who finally spoke, looked at her with curiosity. “You really think she could fight in the arena? She’s so small.” He appeared older than the other two, but was shorter than both. His baldhead produced a slight sheen with the sun’s light and it took everything she had not to giggle.
“I wouldn’t underestimate our new friend so quickly.” Theo moved his horse closer to the cage and turned his head to wink at her. “You’d be surprised how something that appears so insignificant could wield such enormous power.”
Three of the men laughed as Theo and Desmond got off their horses. They grabbed the reigns and walked out of the cavern, pulling their steeds alongside them while the rest of the group followed suit. The moment they exited the damp tunnel, she was bombarded with the sun’s light protruding through the trees.
They walked through a lush forest, which no one would have ever predicted existed on the other side of the massive facade. They passed about a dozen streams and several barbarians going about their daily routine. Many stopped their chores to look at the troupe passing by. Most waved at the men returning home, but more than half only had eyes for her. It felt like they were sizing her up and the feeling unnerved something within.
Many thoughts took up space in her mind, but none so important as winning those games. She would go through whatever Jeo came up with, and once victory was won, everyone including her, would be set free. It was only a matter of time.
They neared a fort of some kind. The wooden fence surrounding the entrance reached about to what a third story home might be. The ends were sharpened, preventing intruders from climbing over as watch posts were erected along the barricade, each containing a crossbow-wielding watchman. The gates were wide open for anyone to pass through as they pleased, while sentries covered the gate by pairs. Leiv wasn’t sure how far the partition stretched, but it could’ve been miles.
She couldn’t help but bring her face up against the bars, trying to really identify her surroundings. Their stronghold looked similar to a large village’s size. As they entered the gates many of the people watched in idle response as their caravan moved slowly through.
Houses were not as bunched up like they were in king’s town, but instead left enough room for horses to pass through in-between. They were made of large wooden pieces, same as those used for the fortified walls surrounding the village. Their roofing material was hard to distinguish from where she sat, but it looked like long leaves strapped together. Unlike cobblestone streets, the paths were made of densely packed dirt, which led up to the inside of their homes. She could only imagine how muddy it must be during the rainy seasons.
Reaching their destination, the men who greeted them following behind rode up to meet with their leader and his advisor. Among the group, Tristan hung back and listened in. He eyed Leiv with a weary glance as he trotted over to her side.
“What’s wrong?” She asked.
“Desmond is arguing to give you a proper welcome, but the other leaders disagree.”
“And what’s been decided?”
“The pit.”
“Pit?”
“It’s a dungeon area underneath the arena.”
“When will I fight?”
“Tonight.”
“Already?”
“Weakness is not an option, remember?”
She sat, resigned to her fate. “So be it.”
“Leiv,” he begun with a weary tone. “Desmond tried to show them reason, but they’re stubborn and won’t budge. There is only so much he can do without unjustifiably overruling them.”
Leiv turned her head. “This is what I’m supposed to look forward to?”
“They don’t know you like some of us do. Make the rest see who you really are.” He sighed. “I’ll see you soon. Good luck.” Tristan turned and guided his horse down the right path.
One day that he’ll get into trouble. She smiled to herself.
Most who passed, gazed at her with skeptical looks. It felt more like an inquisition than just curiosity, but she tried paying it no heed. Her brain needed to focus on the main objective. Flexing her hand, she felt the power vibrating just underneath layers of skin; the heat stirring within the veins slithered underneath, while the fingertips tingled slightly with restrained energy.
Two men came to her cage and unlocked it, swinging the heavy metal bars outward to allow passage. They shuffled to the side, waiting patiently for Leiv to emerge on her own accord. Not a single man made an attempt to force their possible Morrigan from the cage, as they all watched in anticipation as to what she would do.
Scrounging up all the available pride she had left, Leiv flowed gracefully out of the caravan and waited for further instructions. The boots Leiv wore crunched the barren earth underneath each heavy weight of the laced boots. Her companions sat frozen, each awaiting both their fates and hers. Deklan in particular seemed uncommonly aggravated. Not like he was worried for her safety, but looked to be growing impatient. The tapping on the bars, heavy sighs and constant twitches were clear signs of restlessness. It was a striking difference compared to the other faces of concern. She closed and rubbed her eyes, thinking it was just a trick of the mind as well as exhaustion playing its games.
The heavy sounds of footsteps neared as she turned her head. Desmond looked at her with stern eyes, nothing like the warmth he had always shown her. Peering at the others around him, she figured it was for their benefit he acted accordingly. Remembering Tristan’s words, she straightened her back and returned with a strong, defiant look of her own.
He swallowed a sigh. “Some of the other leaders have agreed that you should stay in the pit until the games have begun. I know it’s sudden but,” his words turned into a whisper, “I can’t overrule them without showing mercy and favoritism. If I do that then they will never respect you.”
“I’ve endured harsher things. I’m sure I can handle it.”
“I know.” Conflicting emotions shone through the mage’s eyes. “The best I could do is at least remove you from that cage for now.”
“Thanks.”
“This is the last time I’ll speak to you before your brought forth into the arena. Remember to always think before responding with an attack. Jeo’s games are dirty, and he will try whatever is necessary to bring you down. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
Desmond placed a hand on her shoulders, squeezing it. “I don’t need to tell you this, but may the fates look down upon you.”
