Arena: Part One

by D. Michael Withrow

  “Morning Colston,” Jacob said. “Your man ready for tonight?”

  “As ready as he could be on such short notice.”

  “Yeah, I was going to say something to you about that. It seems awfully soon for him to be facing Racus. I mean, I know he beat Marcus and all, but hell, Racus is another story.”

  “Yeah,” Colston said. “I’m worried about tonight. He hasn’t had enough time to prepare.”

  “So why not call it off until he’s ready?”

  “My father,” Colston said. “That’s why.”

  “Ah. Say no more. I’ve worked for that man longer than you’ve been alive, but I still can’t say as I understand him. He used to make more sense though. When your mother was around anyway. She seemed to balance him out.”

  “I barely remember that man,” the boy said.

  “Well, good luck tonight Colston. I’m sure he’ll do just fine considering you trained him. You’re a natural if ever I saw one.”

  “Thanks Jacob.”

  “Well, take care. I’ll see you tonight then.”

  “See you then.”

  Colston watched Jacob walk away, wondering if he thought Cole had even the slightest chance against Racus. He would never know for sure as Jacob always stopped short of coming out with his complete opinion if it were not one hundred percent favorable. He was trying to spare his feelings he supposed. But that didn’t help Cole. The boy began walking to the apartments again, quicker than before. He needed to see Cole.

  When he arrived at Cole’s apartment he waited for a moment outside the door. What would he say? Sorry I couldn’t train you better. Sorry you have to die. None of this was helping. He knocked on the door and waited. It took several minutes of knocking before Cole opened the door wearing nothing but a towel.

  “Sorry about that,” Cole said. “I was in the shower. Come in.”

  “Thanks.”

  As the boy entered the apartment he was again surprised at the size of everything. He might never get used to seeing everything proportioned for Cole. It made him feel small and only added to his apprehension.

  “So,” the boy said. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Not at all,” Cole replied. “I spent the night going over Racus’ moves and my counter moves in my head.”

  “That’s what you did all night?”

  “Yeah,” Cole said. “I figured if I couldn’t sleep then I should at least put my time to good use.”

  “You’re going to be tired later.”

  “Can’t be helped. Besides, I think adrenaline will wake me up when the time comes.”

  “You can be sure of that.”

  “So what do we have planned for today?”

  “I thought,” Colston said, “that we would spend some more time in the virtual. Who knows, you might see something that helps you bring it all together.”

  What he really wanted to say was that he might see something that helped to save his life. But he could not bring Cole down like that. He needed him to be confident going into the fight, not scared. Though a healthy fear of Racus was always a good thing.

  “Sounds good,” Cole said. “Just give me a minute to get dressed and we’ll go.”

  Watching Cole fight Racus in the virtual training room made Colston feel better. They had put the three days to good use and Cole was doing well against his opponent. He had learned a lot in a short period of time. Colston hoped it was enough.

  Every strike that Racus made Cole was able to block and counter. He was using his size and speed to not only defend himself admirably, but to take the fight to Racus. But he could not seem to find a way to end the fight. He had bloodied Racus but the man just kept coming. Colston stopped the fight.

  “Let’s take a break,” he said.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” Colston said. “I just don’t want you getting tired out on the day of your fight.”

  “Not likely. I’m in the best shape of my life.”

  “Good. You’ll need that tonight.”

  “You worried,” Cole asked the boy.

  “I wouldn’t say I was worried. But maybe a little concerned.”

  “About what?”

  “The nut job they’re giving a couple of swords to that’s going to try and take your head off.”

  “Oh, him. Yeah, now that you mention it I’m a little concerned as well.”

  Colston looked up at the man in time to see him wink at him.

  “Are you messing with me,” the boy said.

  “Maybe.”

  “You do realize,” Colston said, “that you could very well die tonight.”

  “Well, when you put it that way I guess I have cause for concern.”

  “I’m serious.”

