“I know I've said it before,” said Omodo. “But I really missed you both. It is good to be fighting on the same team again.”
“That is the oathbound truth, brothers,” replied Ravius.
“It’s just good to be in the company of old friends,” said Gavin.
“By the ancestor, I'll raise a glass to that!” rumbled Omodo. He picked up a tankard that could rival a keg, raising it to them. “To old times.”
“To good friends,” said Gavin, raising his glass.
“To the cause!” said Ravius, grinning as Gavin's expression soured.
Chapter Thirty-Eight: Something Fishy
1146/01/15AR, Sonarion's Crossing
“There are few moments in life that can compare to watching an unknown beast emerge from the depths. That first breach is a memorable cocktail of fear, awe, and wonder that is difficult to match.” Chosen Balvuk Dragonsbane, Travels.
“Friendship is often the first casualty of a good Championship.” Gaius Gerald White.
“I'm going,” said Sadira. She did not bother to hide her anger. “You can't just barge in to my private quarters and demand that I put aside my plans!”
“But we need to practice,” asserted Karmal, emerald eyes flashing.
“Then where have you been for the past six months, Karmal?” responded Sadira, leaning in. Shadows intensified as she lost control of her temper. “You haven't even bothered to show up for even half of the training time that I reserved for us. You've barely said a word to me since our ranking match. Now I take a week off to see Gavin, something I've been looking forward to for almost a year, and you suddenly need me here to catch up on practice?”
“You're not the only one with a life around here Sadira,” said Karmal loudly, looking down at Sadira, brows knotted face flush with passion. “You always do this... you write the schedule around your needs and then try to disguise it as something 'we` agreed to.”
“That's not fair, Karmal,” objected Sadira, somewhat shocked at her friend's vehemence.
“I have a life too Sadira,” said Karmal. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to find some of the trainers I need? Giselle can train you in battle-dance but she doesn't know anything about Berserk or Pyromancy. What about my needs?”
“Fine, I'll spend a few extra days here for training,” said Sadira. It would please Chosen Giselle as well as Karmal. Her patron wanted her in top condition. “I'm beginning to think I'd enjoy putting you down a few times.”
“Good luck with that,” said Karmal, smirking. The old Sadira wouldn't have given in so easily. It merely confirmed her growing sense of the Shadow-Elf's deterioration. Giving in to her demands was a sign of weakness. The old Sadira was more wilful. Perhaps less time with Gavin would be good for her.
o-----
“I'm sorry beloved,” said Sadira. She and Gavin were strolling along the streets of the Campus Martius, enjoying the relative freedom of the huge Gladiator's quarter. A few lonesome flakes of snow whirled and fell around them, melting instantly as they touched the ever-warm cobbles. She felt Gavin's hand tighten on hers. “It's been too long.”
The New Year's Festival, the celebration of surviving another year after The Reckoning, was perhaps the only form of celebration, other than the Grand Championships, that could actually heighten the sense of frantic, youthful joy in the Campus. It was a time when families often visited their children for the first time after they had been tested and taken away for training. She had fond memories of enjoying the celebrations with Karmal, Vintia, and her sisters.
This year she and Gavin had planned to attend the grand year's end ceremony in the Parade Square of Krass. Starting Festival week celebrations with a million screaming citizens appealed to them both, albeit for different reasons. Sadly in staying behind to mollify Karmal, Sadira had given this up.
“It's all right,” said Gavin, smiling. “I know how busy you've been. Don't feel guilty; we'll make up for it next year.”
“Your patience is exemplary, my love,” responded Sadira. Some might have been upset that their lovers did not show anger at being denied, but Sadira understood her man. Leading a team of Gladiators had given her insight into differences in character. Gavin rarely expressed his emotions as ferociously as she did. “We get so little time together. It never feels like enough.”
Sadira had been vague about why she needed to cut their time short; she did not want to Gavin to blame Karmal, who in her heart was still an old friend. She knew that Gavin and the fiery tempered Gladiatrix did not often see eye to eye. Gavin, for his part, simply felt it was important to be supportive of his beloved's efforts. In his mind Sadira's path to the Championships had to come first. She could very well be Chosen one day, and he could see himself standing among her Hearthbound.