“Milady, your horse.” A stubble faced man handed over the reins of a beautiful black steed, with its eyes full of bliss. Hoisting herself up, she swung her leg and seated herself properly on the horse. Seconds later a barbarian, no taller than she trotted over with his horse and grabbed hold of the reins, leading them down another trail.
She turned back and looked into the eyes of her companions, sending assurances that everything would be all right – or at least she hoped. Their carts jostled along the road as they kept quiet and watched the several homes passing them.
A massive structure came into her peripheral, and the minute she looked up at the tattered foundation it filled her somewhat with anticipation. The rivulets covering the aged exterior were layered with grime through the ages and soot that was permanently pressed in. The building’s body had been shaped like a dome – the entirety of the walls didn’t have a sharp edge in sight.
Her captives brought the horses to the right, passing the massive entrance that would soon open its doors to the barbarians for a brutal show. Taking the steeds about halfway past the front, they stopped at what looked to be a small entrance on the side. The barbarian dismounted the mahogany horse, producing a brass key from his pocket to unlock the secluded door.
The rest brought the others and hustled them through, purposely distancing them away from each other. She could feel the steps slanting as they made their way underneath the arena. It was entirely narrow until they fully emerged into an open space. The darkness shortly overtook them as only the barest of lights illuminated at the very end of the shadowed corridor, making it near impossible to move even slightly.
The dimly lit room held only a few torches that had been positioned in certain parts of the enclosure, casting a faint luster that protruded through the metal gates of each cage. There were about 10 cells underneath the arena, each the same size as a servant’s quarters back in the castle. They were dingy as they were damp, not one of them had been cleaned in some time. On the way to her cell, an open door became visible to the left, which led to a set of stairs that spiraled to the top. Leiv had an idea it would be the way she exited when they called her for the games, and knew perfectly well it might be the last place she would be anywhere near safe before the blood bath began.
Hesitating a few seconds, she finally entered one of the dreary cells and walked the short steps it took to reach the back of the cage. Without needing to turn, she could hear the door slam shut, and the barbarian walking away with the keys clamoring against his palms. The others had been shoved into similar cages, opposite her own as each hammered against the alloy. The sound of footsteps echoed lightly through the corridor, finally receding into the darkness. Sounds of horses flitted through the small cracks of the concrete above the dungeon, adding white noise to the cells.
There was no use in expelling energy calling out, they were stuck. Across the space, her father was standing as his face leaned up against the bars. He was a vast difference to Deklan who kept clanging his fists against the bars. The young prince was out of character lately, and it unnerved Leiv to him that way. There was something going through his head, and she hadn’t faintest idea what.
“Leiv,” Karmine said, “are you alright?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Are you really going to go through with this?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“We can plan an escape. We’re all finally together.”
“Honestly, do you think we would even have a chance to escape these holding cells? Then fight all their men? Even if we manage to do that we won’t be able to flee past the sentries in the cavern, much less outrun the lot of them.”
“Can’t I take your place?”
“Even if they would let you, I wouldn’t. This is my fight.”
“What if you don’t make it?” Kenji whispered, finally looking up from his sitting position on the floor. “What happens to us?”
She shook her head. “I’m not sure.”
“So, our only chance to get Hana back and escape this place would be for you to win?”
“You say that like it’s not possible.”
“It’s not you I don’t trust, it’s them. What if they’re torturing her right now?”
“Why have you been in a weird mood since Hana disappeared? I know you’re worried about her, but more so than anyone you’ve known.”
Before he could answer a cough bounced through the dungeons, catching her off guard. It brought an immediate hush through the cells as she cautiously moved forward, pointing her ears outward to hear where the noise come from.
“Hello?” Leiv spoke loud enough for them to hear, but not enough to startle them. “Is anyone there?”
Silence.
“Do you see anyone?” She asked the others.
“No, it’s too dark.” Eli replied.
Coughs vibrated through the gaps between the concrete and into the open chamber. “Yes,” a small voice squeaked. “I’m here.”
Something injected her with excitement as the feeling of urgency filled her every vein. “Hana?” She beat on the bars. “Hana! Is that you?”
“Hana!” Yelled Kenji.
A groan. “Yes.” The light patter of feet moved through the cell on her right, the bars clanging as a hand pushed through and hung in the air. “You found me.”
Leiv stuck her own arm out and clasped at Hana’s hand as tears began pouring down her face. “I will always find you.” She clutched on even tighter. “Are you alright? Did they hurt you?”
“I’m fine. Nothing that won’t heal.” She released Leiv’s hand to wipe the tears that streamed down her own face.
“Thank the fates.” Kenji said, his voice cracking.
Leiv ignored him. “What do you mean?”
“There was always one man who treated me with less kindness than the others.”
“His name?”
“I’m not sure. I never heard it spoken.”
“Give me your hand once more.”
Hana didn’t hesitate and let her hands clasp Leiv’s. The energy that flowed from within the young queen and into the seer could only be described as magical. Slowly, several welts appeared on Leiv’s arms, spreading across her chest, as a burning sensation seared across her back. Gashes on the tops of her fingers cracked open, while her ribs throbbed with a constant aching pain. It was obvious Hana exaggerated her healthiness, and in turn made Leiv angry for everything this nameless man put her through. She grasped tighter, trying hard not to show the pain emanating throughout her body. Letting go of Hana, she braced herself on the wall, and slowly slid down to a sitting position to allow the wounds to seal themselves. One by one the pain ebbed away until she was able to move without hurting.