  “Look,” Cole said. “I realize what’s at stake here. I really do. But worrying about it won’t help me any. It will just cause me to tense up and forget my training. You should want me relaxed.”

  Colston looked almost ashamed.

  “I do,” he said. “I just…”

  Cole waited. He knew the boy would get it out eventually.

  “Look, I’ve seen what Racus can do. And to be honest it scares me.”

  “Nothing wrong with that.”

  “I’m just worried for you is all. And if I’m being honest, I’m a little worried for me as well.”

  “You?”

  “Of course,” Colston said. “If something happens to you I’ll never forgive myself. I trained you after all. And besides that, I’ll be here without you. I’ve lost enough in my life already. I’m not ready to lose you.”

  Cole put his arm around the boy and looked down at him.

  “Listen, nothing is going to happen to me. You trained me well and I’m ready for this fight. Besides that, you’re strong. You could carry on no matter what life throws at you. You’re a fighter, just like the rest of us. You’d do well to remember that.”

  “I just miss her I guess. I miss my mom. And I don’t want you to disappear from my life the way that she did. That’s all. Promise me that you’ll beat Racus tonight. No matter how tough it gets out there. No matter how hopeless it may seem. Promise me you’ll win.”

  Cole looked down at Colston and smiled. His eyes were shiny as he stared down at him.

  “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

  “Promise.” Colston said.

  “I promise.”

  31

  Colston waited outside the house for Anna to come down. The transport would be there soon to take them to the fight. He had told her what time to meet him out front, but that time had come and gone. He had looked inside the house twice now and neither time had he found her. The only good news was that his father was locked away in his room. Maybe he would not go to the fight tonight. Maybe Colston would have a respite from his awfulness. He thought that last part was too good to be true. He told himself to be happy with the little things, such as now. He had been worried that his father would try to make him ride with him and he was glad he was not around to pressure him. But where was Anna? She was going to miss the transport.

  Dust rose in the distance as the transport made its way onto their gravel lane. It glittered in the late afternoon sun as it sped towards his house. But still there was no Anna. He ran into the house once again to look for her one last time. She was nowhere to be found. He walked back outside with his shoulders slumped and his head hung low. He had so wanted Anna to be there with him tonight. He just could not imagine where she had gone. She knew how important this was to him.

  The gleaming transport pulled up alongside him and stopped. A door opened, inviting him into the spacious, cool interior. He looked around one last time in the hopes of seeing Anna running to catch the transport. But there was nothing. She was not there. He got into the back of the vehicle and watched as the door slowly closed behind him.

  “Just you sir,” the driver asked. “My req said I would have two passengers this evening.”

  “It’s just me
,” Colston said.

  “All right then. Let’s get going. Don’t want to be late.”

  As they passed the ludus Colston could see Cole being loaded into his transport. Certainly his ride would not be as luxurious as Colston’s. But then, that was the life of a fighter. Colston wished he could have ridden with Cole just so he would have someone to talk to. Instead he sat in silence for the entire half hour that it took to get to the stadium. When they arrived he thanked the driver then made his way to the training room where he would assist Cole with dressing for the fight. It was no small task to add all the cloth and leather wraps as well as the armor plates that some of the fighters wore. Everything had to be in keeping with the ancient games and Colston was one of the best at knowing which fighters wore which outfits as well as the weapons that they used. He could probably teach a history class on the subject. He thought about that as he made his way to the training room. Was that something he might enjoy one day?

  When he got to the training room he began laying out all the wraps and armor that Cole would wear. All the armor had been made especially for Cole due to his size. Not long after he had finished laying out all the items Cole arrived. He was unloaded from the transport and corralled into the training room where four protectors accompanied him.

  “Hey there,” Colston said.

  “Hey there yourself,” Cole replied. “Where’s Anna?”

  “Great question. She never showed up.”

  “That’s odd.”

  “Yeah,” the boy said. “It is.”

  “So this will be my first time fighting in all this fancy gear.”

  “Don’t worry about the gear. It’s the crowd that will take some getting used to.”

