Three months later Anarion returned to the pit. Tycondris had been providing him with meal tickets since he was not able to fight. Anarion began to do some light training again because he had a goal in mind. Two weeks left to go in the arena Anarion asked to speak with Krogg. Dokkor managed to get permission to allow this meeting.

“I thought you died. I’m surprised to see you here,” said Krogg. Anarion still had his bandages on. He was officially on his way to see the doctor for a degassing. “How many days do I have left here Dokkor?” asked Anarion. Dokkor replied “Thirteen more days.” Anarion looked Krogg dead in the eyes. “I’ll fight you on one condition.”

Krogg looked excited. "I can make it happen. What do you want?" Without reservation, Anarion said "I want to free a prisoner. His name is Tycondris." Krogg laughed. "Most people ask for gold or something more substantial. Consider it done. If you can defeat and kill me I will ensure he is set free."

Dokkor said “It’s a simple request. We’ll set up the match for the day before Anarion leaves the arena.” Anarion looked at Dokkor. “I also want to fight my rival the day I leave. He’ll arrive with Bwoire.” Krogg gave Anarion a strange look “You seem quite sure that you will survive our match. Who is The Raging Bull to you anyway?” Anarion looked Krogg dead in the eyes again. “He is my friend.”

Krogg laughed. “You are going to kill me in the name of friendship. I’m looking forward to it!” Anarion looked at Dokkor. “Let’s get this over with.” Dokkor escorted Anarion to the medical facility. Anarion did not expect the degassing to be as painful as it was. Thankfully there would be no scarring from the burns, Anarion could be out in direct sunlight without any issues.

Anarion had scars where the arrows hit him. He had a scar that went from his right shoulder to his ribs, another scar intersected below his heart and met up with the larger scar. Upon returning to the pit Tycondris said “Oh good, you’ve finally lost those bandages. I don’t think your fans would be fully satisfied unless you fought completely naked, that is if you are going to fight again.”

Anarion raised two fingers. “I’m fighting Krogg the day before I leave and a guy named Falcon the day I leave.” Tycondris looked panicked. “You are going to fight the Grand Champion? You just recovered kid!” Anarion looked at Tycondris “The match is already set. I’ve also asked Dokkor if you can spectate.” Tycondris looked both confused and annoyed. “Why do you want me to spectate kid?”

Anarion glared at Tycondris. “Would you shut up already with your questions. I have to prepare, though I can only do light training.” Tycondris decided not to press the issue. The day of the fight came. A boat arrived that morning carrying Bwoire and company.

“Man what a year. I hope Anarion is still alive,” said Ithilious. “I still can’t believe you ditched him here for a year. That’s unforgivable Bwoire!” said Amma with fire in her eyes. “I wonder if he still wants to fight me. I doubt he will stand a chance after the year we’ve had,” said Falcon.

All three were still clad in Chosen garb though it clung to their bodies a little tighter due to the events of the last year. Ithilious grew a little, now standing at six foot four. Amma and Falcon did not grow taller. Amma’s figure was more voluptuous than before. Bwoire stepped off the boat. He looked exhausted. “If we hurry we might be able to watch him fight a few times if he’s still alive.”

Amma looked at Bwoire, she was visibly angry. “You mean you don’t know?” He shook his head “I never told Dokkor where we were going. For all we know he’s decomposing right as we speak.” Amma punched Bwoire square in the face. “If he’s dead I’m going to murder you in your sleep.” Bwoire laughed. “Have some faith, even though Aenos barely lasted a month here I’m sure he’s fine.”

They walked to the Arena, Amma was in a bit of a slump. They purchased tickets for today's fights, they had front row seats. Time passed but Anarion was not in any of the fights. Finally, at noon he appeared. "After his brush with death, he's back for two more fights. You all know him, the women love him. He's the Naked Madman!"

Amma turned around to face the other way before Anarion stepped out into the arena. “He’s naked, he’s been naked this whole time, that’ hilarious!” remarked Ithilious. Upon closer inspection he was astonished. “Holy shit, that’s Anarion. He’s freaking huge. He must have grown at least three inches during this entire year.”

Amma yelled “Enough with the penis jokes!” Ithilious laughed. “Is your mind in the gutter? I was talking about him, not his penis. He’s had a massive growth spurt considering his age. He’s got to be six foot six at the very least. Not only that, but he’s kind of intimidating. His muscles have grown considerably.” Amma continued to look away.

“Not bad. He actually trained this year,” said Bwoire. Falcon did not speak, he looked on, shocked, without words. Through the gate Anarion came out of, Bwoire noticed a man standing and watching. He did not recognize him.

“The Naked Madman will be facing one of the greatest warriors in the history of Ecia, Kroggsmash!” Krogg walked out the other side. He was carrying a great axe in his right hand, a massive shield in his left. He was clad in full plate armor.