“Are you alright my queen?”
It took her a moment to answer. “I’m fine. And stop calling me queen.”
Hana sighed, most likely feeling better than she has in days.
“Next time Hana don’t lie to me. Especially not about how hurt you are.”
“I didn’ want you worrying about me to the point you put yourself in danger.”
“Kind of too late now don’t you think?” She backfired.
Her voice was solemn. “I know, sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. I’m just feeling a bit under the weather.” She flexed her fingers once the gashes disappeared. “How are you feeling?”
“My body is healed, thank you.”
“The sun is almost completely down.” The gaps where the light splintered through were getting darker, telling her it was only a matter of time before the men arrived to take her aboveground. “They’ll be coming soon.”
“Who is? What’s going on?”
“Men will come for me and when that happens I want you to stay calm.”
After a few moments, there was an answer. “Okay.”
There was an almost inaudible gasp from Hana that had Leiv sticking her face as far as it would go on the bars, trying to get a grasp on the situation. There was no sound coming from the seer and it made Leiv extremely nervous. Even the others were looking through their cells.
“Hana?” Kenji said with fear. “What’s wrong?”
Another gasp. “I’m fine. I had a vision.”
Leiv released the breath she was holding. “What was it about?”
“I’m not sure. All I know was that there was fire everywhere. I’m not even sure where it came from, but I saw you and the rest of our group as well.”
“Is that it?”
“Unfortunately. I’m sorry, I still haven’t figured out how to get a hold on my powers.”
“It’s okay. Save your strength.”
“What’s your plan?” She asked, a new surge of hope pushing through her voice.
“Win our freedom.”
“You don’t mean those games do you?”
“What do you know of them?”
“I know many people don’t survive. The barbarians were talking about them when they dropped off my meal. They said someone important was coming, and that there would be another blood war in the arena.”
“Do you trust me Hana?”
“Of course.”
“Then I need you to have faith in me during this competition. I need to focus. Without Rin there to guide me it’s been a little difficult, but I’m getting through it.”
“He still hasn’t resurfaced?”
“No. I don’t know how to get him back. I don’t even know how I was able to use my powers again. I’m just a novice like you are.”
“You’re more than that and you know it.”
“Sometimes I’m not sure. I haven’t done anything beneficial but swing my dagger around aimlessly. I haven’t changed anyone’s life like my mother would have been able to do. These months all I’ve accomplished is getting lost, captured, and forced into an arranged marriage.”
“Marriage?” Hana asked, perplexed.
Leiv explained the situation with the games, causing a small uproar in the opposite cells, which she purposely ignored.
“You mean to say if you win, you might have to marry this buffoon?”
“Seems like it.” Leiv didn’t know why, but she started laughing hysterically. There wasn’t anything funny, but it just came out. The giggles turned into slow and painful sobs. Wrapping her arms around her legs, she just laid her head down and cried.
“Leiv?” Hana asked, carefully. “Don’t cry.”
“I have no right to be a queen,” She said in-between sobs. “I’ve done nothing. Absolutely nothing!”
“That’s not true! If it wasn’t for who you are then you’re father would have never found the strength to stop serving the king. You gave Karmine hope that one day she would be able to walk through the portal and reunite with her dragon. Deklan would have gotten caught in those dungeons by his brother and if you hadn’t stopped and taken a second look into my cell then I would still be rotting there, or worse, dead. And before any of this queen business arose, you were already protecting Kenji from every man he seemed to get a rise out of.”
“Hey!” Kenji said.
The tears dried, and she wiped the excess away, giggling a little at Kenji’s protest. “But all that was pure chance.”
“No. Chance doesn’t happen repeatedly by one person in the span of a few months. You did this, all of this. We all would have been worse off it wasn’t for you. We need you to rise up once again and use the strength you hold within.”
The fire flowed through the very fabric of her being, intertwining past her heart and laced itself with her blood. It boiled to the point the warmth brought Leiv to her feet and began flexing her hands. She called upon the fire and watch it glow brighter than it ever had before. The blue flame danced on her palm, rising and decreasing with every command she mentally thought of. Throwing it up in the air, the ember flew and landed in her other hand effortlessly. She smiled, and closed her palm, making the blaze deflate and sizzle out of existence.
Power. The pure feeling of true energy ignited something within her that brought a strength she hadn’t even known existed. Sticking her left palm out to the side, she conjured a magical shield. The spirit within created a barrier that not even dragon’s fire could destroy. It was semi-translucent with a dash of fog circulating through it. The shield seemed fragile, but there was nothing defenseless about this power.
Extracting her hand, Leiv culled the shield until it dissipated and the smoke was nothing more than dust floating through the room. How she had missed the power rippling within, it felt like an eternity since she was able to fully flex her skills without having to use it in a fight.
Even her father smiled, it practically glowed from across the room. If only there was a way to uproot Rin safely from Kenji and back with her. There was one way, but that path was preposterous. Nothing could ever force her to be her best friend’s demise, it wasn’t in the cards for her and she would do everything to save him from ever meeting that fate.