  “I’m sure,” Cole said.

  “Just don’t let them distract you.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  They were quiet for a while as Colston applied the armor and leather and cloth wraps that made up Cole’s outfit. When he was finished Cole wore armor on each shoulder and down the length of each arm as well as metal shin guards that went just above his knees. His thighs were wrapped in cloth and leather. The helmet was the last piece of gear. But Cole would wait until just before walking out onto the arena floor before donning it. Colston waited to give him his weapons so as not to make the protectors any more nervous than they already were.

  “I’m glad it’s just us Colston. I know you wanted Anna to be here, but I’m glad it’s just us.”

  Colston really looked at Cole for the first time since he had arrived. The boy smiled and patted Cole on an armored shoulder.

  “Me too,” he said. “We should do it like this every time.”

  “As long as there is a next time.”

  “Hey, you promised, remember?”

  “Ah yes,” Cole said. “I did do that, didn’t I?”

  “Yep. And I’m going to hold you to that promise. You are not allowed to die out there. Do you hear me? In fact, you promised to win.”

  “I’ll do my best,” the big man said again. “I’ll do my best.”

  “See that you do. I’d hate for these guys to go back alone.” He nodded toward the protectors.

  They smiled at each other now. It was getting close to the time when Cole would have to walk down the tunnel. Colston wanted to drag it out. Delay if possible. But he knew he could not. He went to the weapons cabinet and unlocked it. He pulled out two gladius and brought them to Cole. The protectors visibly stiffened. But instead of taking them right away Cole now placed his hand on Colston’s shoulder.

  “You’re a good kid Colston. You know that?”

  “I’m just a kid.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re pretty amazing. You trained me, didn’t you?”

  “Yeah well, that’s what I grew up around. It’s really all I know.”

  “Promise me that, no matter what happens tonight, you will do more with your life than just train fighters.”

  “What,” the boy said. “What do you mean? This is my life. I’m good at it.”

  “You could be just as good at medicine Colston. Just promise me you won’t spend the rest of your life training fighters.”

  “Well, okay, I guess. Under one condition though.”

  “You name it,” Cole said.

  “You have to hang around to keep me honest.”

  Cole smiled at the boy.

  “You got it,” he said. “I’ll do my best.”

  32

  He had said his goodbye at the tunnel. Although he had thought he might, he did not cry. He stayed strong because he knew that was what Cole needed. Cole was the one that had to face the monster in the arena. Colston had wished it was him. He still wished it. If only he was the size of Cole. He would take on Racus. And he would be victorious. But it was out of his control now. He had done what he could. Hopefully it was enough.

  The first fight was about to begin when his father came into their box. following closely behind him, looking strangely out of place, was Anna. Her cheeks were red as if hot to the touch and she did not make eye contact with Colston.

  “Hey,” he said as she walked past him to sit down. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she said and glanced at his father. “I had to ride with him.”

  “Where were you? I looked all over for you.”

  “Can we talk about it later,” she said. “I just want to sit with you and try to forget the ride here.”

  “Sure. Whatever you say.”

  The fighters were walking into the arena now. Colston really had no interest whatsoever. He just wanted to fast forward to Cole’s fight. He sat between his father and Anna to act as a buffer. She had endured enough, having to ride to the arena with his father. He knew it could not have been pleasant.

  “Would you like to sit a little closer,” he said. “The view of the crowd is better up there.”

  “Yes,” she said without the slightest hesitation.

  They moved to the front of the box, away from his father and closer to the noise of the crowd. They were cheering now as the fighters made their way into the arena.

  “Is it always this loud,” Anna asked.

  “Yeah, isn’t it great?”

  “No,” she said, “it’s just loud.”

  He smiled at her awkwardly.

  “Well,” he said, “I like it.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. I’m just not used to it I suppose.”

  “Don’t worry, it will quiet down some once the fight starts.”

