by Terry Schott
The doctor’s pace was brisk but Leo was slower. The doctor paused and waited for Leo to catch up. "Have you not been in the fighter’s area before?"
"I’ve never been to the Pits before."
"What? Are you joking with me?"
"No."
"I don’t understand how that is even possible. Everyone comes to the Pits."
Leo shrugged. "I’ve been busy. When I had the time, I was too poor to bother and, now that I can afford it, I have other matters to fill my day."
"Would you like a proper tour?"
"Not particularly."
"Okay." The doctor shrugged and began walking once more.
"Ricin is a free man, right?"
"Yes. The free fighters have their own preparation area. That is where we are going now."
They walked for another ten minutes, passing through guarded gates and entering hallways that looked the same as the ones behind them. Finally, the doctor turned right and approached a dark wooden door. He opened it and walked into a large room containing a circular dirt ring in the centre surrounded by benches set ten feet back from its outer edges. The ceilings were twenty feet high and sunlight streamed through grate-covered squares cut out of the roof above. Men sat on the benches, some donning armour, others stretching their muscles or wrapping cloth strips around their knees or ankles. Some sharpened blades while many practiced moves with daggers, swords, quarterstaffs, and other weapons.
The doctor scanned the room, then walked towards a dark-skinned man sitting at one of the benches. The man saw them approaching, smiled, and stood. He was taller than Leo by a head, which made him six foot five inches at least. Large muscles glistened beneath his dark skin which was bared except for black leather pants and strips of the same black leather tied around the tops of his biceps.
"Ricin, it is good to see you."
The two men clasped forearms. "It is good to see you as well, Doctor." There was a trace of an accent, but it was very faint. "You bring another with you today."
"Yes." The doctor turned to face Leo. "This is my very good friend and business associate, Leo Wrathson."
Ricin smiled. It was a genuine expression conveyed not only in his mouth but also by the sparkle in his eyes. "I am pleased to meet you, Leo Wrathson. The doctor is a great man. I expect that he keeps friends who are of the same calibre."
Leo clasped Ricin’s hand. The cords of Ricin’s arms were hard as steel beneath his skin. "I am pleased to meet you also, Ricin. The doctor tells me you are a remarkable fighter."
Ricin shrugged. "I am still alive, victory coin fills my purse, and I feel strong enough to fight today. This is enough for a simple man as myself."
The doctor removed his jacket and placed it on the bench. "May I inspect your wound?"
"Of course, Doctor." Ricin removed the wrap from his right arm to reveal a dim pink scar, three inches long.
The doctor shook his head. "Come look at this, Leo."
Leo leaned forward. "A well-healed wound, Doctor. Good work."
"He received this cut two days ago. It should be scabbed and still fairly fresh."
"That’s not possible." Leo frowned. "It looks as if it has healed for months already."
Ricin smiled, his perfect white teeth contrasted by his dark skin. "In weeks, the scar will be gone. Kandar warriors heal quickly."
"Incredible, is it not, Leo?" The doctor slapped Ricin’s arm and the warrior began to wrap the leather band back into place.
"Yes, it is."
"Simple magic." Ricin grabbed a belt from the bench in front of him and wrapped it around his waist. "Will you watch my fight today?"
"Absolutely," Leo said.
"This is Leo’s first visit to the Pits."
"In this city?"
"Ever."
Ricin’s eyes widened and his smile returned. "Then I will make your first day a special one. I face a very strong opponent. Bet on me today, Leo, and you will gain much profit."
The doctor harrumphed and shook his head. "I have studied the match-ups. Ricin faces three opponents today, not just one."
"To a Krandarian warrior, the numbers do not matter. One, two, ten." Ricin shrugged. "I do not worry about simple things like that until I stand before them. The opponent I speak of is always the same creature. Her name is Death, and today I will defeat her as I have done each time she comes to claim me."