Looking through the cracks, there wasn’t a single ray of sunlight left. She paced from wall to wall, continuously rekindling the fire in her palms as she bounced it back and forth like a ball. Hana had become immensely quiet on the other side, and it was either due to anticipation or plain nervousness. Their moment of silence felt like days had passed instead of the mere hours she had been there.
The others seemed eerily quiet as well. Kenji merely stared through the bars and into Hana’s cell. It was obvious something was lingering between the two, but now was not the time or place to be discussing such matters.
A sound reverberated through the dungeon corridor, making her quickly extinguish the flame dancing on her hand. She casted a sensing spell, which came back a bit off. There were three men making their way down the hall, and one of them had some magic stored within them, but was much smaller and less developed than her own energy pool.
Two large barbarians filled the entranceway to the dungeons and quickly made way for a shorter man to emerge. One stifled whimper from the cell next to her made Leiv realize that whoever came forth was the same person who abused Hana and gave her all those marks. Her palms twitched in anticipation at the prospect of giving the man a taste of his own medicine.
Just a little closer.
The keys clashed against one another with every step he took. His face finally caught the luminance of the faded torch. Jeo. This man that abused Hana would be the same person deciding her fate. Looking at the bigger picture, she bit her tongue and waited. No matter how much he disgusted her, there would be no outburst from her this time. He had better watch himself though, because the moment she found an opportunity, she would rip him to shreds.
She mentally took a step back and was surprised at the dark thoughts surfacing in her mind. Grabbing a hold of her sanity, she walked back to the bars and confronted the man who would be the sole decision maker in her future.
“Jeo.” She said, no fear twining her voice.
“Leiv, how are we doing on this fine dreary night?” His voice was full of melancholy, which grabbed at the patience she tried so hard to keep intact.
“Considering I could die? Not a whole lot.”
“Well, I just wanted to wish you luck in the games. I’m sure it will a fine one.”
“I’m sure you’ve planned a great show and I urge you to give it your best shot.” She sneered and walked away towards the back where she knew the darkness would envelop her and leave him to stare in disbelief.
“You little witch! How dare you walk away from me!” He was flabbergasted and couldn’t keep it together. He rattled the bars while huffing and puffing.
Four tiny flames twirled on her fingertips until she merged them together on the center of her palms to create a larger fire. Making it scorch with heat, she brought her arm up and threw the blaze onto the bars forcing Jeo to stumble back. “Careful who you call witch. Some of us may actually have power to strike back.”
Scrambling to his feet with the help of the two men behind him, the clave member dusted off the debris and salvaged whatever pride was left, approaching the cell once more. But, before he could mutter another word, Leiv left the shadows and forced another flame to appear on her hand. Just like she predicted, Jeo swiftly reeled back as the men urgently ushered him to door that led to the arena.
Hana. She quickly rushed to the gate and yelled for her while Kenji did the same. He saw how she reacted and figured out the same thing she did. There was a soft whimper, but nothing completely understandable. The bastard had really done a number on her.
“Listen to me,” Leiv said, in a calm and soothing voice. “I know, it may seem hard now, but I promise you that he will get what’s coming to him. I won’t let this go unpunished.”
“You have to survive.” She squeaked. “Promise me.”
“I promise.”
Another set of footsteps came down the hall. Theo emerged carrying his walking stick. Four other men came forth as they followed the old advisor just like the others had accompanied Jeo. He brought forth a cloth and some rope, holding it in his hand like it was toxic. “Please give me your hands young warrior.”
“What for?”
“I must bind them. After the spectacle you and Desmond created, the clave wants to be sure you’re secured until we’ve reached the arena. I’m sorry, but I have to.”
“It’s alright, I understand.”
“You are wise for your age, and smarter than many of our men.” He turned and smiled to the men, like they were all sharing a personal joke. “I don’t doubt that you will beat any adversary thrown at you. But, remember to always watch your back.”
Theo produced his own set of keys from his robe’s pocket, inserting it into the slot and turning it with a slight click. One of the men moved forward to pull the cell doors open as they all moved back, allowing her to step out. Two of them moved ahead of her while the other two opened the rest of the cages, securing them as well.
They made their way up the winding steps and into the arena where Leiv followed closely behind. Instead of a dark and broken down coliseum, what she saw would have stunned anyone unfamiliar with the place.
Flames and torches were placed every few feet away from each other, which helped illuminate the entire arena. The ring was larger than anything she had ever seen, as the seating itself could have been the size of an enormous ballroom. The coliseum could have held hundreds of bodies, each with their own thirst for a bloody sport. Every seat filled contained a barbarian screaming at the top of their lungs for some carnage to be spilled on the arena floor.
Battling was their way of life, no matter what age or gender. They all came together for the sole purpose of seeing a competition between contenders. This time, they were watching a historic event. They would either witness a victorious morrigan or a gory death. By some miracle if she survived, they would have to bow down to her. It made the crowd less anxious to cheer for her demise if they knew that some day they would be at her mercy.
Hana and the rest had been brought from the winding staircase straight to a special section where they would watch her with baited breath. Eli wore a stoic expression, but his eyes gave away more than he was letting on. He was wishing her luck the best way he knew how and she then returned the gesture by acknowledging him with a slight bow of the head.
The rest of her companions including Karmine, sat quietly by and said nothing. They had the same hope Hana did, and refused to say goodbye. Deklan on the other hand seemed out of sorts. He didn’t even raise his eyes towards her and continued to stare at his fingers, while his legs bounced up and down. It was the same thing he was doing while in the cage. Did he not see her or did he refuse to?
