The Mage Slayer

by Whiskey Flowers

  “Cupcake prison?” Erika asked.

  “The one where they just cut down trees and make things out of wood” Max replied. “I think they have it easier than we do so we call them cupcakes”.

  “Well it is tougher there than you think” Erika began. “That is where most prisoners are um, dealt with”.

  “What do you mean by dealt with?” Ray asked.

  “Killed” Patricia finished. “Almost all of the sterile prisoners go there along with problematic high ranking nobles. The nobles are kept alive but are treated harshly and made to perform back breaking labor or go hungry. Many women sign up for this work thinking they will come here, imagine instead being sent to that place. There isn’t really any oversight there either, the work may be tougher here but none of you have to worry about being tortured or misused, they do”.

  “It’s like that in Grain as well” Anna added.

  “Let me guess, Grain is a prison that deals with grains” Ray remarked.

  “It does, their main job is to plant and harvest big fields of grains and turn it into flour” Patricia said as she got up and sat in Ray’s lap. “Grain is a mixture of this place and Pine except all of the best-looking men are sent here. You had to notice none of you are hard on the eyes. But enough about prisons, I don’t think I have ever been held by a man your size before, wrap your arms around me so I can see how it feels. I promise it won't go further than that, no need in having your friend Daniel cross at you”.

  “Too bad we can’t move around though” Devin said as Anna started kissing him on his neck.

  “You could move around if you wanted” Patricia replied as she snuggled in Ray’s arms. “You can have better food as well but none of you want to sign up”.

  “Sign up for what?” Ray asked.

  “She is talking about that fighting thing” Max said shaking his head. “I aint stupid enough to battle it out with my countrymen for someone else’s amusement”.

  “It is not only your countrymen, Largen prisoners get a chance to compete as well” Patricia replied.

  “I haven’t heard of this fight league but who would sign up for that just to change scenery” Ray said shaking his head.

  “It is more than that” Patricia replied. “Normally the winner gets to choose from five different gifts, regardless the food is a lot better and everyone gets to eat it”.

  “You forgot to tell him about the biggest prize” Anna added. “Win twenty fights and you can work outside of the prison and keep most of your own money, you have to stay in the town your prison is located and you have to go back to prison to sleep every night and get counted but many prisoners are trying for it. It is the only thing that passes the day in the other places, anyone who signs up is excused from working until their fight. We never do anything like that here because no one signs up”.

  “I want to sign up” Ray said as Patricia’s warm body sitting on his crotch started his loins stirring.

  “There you are” Patricia said as she winked at Anna then really got comfortable. “I can help you sign up before I leave but the fight is in two days, you would have to leave with Erika’s group then fight with no time to practice”.

  CHAPTER 11

  The Prison Gladiator

  Ray looked around at his new surroundings, it was dark out but there was a big difference between this prison and the one he had come from. Pine was a lot larger and everything was made from wood, the same wood that gave the prison its name. Guards looked him over as he entered, he was the only fighter from Stone and he could hear them whispering. Ray didn’t like the way they looked, he was in a hurry to get everything over with so he could leave, next week he would be fighting in Grain and then get two weeks off and could travel back to Stone. Ray was shown to the sleeping area, it was a large room with no blankets or padding and men slept on the floor. Ray was shocked at first but realized it made sense, he had his own small cell in Stone and even had a mattress but that probably was for the benefit of the guards watching the prisoners than anything else. Ray found an empty spot and settled down to go to sleep, about an hour later he felt a foot nudging him.

  “You hungry?” said a guard as she waved a piece of chicken in front of him.

  “No thank you” Ray replied and laid back down.

  “Oh you think you are too good for my food now?” the guard replied. “I forget you prisoners in Stone get everything you want. Stand up while I am talking to you”.