"Is the battle to the death, then?" Leo knew that many matches in the Pits were not to the death. Most concluded when first blood was shed, or until one combatant took a knee, or any other number of conditions. Death matches were rare since it involved the loss of an asset for a pit master. The rewards, however, for the winner were large, and a death match drew the crowds like no other contest.
"It is." The doctor’s expression was grim.
Ricin saw the look and laughed, tapping the older man on the shoulder. "Do not worry for me, Doctor. I will be victorious and we shall speak after the fight. Perhaps I will be kissed by enemy steel so that you may administer to me."
"I would be pleased if you require no medical attention after the fight."
Ricin smiled. "As you wish, Doctor." He nodded at Leo. "It was good to meet you, Leo. Now I must prepare for battle. Go, place bets on my victory and come see me after to congratulate me."
The two men left the room and the doctor led them down the corridor. "Let’s go place bets and get to our seats."
"You look nervous, Doc."
"If Ricin dies today, my opportunity dies with him."
"Don’t worry about that. He will be fine."
"You say that as if you know for certain."
"I will bet five hundred gold on his victory."
"Are you serious?"
"About money?" Leo smiled. "Always."
35
Doctor Johnston rested one palm against the door in front of him before looking over his shoulder at Leo with a smile. Loud cheering could be heard beyond the thick wooden door.
"I still remember my first view of the Pit stadium, Leo. I am envious of what you are about to experience."
He swung the door wide and they walked out onto a balcony of golden brown stone at the highest part of the enormous round stadium. Over a hundred rows of flat bench seats descended toward the ring. Near the bottom, directly above the flat fighting pits, were luxury box seats filled with the city’s privileged who paid handsomely for the best view of the action.
"I did not expect it to be so large." Leo’s voice was almost a shout so that he could be heard over the roar of the crowd. "Nor so full of people."
The doctor laughed. "The Pit is always filled like this, my friend. This is the greatest form of entertainment in our city, which is why I was surprised to hear that you have never been here."
"I can assure you that I will not wait another twenty-two years to return."
The doctor laughed and slapped Leo on the back. "Of that, I am certain. Now let’s go down a bit closer so we can see the action, shall we?"
Leo looked at him. "I thought our seats were up here."
"Heavens no. I brought you up here to see the grandness of it all, for a proper first impression." He pointed to the box seats far below. "I don’t have special access to this place only to be forced to sit in the worst seats."
"That makes sense."
They descended to the lower level through the back stairways. The doctor led them down a long hall and opened an ornate set of doors.
Leo looked over his shoulders toward the highest seats. "Yes, this is better."
The doctor chuckled and led the way past a half dozen of the luxury boxes, nodding to various people as he did so. Many of the patrons also smiled and called out to Leo, who returned the greetings.
"You’re a popular young man. It has taken me decades to do what you have in only a few short years."
"I have been fortunate."
The doctor snorted and entered a vacant box. "You have worked harder than anyone I have ever known."
"
Thank you, Doctor."
The two men sat at the railing’s edge. Leo plucked a grape from a plate filled with fresh fruit and popped it into his mouth while a beautiful woman servant poured a glass of red wine. "These seats are marvellous, Doc. Are there better in the house?"
"These are the best."
"I am impressed. You are treated like royalty."
"That’s because he is in the royal box," a voice said behind them.
Leo turned to see the speaker and bolted up as he recognized the man entering the box with a beautiful young lady on his arm and two tall guards behind him.
Leo lowered his eyes to the ground and tilted his head for effect as he executed a perfect court bow.
The prince lowered his hand and moved ahead of the young woman, leaving her to stand at the entrance to the private area while the guards each took up position on either side of the entrance and turned to face the crowd. His smile was warm and genuine as he shook hands with the doctor. "Doctor, it is so good to see you again. You honour me with your presence on this day."
"The honour is entirely mine, Your Royal Highness." The doctor half turned and raised one hand to indicate Leo. "This is my friend and business partner, Leo Wrathson. Leo, I would like to formally introduce you to His Royal Highness, Prince Adam Rethnal."