A few seconds later, Theo rested a hand on her back to urge her forward and into the middle of the battleground. A hush fell over the crowd as they examined what could be their future leader. Some praises inched through the crowd, while others rooted for blood. She would win this not to show them her skills, but earn her freedom and that of her group.
Damn everyone else to the underworld.
Desmond sat in a sectioned off box along with the lower lords he spoke so often about; the ones he felt unreasonable overruling. They looked to be his size in bulk, but they didn’t have his kind eyes. The scar than ran through the side of his face did nothing to roughen his edges anymore, instead it added a puzzle she had yet to figure out.
Catching her off guard, their leader stood from his seat and half-bowed to her. The rest of the leaders followed suit, until the whole crowd had stood and paid their respects. Even Theo who had silently stood by had turned, deferred himself to her and slowly backed away to climb the stands. A few chairs from the mage sat Jeo, whose eyes watched her with a hawk’s gaze, smiling as if this was all just a joke.
The young clave member held a hand up and the crowd went silent. “BEGIN!” His voice boomed across the expanse, which in turn startled her into action.
The massive wooden gate at the opposite side of the arena swiftly opened and about six men emerged. Two of them rode on horseback, while the others simply walked out. Panicking slightly at her weaponless state, she made a brief directionless run until she spotted a weapon stand a few feet away.
Every barbarian was screaming and was hard to make out whether they wanted her to win or die in that arena. She cleared her thoughts and let her mind go blank so it was easier to focus on the task at hand. Finally reaching the weapons, she realized her dagger was nowhere in sight. There was a choice between a sword, spear, axe, bow and smaller knives. The vibrating sound of hoof beats gradually neared as she quickly picked up the bow and arrow, as well as the four knives.
She sprinted towards a rock to help gain her bearings, but had no assumptions of being to take a long respite there. Taking a slow and steady breath, Leiv grabbed an arrow out of the quiver, placing it on the bow and aiming. Holding her breath, she aimed for the horse’s legs. The arrow flew and plunged directly into the intended target, forcing the warrior to tumble off the steed and onto the ground. Without hesitating, she grabbed another arrow and let it fly. Unfortunately it missed as the man rolled away. Feeling the quiver, there was only one arrow left, which meant the shot had to count. Slowly pulling on the string, Leiv let the arrow soar as it spun through the air and straight into his chest, only narrowly missing the heart. There was no getting up from that – not anytime soon at least.
Five left. She casted a sensing spell and felt several bodies clustered behind a large wooden barricade only a couple of feet away. Whatever they were planning it wouldn’t be pleasant. When she stuck her head out, three horseless men came charging at her. They divided themselves so they could come at her from all sides, but they made one huge mistake. The men hadn’t counted on Leiv having more long distance weapons. She produced two knives and threw one at the closest of the group. He rolled out of the way, but wasn’t quick enough to evade the second. The knife stabbed him in the calf. It made the warrior unprepared for the pain, causing him to stumble and twist a bone. His shout of agony and cupping of his ankle proved the pain was more detrimental than it first appeared.
The other two had witnessed their companion’s gruesome affliction, but refused to let up. They sped their way towards her and Leiv knew if she missed there would be consequences. The barbarian sensed she would make another shot, so he ran in zigzags to avoid being targeted so easily. He was closing in while the other was a little ways back. Leiv grabbed the last two knives and brought them up, one in each hand. Predicting was hard when the prey was continuously moving. Guessing where he would stop, Leiv threw both knives at same time in two separate directions. By the rambunctious cheers of the crowd, she knew one of her blades had pierced the barbarian. It protruded right between his rib cages, causing him to stop and fall to the ground, but it would not kill him.
No matter the circumstance, she always tried to preserve human life. Stooping down to the attacker’s level was just as bad as being the attacker herself. Unless it was an outright war, she would do her best to save souls, even those damned to serve in the underworld.
Upon seeing his second brother brought down, the third man hid to reassess his plan. Leiv backed up against the boulder panting, all her breath moving in and out in waves. She would have done just about anything for a sip of water at that point. There were only three men left in the arena.
Had the game master really underestimated her this much?
This whole thing was almost laughable, something she could tell her as a triumphant story in the future. Though the thought amused her, Jeo on the other hand was practically fuming in his seat, wondering how she could possibly still be alive. He knew there was no use and there was nothing to be done.
The charging of hooves signaled that it was time to move. From the simultaneous round of applause, Leiv knew something was happening and it wasn’t good. The horseman had his own set of bow and arrows; the tips were being set on fire. After dousing the end, he pulled back on the bow’s strings as he targeted her immediately and released. It barely missed, skimming the edge of her locks and cutting through the tip of her ear. It stung as the heated razor sliced past, but slowly healed itself as it mended the broken cartilage and filled the missing piece.
Though it did little damage, the point of the shot was not to hit its target, but force her to move from the obscure hideaway she currently inhabited and seek other forms of shelter. Between the rock she occupied and the nearest safe spot, was completely open terrain. There was nothing she could use to hide behind, nor was there any way she could dodge the entire set of arrows from his quiver.
Mentally counting to three, Leiv pulled the bow over her body while sprinting and ducked at the incoming arrows. It wasn’t her skills that made Leiv formidable at that moment, but the adrenaline pounding and pushing to the very end limits of insanity.