“Is any amount of time with me ever enough?” countered Sadira, mock-fierce. “Don't tell me you can actually grow tired of all this?” She waved a hand over her form.
“Never,” said Gavin. “I'll show you my ardour, my love. We'll make up for less time.”
“We certainly will,” she said, leaning in, her lips curving into a wicked smile. “But don't think that I'm going to let you off easy; we may only have half the time, but I am going to use...”
“Wow, is that Red Scorpion?” interrupted a passing Gladiatrix, just out of training by the look of her, pointing at Sadira. Someone squealed. Within moments a crowd of wide-eyed young fighters pressed forward, seeking Sadira's attention. She had to promise to come to a festival gathering before the pair could escape to a quieter place.
Sadira looked up guiltily at Gavin after the exuberant crowd left her. He put a finger on her mouth before she could apologize.
“There was a time when I resented having to share you,” he said. “I still do in some ways. But you would not be the woman you are if you just wanted to curl up and hide away with me all the time. You love your fans. I love the way they make you bloom. We will have a little time alone, like I desire, and a little time in public. As long as it is time together, I will be satisfied, Sadira.”
She kissed his finger. “I love you so much, Gavin. Now... does this 'public time' extend to trying on some new outfits that I think you would look good in?”
He laughed.
o-----
Their private time was interrupted by three of Sadira's sisters; Gloria, Viconia and Vix. The presence of her sisters did not diminish Sadira's appetites, and she accused Gavin of “human prudishness” when their arrival put a quick end to any thoughts of lovemaking.
Vix, the only other pale-skinned phenotype among the sisters, made sure to show off her new tattoo. Sadira made sure to compliment her sister's artistry. Gavin was embarrassed at the show of skin, more “human prudishness”.
Viconia, a Grey-Robe herself, asked after “that delicious Cleothera.”
After they all settled, Gloria, the youngest of the three, dutifully recited the latest accomplishments of the Lacivia clan to Sadira. This was a tradition the Shadow Elves had picked up from the Dwarves during the long years of confinement in the undercity of Krass during The Reckoning. Gloria's memory was prodigious. She then made sure to add her most famous sister's latest news to her recitations.
o-----
This time their real release came during training. They renewed their love of each other on the sands, bold, brutal, and passionate. The two of them battled hard, seeking to push the other to new limits. As always Sadira found Gavin to be her best opponent. Training with Chosen Giselle had given her an opponent who could beat her handily, but Gavin truly challenged her. His defence was impeccable, and he never held back after the first couple of hits.
They also fought magnificently together as a team, graciously besting several challengers in pairs training bouts, in front of cheering freshies.
There were no tears or dramatic speeches when they parted this time, only sweet sorrow and golden promises for their next meeting. The two Gladiators were subdued, but had already steeled themselves ag
ainst the inevitable separation. They both still felt as if they were leaving a part of themselves behind. Their hearts were now calloused against the cruelty of reality's demands, but not against each other.
o-----
After a short boat trip, Gavin travelled nearly a thousand miles in thirteen days to return to Sonarion's Crossing for his next match. It is surprising how much distance a supernaturally strong being can travel on foot, on good roads, by putting in twelve hour days. For once his Grey-Robe escorts were as hurried as he was, and the weather was cold, but calm and clear.
They spent only two nights out of doors, but Gavin kept his spear close and his armour on. Visions of crazed men and women leaping out the shadows kept him wary.
On the seventh day they found a horse carcass and the ruins of a cart. They also found tracks all around and a warning marker from the nearest Legion outpost. A Wyvern had attacked a merchant convoy. This disturbed the Grey-Robes; only a tainted beast would do so.
Nonetheless he had plenty of time to think about time away from Sadira, and his struggles in the arena. He hated being forced apart, and hated having to listen to some of the vile rumours about her, but it was difficult for him to see a clear path that would give him the freedom and power to do what he wished. Perhaps there was no such path.
o-----
“I wonder what's down there today?” Omodo eyed the water suspiciously as he spoke.