The two men shook hands. "It is an honour, Your Royal Highness," Leo said.
The prince’s smile broadened into a grin. "I have heard much about you, Leo. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Leo started to frown, but turned the expression into a smile. "Truly? I am surprised to hear that you know of me at all."
"I work hard to know the players who live in the kingdom which I will someday rule. Even at court, the young lion is known."
"I’m not certain that bodes well for me."
The prince shrugged. "The reviews are mixed. Some mutter and make dour faces when your name is mentioned, but the majority seem to think well of you."
"That is good to know, Your Grace."
The prince turned and looked at the woman and she approached them. "This is the Lady Sandra. She has graciously agreed to be my companion for the day."
The men greeted the lady and then took their seats, the prince and lady in the middle, Leo to the prince’s right.
"I hear that this is your first visit to the stadium, Leo." The prince looked at the large pit below.
"Yes, Your Grace. It appears to be a well-attended event."
The prince laughed. "It is indeed. Who do you like in the lists today, Doctor?"
The doctor recited a few names and the prince nodded. "And what of the final match for the day?"
"Ricin will be victorious in the death match today, Your Grace."
"Truly? He faces three of the best fighters the land has to offer, and is but one man. The odds are overwhelmingly against Ricin, yet still you choose him?"
"I have watched fighters enter that deep pit for over twenty-five years, Your Grace. Ricin’s skills are on par with the legends of the sport."
Prince Adam nodded and looked at Leo. "Interesting perspective. What do you say, Leo?"
"I placed my bet earlier, Your Grace. I know nothing of the Pits and so base my decision on the experience of my host."
The prince chuckled and peeled a small fruit, extending half of it towards Lady Sandra beside him. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth to accept the morsel. A faint smile curved her lips as she chewed. "It is polite to bet according to one’s host," the prince’s gaze drifted towards the Lady Sandra’s ample bosom. "But the size of the bet is more telling. Of course, it is none of my concern, but would you be willing to share the amount you have bet on this warrior?"
"Five hundred gold."
Prince Adam’s smile froze and he inclined his head towards the doctor. The doctor raised one eyebrow and nodded.
The prince raised one hand and, a moment later, a guard stood at his side. "I would like you to place a bet on my behalf."
"Of course, Your Grace." The man leaned closer to the prince.
The prince smiled, looked down at the golden sand of the pit below for a moment, and then nodded. "Bet one thousand gold on Ricin to win the death match."
The guard’s eyes bulged. "I’m sorry, I did not hear you correctly."
"You did. One thousand gold."
The guard cleared his throat and his eyes darted to the doctor and then to Leo. After a moment, he bowed. "As you say. One thousand gold on Ricin to win." He backed out of the booth and departed.
"Well, gentlemen. It seems that our fortunes are intertwined this day. Let us enjoy ourselves while we look forward to the final match, shall we?"
The massive gates to the Pits opened and the crowd roared. Two warriors emerged and stood at opposite points with their backs against the wall and weapons drawn.
"I am glad that we met today, Leo."
"As am I."
"Perhaps this will be the start of an interesting friendship."
Leo bowed his head, careful to conceal the smile on his face.
36
"It’s time, Ricin."
The warrior opened his eyes. "I am ready." He stood in one fluid motion, uncrossing his legs and rolling his head from side to side before looking at the bench in front of him. He picked up his two blades, one thirteen inches long and the other nine, and sheathed them in scabbards on his hips. Then he reached for the reinforced steel forearm wraps and tied them into place so that the steel bands covered the tops of his arms. He turned and walked to the door, nodding to the attendant who would escort him to the Pit.
"Your opponents are wearing more armour," the attendant said.
Ricin smiled. He wore black leather pants, boots, and was bare-chested except for the forearm wraps and the black leather strips wrapped above his biceps. "If you fear the kiss of a weapon, then you must hide behind armour. I am sufficiently clothed."
