With the battle within the arena in full swing, few would notice the group of cloaked figures entering the packed coliseum, pushing their ways past throngs of frenzied viewers. Cadeyrn had little interest in this bloodsport, instead disappointed in the absolute waste of such useful personnel. Such waste was viewed with displeasure within Temrenos, for them every capable fighter or possible soldier was needed for the defense of the frontier. Blood spilled for such frivolous and pointless entertainment was useless at best and treacherous at worst.

Had it not been for their situation and the need to purchase possible soldiers for the remainder of the trip, Cadeyrn would have chosen instead to bypass this destination altogether. However, now that they were already here it was necessary to take this opportunity to analyze and gauge the skill levels of their possible purchases. Even if he did not enjoy or held distaste for the game, he would also not throw away an opportunity to make a more informed decision.

Even the Scholar had heard rumors of the skills held by the current young champion. It was similar for the previous Myrmien champion, whom he had disappointingly been unable to ever see, word was the man had died from sickness. Not an unbelievable, especially when observing the condition of the city and the layer of filth present.

“My Lord, we should make our way over to the noble seating area, there are far less spectators and we might be better able to observe the ongoing combat below.” As much as the Scholar wished to avoid the attention such placement would bring, the reality was that the general viewing area left little room to comfortably observe the ongoing battle.

“Understood, let’s go.” Pulling the hood of his cloak back, the elderly Scholar made certain his face and the sigil of House Amyntas remained visible when approaching the guards.

As the Scholar and his handful of soldiers were processed, the battle in the ring below had escalated once again. The short reprieve following the initial exchange had ended, and both the shield bearer and dual wielding combatants had learned. This time they remained close, keeping a close eye on their opponent, the champion while also stepping out from the slinger’s line of fire.

Within the weapons optimal range and boxed in among the columns, the champion had little room to maneuver. The ranged barrage of stones was incredibly accurate, forcing the youth to take refuge behind his shield and pressing up against the nearest column to best mitigate the danger. Yet the defensive posture kept him suppressed, unable to move from his current location while both the shield bearer and dual wielder circled to his flank.

A skilled fighter like himself had probably already realized the danger, as well as the slowly closing window. Those observing from above could see that he was incrementally being boxed in, he could make another rush toward the two approaching men, and risk being struck by the slinger. Or rush the slinger and risk being intercepted and cut down by the two men, either situation was not ideal, both placing his life at great risk.

Without much time the champion made a quick decision, opting to press into the column and limiting the slinger’s field of fire then turning to face the imminent threat, the two close-range fighters. The two had not halted their approach and were now just outside spear range, while the hail of stones had come to a stop, the slinger repositioning towards the champion’s rear.

It would be a few moments before the slinger was in position, at that point the two fighters would pounce, a pincer movement that would leave the youth with little chance to respond. Defending from the front against the shield-bearer would leave his flank open to the dual wielder, or risk being pelted from the rear. There were few options left, with the audience on the edge of their seats anticipating that final moment… would he be able to pull something off at the last moment? Or would he fight to the death and simply end like all those before him?

Yet no one could have anticipated his following action, instead of fighting he dropped his weapon, letting his spear fall to the ground at his feet. Both opponent’s focus was entirely upon the still bouncing spear, oblivious to the clump of sand the youth had scooped up in that same movement.

That confusion lasted for barely a blink of an eye and the two jumped into motion, charging towards the now unarmed fighter. However, instead the two had no chance to dodge the clod of sand which impacted directly upon their faces. The dual wielder taking the full brunt of the abrasive material, whereas the shield bearer benefited from the full-face helm, causing some irritation but failing to blind the large man.

While the dual wielder yelled out curses, screaming into the air, the larger man was committed to his charge, roaring out as he led with his shield, placing all his energy in that burst of forward momentum. In the same moment, almost simultaneously the champion stepped back, one or two steps while retrieving his spear. The audience watched in confusion and anticipation as the youth turned his back to the enemy, but it was too late to escape, he was easily within reach of the large opponent.

Many sat there, eyes salivating at the bloodshed to come, waiting for a strike that would not come. The champion was two, maybe three steps away when the large man came crashing to the ground, screaming in pain. His foot ensnared in a carefully concealed pitfall, just enough to cause one to fall, but unluckily for the man he had been charging with all his momentum. The combination of size, speed, and equipment had come together and left him lying on the sandy ground screaming and cursing, his foot twisted at an unnatural angle.

For his part, the champion confident in his ruse had not once turned back to look, his focus entirely on his lone target. The slinger stood isolated but chose to focus on striking back instead of fleeing. Even with the rapid approach of his enemy the man swung his weapon, launching one stone after another with incredible accuracy. Yet each was repelled by the round shield, with the champion running left and right, while at the same time minimizing the surface area that could result in a successful strike.

Anticipating that the young champion was closing in to engage in close combat, the slinger loaded another stone, with the distance closing rapidly this would possibly be his last opportunity before switching to his dagger. Yet the dual wielder had recovered from his momentary blindness and was quickly closing the distance, closing in on the champion from the rear.

The stalwart and unflinching warrior stood his ground, knowing that he would only need to defend against a single attack before assistance arrived. Rotating the sling overhead, building up speed for this final strike, the man was left open and defenseless.

Those above watched as the two sides closed in towards one another, with the slinger ready to unleash his attack as his enemy’s shield lowered slightly. The champion had come to an abrupt stop far outside thrusting range, his left leg came down hard digging into the sandy ground below. With his anchor set, the champion took one large step forward with his right leg and let fly the spear held tightly in his right hand.

The culmination of this instant happened in seemingly no time, with the slinger still caught in his rotating motion, arm elevated above his head. There was no time to act, so focused was he on the opponent’s shield arm and laying the killing blow, that he failed to anticipate that his enemy might use their weapon as a projectile instead.

A red flower bloomed upon the dusty sand laden earth; the spear had punctured the man’s chest with such force that it burst out his back. Death was instantaneous for the warrior, the spear resting at an angle, head plunged into the blood-soaked earth, with the body above disgorging its contents. The spectators had been granted their desire, they erupted into a frenzy, cheering on the champion, yet might just as easily have been rooting for the others had the situation been different.

There was however little time for contemplation or basking in the glory of the audience. The dual wielder was almost upon him, and the champion turned to meet this new threat. Without his spear he had nothing save for the single dagger and his shield. All that was left was to deal with the two-remaining challengers, then would be the long-awaited freedom.