  Ray shook his head and stood up, the room was dimly lit but he could see other prisoners had woken up but were faking sleep to avoid being spotted. Ray looked down at the guard who took a bite out of the drumstick she was carrying. The lady was short and incredibly thin with stringy black hair and yellowed and blackened teeth that looked rotten. Ray thought she looked hilarious trying to be intimidating as she was only as high as his waist.

  “What are these tattoos for swirling all around your legs?” the guard asked. “Take off that sack you have and let me get a good look at you to make sure you are not hiding anything. In Pine we take our job more serious that they do in Stone”.

  Ray took off his sack and stood there naked as the guard looked him over making sure to scan his manhood as she had him raised his arms and turn around.

  “You know it is very drafty in here” the guard replied. “And the floor is hard, I have a blanket and mattress you could use, but what do I get out of it?”

  “The floor is fine, can I get dressed now” Ray asked.

  “Maybe I am not making myself clear” the guard replied. “How much do you cost? I know how things work over there in Stone, next rotation I should be there myself instead of stuck in this shit hole. You fuck for favors over there, now what is it going to be?”

  “I just want to go to bed, I have a big fight tomorrow” Ray replied.

  “You are going to regret this” the guard replied. “Maybe next time you come here you will get with the program”.

  Ray watched her leave and went to sleep, about an hour went by and he could hear movement but ignored it. A hard blow caught him full in the face, Ray figured it was hard because of the noise the blow made and figured it was a stick as he suddenly felt blows all over his body. Ray could get up and fight but decided against it, despite the best efforts of his attackers unless they were using something tougher than sticks he would be okay. Ray kept his eyes closed as the beating finally stopped.

  “That will teach him” a voice said and Ray could hear someone spitting and felt the wetness on his body. “They are probably telling every secret they know and have it easy while we are being worked to the bone. I bet the women up there won't fuck him after this”.

  “Can we get our food now?” Another man asked. “We did what you wanted”.

  “I suppose” Ray heard the female guard from earlier say. “Follow me”.

  Ray heard retreating footsteps then felt someone try to take his pulse. “I am alive” Ray said as he opened his eyes and saw an older man.

  “Don’t cross the guards here stranger” the old man whispered. “That one is just after a bit of fun, the others are worse. If you ever come back here you would remember it is easy to do what they want and survive. Any news on the war?”

  “It is a stalemate right now” Ray replied. “We captured a good bit of land, the first kingdom we captured but the other two became one kingdom again and they are keeping us out. People think Largen will cut its losses and hand over the lost region to get a peace agreement then regroup from there”.

  “That is what I heard as well” the old man replied. “Well get your sleep, they worked you over good but you might as well rest as much as possible before your fight”.

  Ray nodded but was irritated he had been woken up three times now and was happy he had gotten some sleep on the way up. When morning came Ray woke up and stretched, the fights happened early and would last until noon then the fighters would eat a feast in front of the non-combatants then travel to the next area. Ray thought it was heartless to
make a bunch of starving people watch other prisoners eat food but it was signed off on by the Duke and it was said his wife came to watch the fights and was a big fan.

  “What are you doing here?” Gregory asked as he spotted Ray about to leave.

  “I was captured same as you” Ray replied as he could see the fat noble had lost weight. “Nice to see you are not as fat and disgusting”.

  “You the one that got beat last night?” Gregory asked. “You don’t look hurt”.

  “What do you want Gregory, I have no desire to talk to your fat ass about anything” Ray replied. “You are not a Baronet here, just a fat ass with a nasty attitude and a big mouth”.

  “I need your help Gaea” Gregory replied. “See if you can get me moved down there with you”.

  “Why in the hell would I help you?” Ray spat. “The life up here agrees with you, hard work, no pay and ass holes throwing your predicament in your face. Now you know how any commoner that has to deal with you feels”.

  “Okay I am a fat bully” Gregory replied. “I know they take non-sterile men up there and I have to leave this place”.

  Ray looked and can see the fear in his eyes and felt sorry for him. Gregory was still chubby but he wasn’t the sweating obese man he had been. Ray looked at the other prisoners, they were all thin and looked malnutritioned. “What do you think I can do, I am just a prisoner too”.