"This match is to the death."
"Just so."
Ricin followed the attendant to the entrance of the Pit. Three large, muscular men stood together. One man was dressed in heavy chain mail armour and carried a long sword and shield. The second wore hard-boiled leather and held a seven-foot-long spear with a barbed hook and sharp point. The third had a sword strapped over his shoulder and three long knives sheathed at the hip, boot, and forearm. All of them wore armour in the manner of the Pits, protective but not so heavy or excessive as to slow their attacks.
Ricin faced each man and bowed. "May you attain perfection in your contest today."
The man with the spear returned the bow. "Good luck to you as well, Ricin."
A loud horn sounded and the door opened. The four men entered the fighting area together and fanned out with their backs touching the high wall of the Pit. The crowd roared as the announcer stood from his seat and raised his hands for silence. He waited until the crowd was quiet before speaking.
"Ladies and gentlemen! After an exciting day filled with astounding feats of bravery and skill, we arrive at the main event, the death match we have been anticipating for weeks!"
The crowd cheered and applauded as the announcer walked back and forth on his platform before raising his hands for silence again.
"Today is even more exciting than most because, in order to provide a fair contest, we see a matching of three fierce warriors against one. The best warriors from our lands face the best from the far-off country of Krandar."
The crowd roared once more. This time, the announcer allowed the crowd to cheer until they quieted naturally. "This contest is to the death. May fortune favour the brave souls who give their lives for our respect and admiration." He raised one hand and then dropped it to signal the fight had begun.
Ricin unsheathed his weapons and stepped away from the wall. His opponents did the same.
The pit was large and none of them rushed forward recklessly. Ricin’s eyes locked onto his opponents as they moved towards him. His breath was even, his heartbeat slow.
The three approached a
nd then stopped outside of striking distance. Ricin claimed the centre point of the Pit and waited for the attack.
One man drew the dagger from his back and threw it. Ricin leaned backwards to avoid it and saw that the long spear was already streaking forward to strike the spot where his torso would be. He jumped and spun, the movement causing him to avoid both the spear and dagger. He landed on his feet and immediately launched toward the man wielding the spear.
The spear was still extended as Ricin drew his blades and closed the distance between them. He could see the surprise on the man’s face and he smiled. Most would have retreated and that is what the spearman had been counting on. Ricin sliced into the man’s leather armour at the waist. He felt the texture against his knife become soft and, without hesitating, plunged the blade deep into the man’s abdomen. The opponent grunted and pulled away. The involuntary action saved his life as Ricin’s second blade passed through the air where the man’s neck had been a moment before.
Ricin dodged back and his attackers did the same. The crowd roared and got to their feet.
The three opponents knelt together for a moment and spoke. Then they turned to face Ricin and began advancing as one.
Ricin bowed at the waist, his eyes locked on the man with the spear. Both blades were drawn, and Ricin blinked, once, twice, and then a third time before they were within striking distance.
"That’s it," the doctor said as he watched Ricin bow to the three men advancing.
"What do you mean?" Prince Adam asked.
"Just watch."
Leo leaned forward, his chin jutting past the edge of the railing to get a good look at the battleground below.
The opponents were less than three feet away from him when Ricin sprang forward. His blades moved so fast that they appeared to be nothing more than flashing light, first streaking towards the man in the centre, then appearing to the left, followed by the right.
In the space of three heartbeats, Ricin was the only man standing in the Pit.
The stadium became silent, the effect of the sudden quiet making Leo think he had gone deaf.
Ricin bowed once more and then walked to each fallen warrior. He touched the first man on his wound, then traced a small circle in blood on the dead man’s forehead before moving to repeat the gesture with the next, careful to use a clean finger and each man’s blood for his own marking. When the action was completed, he stepped back and knelt on the sand. He closed his eyes, bowed until his forehead touched the ground, then stood and walked to the door.