Several more arrows flew, as the other men were able to get a hold of their own sets. The large looking metal barricade that propped from the ground was merely a few steps away. It grew in size as she got closer; the pulsing of her heart almost giving way to the decreasing adrenaline that was slowly easing off. The energy boost was dissipating, and in turn made every move completely sloppy. Just then an arrow came out of nowhere, tearing through the clearing and grinding into her leg, forcing Leiv to roll and stumble through the dirt. Fortunately, it landed her perfectly behind the metal casing, which bought some time.
The pain seared through her muscle, as the arrow dug deep into the skin’s fabric. It tore a large gash in-between the ripple of muscles all along the side of her right leg. Though the bleeding was minor due to the arrow’s tip still lodged tightly in place, the affliction was still a major problem and had to be dealt with quickly.
This entire thing was concocted by one man, and even through the perilous task, and delirious state she would be entering if certain measures weren’t met, she knew exactly where he sat. She looked upon him with such venom that the smile caked on his face slipped, as a mask of pure hate took shape. He was intent on seeing her humiliated, and would do anything to see the suffering last.
It gave her the surge needed to grab the arrow’s wooden body and pull. Inhaling a sharp breath, the serrated edge swiftly escaped the wound’s dangerous clutches and finally gave it the opportunity to sew itself together. It didn’t hurt any less now that the pain’s main source was removed, but instead felt like pins were consistently prodding through the skin.
Leiv used both hands to push her upper leg closer together in order to help the healing process go faster – though there was no real way of knowing if that actually worked. The crowd was going wild with excitement. Had her pain really thrilled them to the point that each barbarian – even women – had practically jumped out of their seats to chant their excitement? The thunderous sound of clapping and banging shook the stadium until the vibrations had inched its way to her.
All the words of encouragement she had received from each individual had finally sunk in and mattered. Leiv realized that this could possibly be the end for her if she didn’t rise up and fight till her last breath. Throughout the competition she tried extremely hard to fight on her own, without the use of magic. The one thing she hadn’t anticipated was Jeo’s fury mirroring itself through his selected warriors, causing the balance to shift in favor of him.
Everyone was right to warn her about the clave member’s slipperiness and dishonorable ways. Even though most knew it was a loosing battle the moment each warrior had stepped out into the war zone, she would be damned if she didn’t at least die trying.
The leg properly healed at last, as the gash sealed itself shut. Though the sensations were no longer unnatural, the process always brought a cool and tingling feeling to the healing wound.
She stood with her back pressed up against the alloy and contemplated her options. There was no use holding back the energy within her when it was screaming to be let loose upon the men. If Jeo chose to rock the scales with his motives, she would balance it out once more with some tricks up her own sleeve.
Removing her body from safety, the crowd hushed and waited in silence for her next move. Every single person eased themselves back down into their seats and sat quietly as they stared at the unfolding spectacle with anticipation. No one moved, not even Desmond who sat motionless in the middle of the once screaming crowd. They all couldn’t believe how easily she could just walk out and face the several men with no weapons left to fight with. When the crowd realized she was not bleeding, nor limping from the arrow’s attack it sent a hush murmur through the stands.
One of three surviving barbarians was on horseback. Instead of charging, the rider merely hung back and assessed her capabilities from afar. The helmet he wore hid who he truly was, but just from the actions she could tell he was at least smarter than the rest. The man had a more calculated look about him, like he wasn’t the type to rush into a situation without first assessing then reassessing the plan. While one observed, the other two knew there was work to be done and wouldn’t be accomplished with mere staring. The warriors were also confused with her speed healing, but it didn’t change the fact that she needed to be taken down.
The two barbarians on foot no longer had any arrows. In their hands were swords half the size of her body; its edges gleamed in the looming presence of firelight as both men separated and tried the same technique that was attempted before. She no longer had any weapons and nothing to cower behind. This was it.
“Run!” A man yelled, breaking through the silence with his booming voice. Glancing towards the right, Desmond was easy to spot. He was the only one amidst his fellow barbs who was standing.
They all stared at him, shock plastered on every single person’s face. He looked at them menacingly, which quickly got them to stare back at her; like they had just been caught doing something they shouldn’t be. The people had almost looked embarrassed to be scolded.
Both of the warriors regained their brute attack, holding on tightly to their weapons as they charged with a force similar to an entire army. She held her ground, bringing her hands to the sides as it tingled with energy. Planting both feet in the compact dirt, Leiv let the power glide through until it reached the very surface.
The man to the right was only a few inches closer than the other. He closed in and was surprised at the show of defiance mirroring on her body. Leiv brought the left palm out and showed a cerulean orb glowing in the middle. Retracting it slowly she chucked the fireball straight into his chest. The effect was not meant to kill, but just shove him back. Landing in a heap, he laid there motionless, trying to catch whatever breath was left.
Twisting her neck to face the other attacker, she brought the right hand up to throw it, but quickly halted upon seeing the moral dilemma facing him. She gave him the opportunity to think, but the moment Leiv let both her hand and guard down the barbarian came swinging. The fox took her compassion and twisted it for his own benefit. Exactly something Jeo would have done if their places had been switched.