“The Naked Madman nearly died the last time he stepped into this arena. Is he pushing his luck by picking a fight with Krogg? Perhaps he is Grand Champion material. Let’s find out! Fight!” Krogg charged Anarion, he swung his great axe. Anarion dived below the swing, pushing himself up with his arms he kicked Krogg in the chest sending the orc flying thirty feet in the air.

Krogg dropped his great axe and shield because of the kick. Meeting him at the peak was Anarion. He unleashed a powerful axe kick to his chest sending him crashing down to the ground. Dust from the crash covered the arena. When it settled Anarion was standing over Krogg.

The plate mail caved inwards, his chest was also caved in. Krogg unable to speak raised his hand and gave him a thumbs up. His arm went limp moments later, Krogg finally got the death he was craving. “What an upset! With ease! With tremendous ease, Anarion defeated Krogg in seconds! We have a new Grand Champion!”

The crowd’s cheer was thunderous. Falcon sat, wide-eyed. He could not believe it. Bwoire and Ithilious sat awestruck as well. Amma was still looking away. Anarion was not leaving the arena though. The cheers calmed down eventually. As loud as he could he yelled “Tycondris!”

Tycondris had been standing at the gate the whole time. “I took on Krogg for one reason. He promised me if I won, you would be set free.” Anarion looked at Dokkor, who was standing next to Tycondris. “I trust our bargain is still good?” Dokkor nervously shook his head, indicating it was still good.

Behind the gate, Tycondris was now a free man. "I have something else to say." The crowd listened. "Tomorrow I am going to have one more match, then I am retiring." Anarion pointed at Falcon. "I hope you are going to keep your promise from last year Falcon." Bwoire laughed and looked at Falcon. "A promise is a promise."

Falcon nodded. “Until tomorrow!” Anarion walked out of the arena. Amma, Bwoire, Falcon, and Ithilious left their seats to go find Anarion. Tycondris was an emotional wreck. “You son of a bitch! You put your life on the line!” Tears rolled down his cheeks. “Hey, you're a man. Suck it up!” said Anarion jokingly.

Dokkor threw clothes at Anarion. “I’m tired of looking at you, get dressed. You’ll be staying in a bedroom tonight.” Anarion nodded “That will be nice. Where is my coin purse?” he asked suspiciously looking at the Dwarf. “It’s with your Katana, do you want it now?” Anarion shook his head “Take half of what’s in there and give it to Tycondris. I didn’t spend anything this year, it would be cruel to release him without any coin.”

Tycondris hugged Anarion. “Thanks, kid, I’ll never forget this.” Anarion pulled away and smiled “You are my friend, I couldn’t leave you here to rot for the rest of your life. Try not to get into any trouble though. I don’t think I could bail you out a second time.” Anarion put his pants on, they did not fit right but he managed to get them on. “I think I’ll stick around until you leave. I’ve got nowhere to be, so I think I’ll have a pint with you before you go.” Anarion smiled again, sounds good.

Around the corner was Amma. Her face was beat red. “I’ve never seen him smile like that.” Bwoire shoved her around the corner, Ithilious and Falcon followed suit. Tycondris looked at the group, then at Anarion “I imagine this is your group, so I’ll leave you be.” Tycondris slowly passed Amma, then walked away snickering to himself.

“Good to see you are still alive,” said Bwoire cheerfully. Anarion punched him in the face. “Barely, I almost died asshole!” Bwoire nursed his nose. “Looks like you had a rough time of it,” he said in a nasal tone. Anarion pointed to Falcon, he looked slightly disturbed. “You better not back down. I was only able to train full time for eight months, but I’m sure I can kick your ass now!”

Bwoire cleared his throat. “Just so you know, this is a grudge match. No killing each other.” Falcon smiled “I’ll try not to kill him, but I’m not going to hold back.” Anarion walked up to the group. Amma’s face was glowing red. “You couldn’t kill me if I stood there for an hour giving you free hits asshole.”

Anarion put on the top of his ghee which like his pants did not fit well. This settled Amma down quite a bit. “You look different Anarion, but I wouldn’t underestimate Falcon or the rest of us. We’ve been training seriously all year under Bwoire.” Anarion glared at Ithilious “Oh, is that so? If you think you can beat me I’ll gladly fight you before Falcon.” Ithilious raised his fist. “Fine by me, I’ll show you how strong I’ve become.”

Anarion looked at Amma “Well, do you want to join the party? I’m taking all challengers.” Amma silently replied “No thanks.” Anarion glared at Ithilious, then Falcon. “I’ll see you both tomorrow then. We’ll see who’s stronger.”

Dokkor escorted Anarion to his bedroom for the night, while adding Ithilious on to the roster for tomorrow's fights.