The pool had been altered to take up more of the arena, leaving the three Gladiators with an even thinner strip of land on which to fight. Despite the bitter cold the stands of the arena were filled to capacity once again. The fighting grounds, screened by the wards were surprisingly warm today. Gleeful shouts filled the air, and every now and then a loud chant of Hammerhorn would break out. Gavin found himself pleased to see this; more fans meant he had a better chance of getting the attention he needed to get back to Sadira.
“I imagine this will be interesting, it is the first match of the new season here...” said Gavin.
“Yes, it is a great honour to be on the ticket today,” replied Omodo solemnly.
“Indeed, but you are a big draw now Omodo,” added Gavin. “So it is well-earned.”
“Hah! You sound like Delph,” said the Armodon. “I'm sure half of these people just want to see me get eaten.”
“I wish we knew what we're going to fight...” said Gavin, amused at Omodo's modesty.
“You two need to lighten up,” chided Ravius, “You both seem far too serious. We don't know what we are fighting half the time; I don't see how the water really changes that.”
“We are professionals engaged in a serious business, Ravius,” said Gavin. “It would be nice to know what we are up against so we can be ready to meet it. Water fights allow for far more exotic enemies.”
“Why worry, little brother?” replied the blonde skirmisher, flashing them a dazzling grin. “We are Gladiators. We are ready to fight anything, sight unseen. Every match is an adventure. Every day is a blessing. We don't age. We wield great power. We fight for the Glory of the last great civilization on Tabyria. What is there to complain about?”
“He sounds awfully cheerful for someone who was complaining about his career only yesterday,” said Gavin, raising an eyebrow and looking to Omodo.
“Probably had another threesome last night,” rumbled the Armodon. His tiny ears quivered with amusement. “That tends to cheer him up.”
“Pessimists! Stop drying to drag me down,” complained Ravius, rolling his eyes in a good approximation of exasperation.
“Feel free to switch places with me if you're feeling that optimistic,” said Gavin, grinning.
The trumpets sounded before Ravius could mouth a retort and the two Gladiators snapped to attention, joining Omodo in staring at the water. Gavin wove a simple spell, sensing a wave of pure malignancy from the depths, a single thought source. “Something big,” he warned. Huge bubbles began to churn.
“RELEASE THE KRAKEN,” shouted the announcer.
There was a moment of silence. Ravius and Omodo exchanged glances. Krakens were fearsome creatures, and there were many varieties. Gavin shifted his stance, eyes never leaving the frothing waters. He would have to bear the brunt of the initial assault and so he needed to avoid being snatched by a tentacle. Then the crowd erupted into loud cheering and chanting. “KRAKEN, KRAKEN, KRAKEN” was soon competing with “HAMMERHORN, HAMMERHORN”.
A ripple passed across the surface of the dark waters. Even before The Reckoning, Krakens were greatly feared for their ability to destroy small ships and pluck unwary sailors off docks and decks with their powerful, agile tentacles. The changes wrought in many them by tainted magic made them even more dangerous. Considering all the possible angles of attack for a foe with so many strong appendages and so much reach made Gavin tense. They also exhibited frightful intelligence. The water rippled again.
Without warning, a tentacle thicker than Gavin's waist lanced out from the water. It shot toward him. Droplets of water splashed against the Gladiator as he ducked under the attack. A thick bone spine, shaped like a harpoon, attached to the end of the appendage, sliced in front of him. The bulk of the tentacle was dark; the colour of a bruise, but the underside was a glistening, fleshy pink, covered with suckers. Barbed nodules, like little fanged mouths, decorated some of the larger cups. The stench was hideous, a combination putrefying fish and noxious oil. Gavin's stomach churned. The appendage curled inwards after missing, trying to envelop the Gladiator. Anticipating this, Gavin jumped over it, thrusting his spear into the rubbery flesh.
Ravius joined him, sinking his trident into the same limb. The tentacle flexed and rippled, throwing them both back. Blackish-red blood dribbled from both wounds, but the Kraken seemed undeterred. Ravius gagged at the smell of its fluids. Omodo ran forward with a shout, swinging his war-maul downwards in a powerful overhand strike. The attack hit spike-end first, impaling the tentacle. The Armodon pulled on his maul, the long spike acting as a hook. The Kraken pulled one way, Omodo, the other. Finally, the Armodon dug his heels into the sand, as if he might try to pull the beast from the depths like some mythic fisherman. The crowd roared. The water frothed and shook in agitation and a rumbling roar escaped from the depths.