There was no time to push the energy forth from her fingertips. He was there in an instant, looming over with such toxicity dripping down every pore. From her experience, she knew how much a sword of that caliber would roughly weight but nothing could prepare her for the blinding panic it would send her in. His muscles bulged the minute he swung the massive sword, missing only because the slice’s power knocked her off balance.
No time was wasted as the tan giant brought the sword skyward, putting all his might into stabbing it towards the ground – into her. Pulling herself from the haze of panic, Leiv rolled out of harms way just as the sword stabbed into the empty earth. There was nowhere to run as the attacks became increasingly violent. No leniency came, as every air breaking slice and jab caused Leiv to jump back in defense.
Attack after attack came, until finally, there was a small respite before his next swing. His tell had been easy to spot and was immediately visible on the third slice. The top right of his shoulder raised a few inches before even attempting to lift the heavy weapon and served as an early warning. This time the shoulder didn’t rise, giving her a small window to chance a sneaky comeback. Taking the risk of her hand possibly being sliced off, Leiv shot it out and planted it on his chest. The fire immediately ebbed through every fingertip until it felt like she could burn through the skin and into bones.
He screamed as any sane person would. The pain was almost unbearable, and the sole reason he refused to run was because the embarrassment alone would kill his pride. For a barbarian to run from a fight was throwing everything he learned through the years away. Afflictions were easier to bear rather than the humiliation and torment he would encounter after. So, even through the smell of burning flesh he just took it. After a few seconds he fell to his knees, as she too lowered to the ground.
After awhile, Leiv had enough of the torture, and released her hand from the singeing flesh that threatened to fall off. “I’m sorry,” she said, unable to stop the feeling of remorse.
Confusion set in, and for a minute he sat there speechless. “For what?” He finally replied, gasping.
“Doing that to you.” Leiv pointed to the wounded chest.
The barbarian looked down and stared at the scorched handprint branded on the scarred surface. It merely added to the several wounds that skinned over and left permanent marks. “Why?” He was utterly confused. The man didn’t know what to do.
“Why what?”
The man still held onto his sword, which rested quietly on the dirt. “Why are you sorry when I purposely tried to kill you?”
“This arena pushes you to extremes, and I’m sure if you had a choice, this would be the last place you would want to see, let alone fight in.”
Silence.
She brought the hand up towards him, but stopped the pursuit immediately after he brought the sword next to her face. “Let me help you,” she urged, unafraid of the blade.
A real internal dilemma passed him, and it took him what felt like forever to allow her to move closer. Slowly but persistently, Leiv moved her hand cautiously over the scorched area. He hissed the moment she rested her fingertips on his body.
“What’s your name?” Talking seemed to help people take their minds off certain things, and it never hurt to get closer to an undecided enemy.
“Reynard.”
The magic within her pushed through and felt the contact with the affliction the moment they collided. Leiv let the energy take over and heal the wound. “Why do you choose to fight in this place?”
“It didn’t have a choice.”
“Everyone has a choice.”
The crowd was stunned and once again couldn’t even speak from either confusion or plain shock. Though no one said a word, she and Reynard couldnt be overheard. That’s the great part of an arena; it was too large for any clear audio to move through. The dirt and objects surrounding them soaked up most of their words.
“Not me.” The barbarian flared his nostrils. “He threatened not only me, but my family as well.”
“Who did?”
“Who planned this entire game?” He retorted.
“Jeo did this? Why?”
“He needed men who would comply and refuse to show compassion in the arena, warriors who had everything to lose if expectations weren’t met.”
“Why didn’t you tell your leader.”
“I didn’t think our liege would believe me. The honor of clave member is so high, I was afraid my leader would not be swayed with my words.”
As Reynard spoke, the spearing pain gradually grew stronger around her chest. Whatever she had done to the barbarian was marking itself onto her own skin. She continued to talk; afraid the possibility of a connection between them would falter under the excruciating pain she was about to endure.
“What is a leader if not remorseful? You are part of what makes him who he is. Don’t be afraid to stand in front of your leader and speak the truth.”
“You are very wise for someone who was almost killed tonight.” He looked down. “I’m sorry for attempting to end your life. I know that may not seem like an apology, but there’s nothing else I could really do to prove to you the sincerity in what I say. This is not who I really am. I don’t fight for causeless battles.”
“I understand. Family always comes first and I see where you stand. Maybe there is something you can do for me.”
Before she could explain, she finally felt the mark sear onto her flesh as it completely disappeared off the barbarian. A sharp inhale of breath later, Leiv was holding a hand to her chest and breathed heavily. Reynard scanned his chest and was amazed to see how untouched his front appeared. The astonishment instantly wore off the minute he saw Leiv clutching her own helplessly.
“What’s wrong?” He didn’t know what to do; the perplexing situation did nothing to alleviate his panic. “What can I do?”
He removed her hands and looked at the marred flesh that was as exact replica of his burn. Realizing what she had truly done for him, Reynard kept rubbing her shoulders and doing whatever he thought was necessary to give comfort.
Soon the pain subsided and one look at her pale chest confirmed the wound had finally healed. Leiv looked into Reynard’s eyes and was awed to still see concern frozen on his features.
“Is there anything I can do?” He asked again.
“Like I said, there is one thing.”
“Name it.”
She slowly rose and walked next to the fallen man she had burned before. Kneeling before him, she rested her fingers right below his chest where the redness seemed to be centered around. At first he panicked, thinking she was there to cause more harm, but Reynard quickly diffused the altercation by whispering in the man’s ear about the situation.