  The fighters were introduced and the crowd roared again. Anna seemed very uncomfortable. He hoped she would adjust to it though. When the fighting was about to commence the crowd settled down to watch. Neither man was known to Colston despite the fact that he tried to know all the fighters from all the other houses. It was an impossible task however as each house would periodically get new men in. The two men fought a largely skill-less fight and Colston grew impatient early on.

  “This isn’t a very good example of a fight,” he said. “They’ll get better though, I promise.”

  When the first fight was over Colston ordered drinks for them and stared at Anna contentedly. He had his two favorite things in the world there, Anna and the crowd. And soon Cole would be there as well.

  The second fight was better. Colston knew both men and even took notes as they fought. When it was over, however, he began chewing on his lip, his leg bouncing up and down at a ridiculous pace. Cole would come out next and soon he would learn if he had done enough. He had given it his all in the time that he had been given, but would it be enough. He silently prayed that Cole would not die.

  “Are you okay,” Anna said.

  “What? Oh, yeah. I’m fine. Just worried about Cole is all.”

  “I’m sure he’ll do fine.”

  “He needs to do better than fine if he’s to live.”

  “Oh,” she said. “I didn’t realize it was a fight to the death.”

  “Whenever Racus is in there it’s a fight to the d
eath. He’s ruthless.”

  “I’m sure he’ll do…” she paused. “I’m sure he’ll win.”

  “He has to,” Colston said. “He promised me he would.”

  She took his hand and held it. But, even that was not enough to distract him now. The fighters were being announced.

  Both men stepped out of the shadows and into the arena. It was strange to see Cole standing there. It was his first fight in the arena and he was being asked to fight the champion. It was a tall order for any man. When they met in the middle it was obvious to Colston that Cole was even bigger than he had thought. He towered over Racus. But Racus was not small and was thick with muscle. He almost made Cole look thin next to him despite the fact that Cole was actually quite muscular.

  “He’s big,” Anna said.

  “Which one?”

  “The other guy,” she said.

  “Racus.”

  “Yes, him. He’s very… thick.”

  Cole did not respond to her. He was watching the two men in the middle of the arena. The fight would begin at any moment. He did not want to miss a second. When the horn was blown sounding the start of the fight Racus attacked. Cole was thrown off guard by the abruptness of it, but he adjusted quickly. He knew the moves that Racus was making and countered them swiftly. It was rare to see two men both carrying two gladius in the arena. It was rare enough to see even one as it required a certain level of skill to wield two swords at once. Most men opted for a shield.

  “This will be the fight of the ages,” Colston said.

  Racus sent an overhead blow at Cole’s head then lunged at his legs when Cole blocked the first blow. Cole was ready and slapped the second sword away with his own. Racus tried another combination but Cole was ready for that as well. Colston began to feel better as his confidence in Cole grew. The fight went on for several more minutes with much of the same. Racus would attack and Cole would block everything that came in. Colston could tell that he was waiting for an opening to launch a counter attack. And then it came. Racus attacked and then moved to his right as Colston had pointed out so many times in the virtual training room.

  Colston saw the opening at the same instant that Cole saw it. Cole countered perfectly with a downward slash into Racus’ thigh. A muffled cry of pain came out from Racus’ helmet as blood flowed down his leg. He momentarily backed away from Cole. The crowd went wild. They were not used to Racus backing down. It took only a moment, however, for him to come at Cole again. He was fighting angry now. And while most men made mistakes when they fought angry, Racus just seemed to get better. He hacked and slashed and stabbed at Cole in a series of attacks that Cole could barely keep up with until finally Racus knocked one of Cole’s swords to the ground. The momentum had shifted in Racus’ favor. He continued the feverish pace, attacking Cole in flurries. Every time he attacked now he would slip by Cole’s defenses at least once and cut him. Cole was bleeding from several small wounds now. None of them were serious, but together they might affect him psychologically. Colston clenched his hands together tightly and rocked back and forth in his seat. He had completely forgotten about Anna and all his focus was at the center of the arena.