A second tentacle burst out of out of the water. It reared high before falling, like some nightmarish tree toppling, forcing Omodo to move as it crashed into the sand. By now the bulk of the beast was rising out of the water as it moved forward to bring the rest of its writhing tentacles within reach. Gavin saw huge eyes and a vast tooth-filled orifice that looked distinctly foul and unnatural.
The two larger tentacles thudded into the sands again, tremendous impacts shaking the Gladiators. Gavin slashed one with his spear as Omodo and Ravius attacked the other. Their efforts enraged the beast. It heaved forward to the edge of the pool and roared. Its mouth was odd, more like that of a shark with a beak than a natural cephalopod. Raising his shield, Gavin half waited for acid spittle to fly forth from the beast's maw but it did not. His relief was short lived as the noise became deafening and the stench made it difficult for him to breath. A thick nausea settled on him. He could hear Ravius gagging again. Even the crowd was taken aback by what little of the smell wafted to them through the warded screens.
The Gladiators were forced back towards the walls of the arena, striking at the flailing tentacles and dodging out of the way. Gavin and Ravius attacked the beast with mental blasts, but although they seemed to be doing some damage, they also made the beast angrier.
“I'd kill for an axe, right about now!” shouted Omodo. His powerful blows were puncturing the tentacles, but he could not sever them with his weapon.
“I'd settled for a nose plug,” said Ravius, sounding disgusted.
The Kraken flailed at them with its smaller appendages, making it difficult for them to stop moving and attack. All the while the two larger spined tentacles sought to grab and impale them.
“We need to get close, strike at something v
ital,” shouted Gavin. His spear was not doing nearly enough damage to the Kraken's tough limbs.
“What's vital on these things?” said Omodo.
“The mouth is a good bet,” responded Ravius, chuckling.
The three Gladiators shared a look. Gavin shrugged. Ravius looked to Omodo, who nodded.
Sidestepping one of the larger tentacles as it thundered into the sand, Ravius ran forward and tossed his barbed net. The gleaming mesh blossomed in mid-air, covering several of the smaller limbs. They quickly became entangled in the vicious barbs. Gavin moved alongside him, charging towards the mouth of the beast. The Gladiator shouted, attacking the Kraken with a mental blast. Ravius wove a spell of disorientation at his side. The Kraken flailed and roared, the horrid stench threatening to overcome them. It felt to Gavin as if he was running into a windstorm crossed with an abattoir with a sewage problem. Flecks of disgusting spittle spattered the Gladiators as they closed. Gavin raised his spear. The crowd roared.
Gavin nearly got to the mouth before one of the tentacles caught his legs. The fleshy limb contracted, crushing him in spite of his armour. Barbs dug into his back. As the beast lifted him into the air, Gavin tossed his spear at its eye, missing by a hand. He drew his short sword and began to hack away. Chopping at the tough flesh did little good. He heard Ravius shout and then heard a splash as his friend was knocked into the water. He hacked in a frenzy until a second tentacle wrapped itself around his head and the beast began to pull, trying to tear him in half. The foul smell was even worse now and he retched under the pressure.
The distraction that Ravius and Gavin provided cleared the way for Omodo to charge. The crowd shouted in glee as the armoured Armodon rammed into the Kraken, gouging its body with his horn. A pair of the smaller tentacles batted him. He shrugged off the first blow, but staggered under the second. The crowd gasped, but Omodo righted himself and swung his war maul. The weapon smashed into the creature's mouth with terrific force. Lightning from a rune crackled along the hammer-head of the maul as it struck, sending teeth and beak shards flying. A shock ran through the beast and it dropped Gavin, who was also stunned by the electric jolt. The shock of plunging into the cold water brought him to his senses. He swam, struggling toward the light.
Domains of the Chosen 02 Bloodlust: Will to Power Page 9