“What did he say?” Leiv asked.
“It seems I was not the only one who was threatened with the possible harming of my family.”
She continued to heal the fallen man. “I can’t believe someone like Jeo could even be accepted into your town.” The pain was starting to take hold, but Leiv forced herself to ignore it.
“His father was loved and adored. His passing was a shock to us all and now that he’s gone, Jeo’s birthright gave him a spot in the clave.”
The healing was done, and the ache finally subsided. She stood, helping the man to his feet. He bowed his head slightly and waited for instructions. Carefully walking through the clearing, Leiv had the opportunity to look at Jeo who was confused, but more than anything enraged. This was not how his plan was supposed to go, nor was it probably how a regular fight would have gone through. She gloated while wickedly smiling at him.
To the left Desmond had the faintest grin creased along the edges of his lips. He was trying to keep neutral, but the admiration and excitement were written clear across their leader’s face.
She neared the next fallen warrior, who clutched at his ribs. The dagger she pierced him with had struck through his rib cage, bruising several bones. Once more, Reynard did his part and kept him calm, letting him understand while she went to work on healing the bones. With one hand on the barb, and the other pressed on her own ribs, she felt the pain creep up her arm and resonate on the bones. It passed quicker than the others, letting them quickly move on.
Getting closer to the next barbarian, Leiv admitted she was actually afraid how this heal might affect her. The man’s calf foot was completely twisted as the bone was setting in the worst possible direction. The moment she reached out, the wounded man seized her hand and gripped it fiercely. Quickly, the others held him down explained everything. It gave her the moment she needed to gather the courage to heal his ankle. Leiv felt the bone shifting and setting in the right place, as the bruising decreased and he was finally able to stretch it. Surprisingly the pain wasn’t as terrible the fourth time around.
The last man was gasping, as his horse lay motionless, but there wasn’t anything that could be done; she couldn’t possibly waste that much energy. The man on the floor was practically drooling and loosing consciousness. But even through the wooziness he knew who Leiv was and proceeded to flail about uncontrollably. The other men ran to help her subdue the crazed warrior from harming her and himself. He finally settled down after she was able to remove the arrow’s tip from his flesh and heal it. A large gash appeared on her and actually hurt quite a bit, but Leiv was growing accustomed to the pain.
She stared at the healthy men standing before her. These men who once considered her an enemy, let Leiv lead them and gave her their trust.
The horseman still stayed in the same place. Slowly, she made her way to him, flanked by the others. Leiv held her hands up to show she was weaponless and wanted nothing but to talk. The man inside started shaking, and they couldn’t tell what was wrong. Then, the sound of laughter slipped through the helmet and the familiarity made Leiv want to push him off the horse.
Tristan took off the headgear and tossed it at her, but she refused to catch it. His blonde hair was drenched in sweat from the helmet’s heat. The advisor’s grandson continued to smile that bright smile of his until she couldn’t help but mimic it.
“What are you doing here Tristan?” She asked.
“Did you really think Desmond would send you here alone?”
“But you tried to kill me!”
“I had to make it look real, I couldn’t give myself away quite yet. The fire arrows missed you every time and the arrow to the leg was your fault entirely. If you hadn’t slightly paused on your way to the other barricade the arrow would have missed like it was supposed to.” He looked at her leg. “But it’s apparently healed. Which, you’re most likely going to have to explain to Desmond.”
“So what do I do now?” She looked around. “Do I win?”
“I’m not sure.”
The dragon queen turned and marched straight to the stands where the game master was seated. The men flanked her and they too stood defiant against the tyrant.
“I believe I won.” She said, sneering at Jeo.
His hands gripped the seat beneath him, as his leg twitched consistently. Suddenly, he stopped and raised his head slowly. “Not quite yet my dear. I’m allowed one animal in the ring and I think I know which one I want.”
Desmond immediately stood and loomed over Jeo, who looked positively pale under his leader’s glare. “You want to put her up against that? It would surely kill her! What are you playing at?”
“I’m merely doing my job. It’s not my fault if the girl can’t handle it.”
The mage was truly confused. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, so she made it simple for him.
“I’ll do it, whatever it is.”
“Good,” Jeo replied, turning to Desmond. “We shall see if she can handle herself with this creature.” He signaled towards a few men who appeared in the ring.
A few minutes later, a rumbling sound came from the outer doors. The wooden doors rattled on their hinges, while the crowd grew unsettled. Leiv was a little rattled as to what animal could make so much noise. The gates finally swung open and what walked in was the last thing she ever expected. It was beautiful, but as she knew also dangerous. How could they have ever captured one?
It turned its massive head to stare down at her, but quickly turned violent. The creature had been stuck in a cage for who knows how long and it wanted out. He flapped his wings and tried rising, but a force field kept him from reaching any height. There was something blocking the whole stadium, and kept everything in.
Its red eyes stared around him, as his silver body couldn’t stop shaking with fury. He raised his head up to the sky. As loudly as it could the animal growled and roared its frustration.
Standing before her was a dragon – A living, breathing dragon.
***
A/N: Photo to the right is Desmond. At least similiar to what he looks like. Add a vest and you're golden. :D
External Link is similiar to what the Arena would look like, just a bit smaller.