  “Where is your trainer?” Gregory asked.

  “I don’t have one” Ray replied.

  “Name me your trainer, as long as you are fighting they will let me travel with you” Gregory said in a whisper. “I won't be able to have any of your rewards but it will get me out of this place. Let’s catch up later, the guards are coming”.

  “Look at this one” a male guard said looking Ray over. “I put my money on this one, I don’t think anybody out there can beat him in a throw down. What prison you come from slave?”

  “Not this one” Ray replied. “Can my trainer come out here as well?”

  “Who is your trainer?” the guard replied.

  “He is Sir” Ray replied and pointed at Gregory. “Taught me everything I know about brawling”.

  “Meat taught you how to brawl?” The guard said loudly as many of the guards waking people up started laughing. Meat is only good for running his mouth, he got something stuck in it once, now he hasn’t been so mouthy. None of the nobles here are mouthy anymore, you used to work for Meat?”

  “Something like that Sir” Ray replied.

  “Well you don’t any longer, there is no status among prisoners here” the guard proclaimed. “We beat the self-entitlement out of all of them, makes things smoother”.

  “He is still my trainer Sir” Ray replied.

  “Now why would you want to take one of the highest Holyan nobles we have?” the guard asked as he eyed Ray. “How long have you been imprisoned?”

  “A little more than three months” Ray replied.

  “We have only had Meat here for half that” the guard replied. “I think you might be a plant to rescue him or something”.

  “Who would want to rescue meat?” A female guard asked, the same one from last night. “Go ahead Meat, list all of your titles and accomplishments and complain about food being poor. Go ahead and demand some meat this instant and slap a guard or two”.

  “I don’t want to fight” Gregory said meekly.

  “You damn right you don’t” the male guard replied. “Bet you won’t do that shit ever again”.

  “You look to be in good health” the female guard stated as she looked over Ray confused.

  “With my trainer I think we can win our fight” Ray replied.

  “Your fight?” the woman laughed. “This is a tournament today, we need to impress. The Duke, his wife and his daughters will be in attendance. This isn’t, win a fight and have a good meal. The first round of losers will be given ten lashes, this will cut down of those from other prisons who do as little as possible in their fights and collect a good meal at the end of it, not to mention avoid working. Lose and you are back in your prison with a little pain to remember us by. That includes their trainers Meat, just in case you are wondering.

  “Even with Meat as his trainer I think he will at least win two fights” the male guard said.

  “Well the prizes the fights today have been upped to properly motivate, you can't count any of them out” the female replied.

  “Can I leave now, I have little time to train” Ray asked.

  “Get lost” the guard replied and motioned with his hand for Ray to move along.

  Ray followed Gregory outside to a large yard where other men were already out loosening up. Ray looked around at what they were doings and threw a few jabs, he felt stupid for doing this and had no idea what he should be practicing.

  “You think you can win a round Ray?” Gregory asked. “You want to try your hardest, they are not shy with using the whip here”.

  “I think we will be alright” Ray replied. “Is it really that bad here?”

  “It is worse than whatever you are imagining” Gregory replied. “How is your prison, the one with the traitors?”

  “No one there is a traitor” Ray replied. “It is set up almost like the Houses back home but with a lot more oversight. It can be a tough place but there are no troublemakers there, compared to this place you might as well be living back at home”.

  “Do they feed you more than one meal every other day?” Gregory asked. “They just started feeding me again, I only had water for most of the time I have been here”.

  “Don’t worry” Ray replied. “They said something about bigger prizes?”

  “You aint winning that” Gregory whispered. “The whole thing is a farce, after you win more than 15 matches then they start matching you up against Largen. This is their national sport, all they do is train and they will find the one that matches up best against you, since they would have seen you fight a few times”.

  “I am talking about today” Ray whispered. “I heard the top five gets their choice of prizes, like a pair of pants, some boots, some small clothes, their favorite meal or a jacket”.

  “It is normally out of the best five matches, the winner would get to choose” Gregory began. “The winner today would have had to fight eight matches to be the overall winner and there are four Largen here. The bracket is set up so the Largen wouldn’t have to meet up until the last two matches, that way they can avoid each other and knock out any of us who might be close to that twenty wins. The only change in the prizes today is a night with a whore and a cask of ale. The top seven will get to pick instead of the top five”.

  Ray nodded and waited for his first match, it was a man of slight build who had a cleft lip and a forehead that looked slightly too large. His opponent looked at him nervously and Ray could see his mark clearly from all the movement his head did. This prisoner had to be from Grain, he was scared but looked like he took regular baths.

  “This your first time” Ray asked.

  “I fought before, just no one as big as you are Gaea” the man replied. “You sound like you are from Holyan”.

  “Because I am from Holyan” Ray replied.

  “I thought you were one of the Largen” the man replied.

  “Enough talking and fight” came the sharp voice of a guard. “The Duke ain’t got all day, now hurry up before it gets too hot out here”.

  Ray charged his opponent and grabbed him after eating two punches to the chin. It wasn’t hard to wrap his arm around his opponent’s windpipe and put him to sleep. His opponent was drug to a post and tied up as Ray sat down so the next fight could happen, he could hear the whip and the man screaming as the next match was going on. The sound unnerved the next two fighters, they circled around each other and were only landing blows here and there.

  “New rule” said a man Gregory pointed out as the one who ran Pine. “This is a five minute hourglass, any fight that doesn’t have enough blood by the time this drains will be dec
lared a draw and you both will go to the stocks to receive your reward”.

  The fights started being fierce after that, Ray could hear the crowd enjoying the spectacle as men started being drug off the field instead of walking under their own power. For the next round the five minute rule was in effect minus the punishment, the fights still had a lot of brutality but so far the men Ray had fought had all been small but he could see their were big men spread out through the tournament. Ray’s second opponent went out just like the first, the man simply couldn’t keep Ray off of him and the match ended quickly. The crowd started to jeer him, they were mostly made up of Largen, the non-fighting prisoners in Pine would be brought out later to watch the participants eat. Ray ignored their voices, he had no need to shed blood and his method was just as effective.

  “Good job cousin” Gregory replied. “I can’t believe I am leaving this place, just keep your wits about you and if you are being beaten too bad just submit. We are guaranteed to leave here now, all we have to do is wait this out”.

  “I plan on winning more than two” Ray replied. “I am tired of running around here with no pants, I can see some of the men here have pants and boots. The sack they give us as clothing is horrible, at least I will have something to go along with it”.

  “Right now it looks like they are putting all of you big men against the smallest” Gregory explained. Your next fight won't be that easy, it is still too many people here for me to get a read on who you will be fighting but I have kept an eye on the brackets. There is grumbling about your fighting style though, the people want to see blood. Look at how the Largen fight, that is what they want to see”.

  “Fuck the Largen” Ray replied.

  Ray’s next match was against a man bigger than his first two opponents and he wore boots to the fight. Ray charged him and went for the same maneuver, just as Ray wrapped his arms around the man he felt his opponent’s boot slide down his shin and stomp on the top of his foot. Ray let the man go instantly as he felt blood running down his leg. The man had to have spikes on the sole of his boot and Ray could see had decent puncture marks on the top of his foot that started bleeding as well. That move hurt, if he was a normal man he would have a foot filled with broken bones, what he had was just a sore bleeding foot. His opponent gave him no rest and started throwing looping punches that were landing on the chin, Ray stuck out his hand and grabbed the man by the throat, his opponent brought his foot up to kick and Ray grabbed the leg and slammed his opponent on the ground. His opponent fought for air as Ray transitioned into his chokehold and used the ground to protect him from any more stomping tactics. The crowd booed him again as the man went out, Ray got up and checked his leg over then walked over to his seat.