by Jake Daniel
Isobel dusted herself off, favoring a wound to her leg. She spoke only loud enough for only me to hear. “Be careful, he’s a very powerful man. That brother he mentioned? It’s the King. I don’t like our chances of getting out of here without a scene.”
I shook my head. “Of course it’s the King’s brother. I wouldn’t expect much less at this point.”
I lifted Fapplejack’s limp body and turned to face Amos. Several guards finally closed in and it became clear whose side they were on as they surrounded us. A guard stood with a bow nocked atop a cart and I knew if I didn’t do something in the next two seconds; I was about to lose any chance of us getting out of here unscathed. I stood and met Amos’s eyes as he motioned his four dragon girls toward us. At this point, I knew there was only one way I was going to get out of this situation alive, and get myself closer to my ultimate goal. “I’ll be your champion.”
Amos froze and sputtered. “You?! A champion? That’s rich. What makes you think that you have what it takes to win the tournament?”
“Did I not just defeat your champion? I think that should be enough proof right there.” I kicked toward Viares’s motionless body sending a small dust cloud into the air.
Amos hesitated and glanced at the minotaur on the ground for several seconds. He patted his head with a pink polka dotted handkerchief before responding. “And I suppose you want the tournament prize if I win?”
“I’m willing to split it with you, fifty-fifty.”
Amos scoffed and quickly shot back. “eighty-twenty.”
“Fifty-fifty,” I responded evenly, keeping my eyes locked on his.
The man let out a nervous laugh as he glanced down to my wrists. I knew he must have seen the vines I almost shot out from them while I was fighting. He looked thoughtfully for a moment before responding. “Well, um...”
I grabbed one of the minotaur’s hulking arms and used it to flip him over onto his back. Black goo ran out of his eyes and down his face. An audible groan from the gathered crowd rose as fresh blood seeped out of the knife wound in his forehead.
Amos swallowed hard and nodded. “You have yourself a deal. Don’t make me regret this decision.”
I wiped the knife clean on my pants before placing it back in its sheath. “I expect for those traveling with me to be granted the same courtesy.” I said it loud enough for everyone gathered to hear it. “I’ll not hesitate to kill any man, woman, or beast who gives even so much as a scratch to any of them. Do I make myself clear?”
“Quite. As I expect you’ll do everything needed to prepare for the tournament. You realize what that entails, don’t you?” Amos responded, pushing the dead minotaur’s arm out of the way with his cane.
“I’ll figure it out.”
“Great, great. Well, Logan West, you have yourself a sponsor.” Amos turned and went back to playing up to the crowd.
After several minutes I heard Gwen and Dahlia rushing back to the cart.
Gwen held up a small bottle as she approached. “Logan, I’ve got it.”
I cleared an area in the back of the cart and set Fapplejack down carefully. His breaths came out strained and when I used my Sight, I could tell from the number of spirit strands he had remaining that he was barely hanging on.
Gwen handed the bottle to Dahlia. She popped the cork with one hand and brought the bottle to the goblin’s lips.
I met her eyes and then opened Fapplejack’s mouth slightly. “Careful, make sure it all goes in.”
Dahlia ran her free hand down along his face and whispered to him as she poured. “That’s it, drink it all up. You’ll be good as new soon.”
Several seconds passed and the goblin’s breathing returned to normal, but he remained unconscious. Gwen moved close to me and held her hand in the middle of my back. “He’s going to survive. We won’t know the full extent of his injuries right away.”
I took a deep breath as a big gust of wind blew past. “As long as he survives. Thank you. Will you two make sure he’s comfortable before we head out?”
Dahlia shifted her attention up to me. “We’re going back to the manor, right?”
I shook my head. “No, I offered to take the minotaur’s place.”
Gwen’s head spun toward me. “You what?! When did that happen?”
“When I was out of options. Well that, and I found out that he’s the King’s brother.”
“That? Is the King’s brother?!” Gwen said, motioning with her head toward Amos who was shaking hands with several of the other sponsors who’d arrived.
I shrugged and smiled. “I didn’t believe it myself, but Isobel has run into this man before. She knows what he's capable of.”
Isobel joined us and kept a cautious eye on Amos. “He’s known throughout the North, especially the Frozen Reach. Typically, he recruits the strongest fighters by promising their family’s safety by escorting them to a land untouched by the King. Although, no one has ever seen any of the tournament champions or their families for many years. The rumor is that he has them killed and immediately recruits his next champion.”
I was intrigued at the prospect of what actually happened to the families. “Where is this land where he supposedly takes their families?”
Isobel shrugged. “I’ve heard it’s somewhere not too far from the Capitol. A place called Apex Isle, but I’ve never seen it. It’s been said that it is in the middle of the Mythic Vale, but I’m not so certain it exists. Supposedly that’s where they took my family members after they won, but I seriously doubt it. I think the King has Amos do his dirty work for him, which includes killing the champions.”
“What makes you think that?”
“That is the reputation that the Corlinius family has achieved after taking out the Whitehalls. The Whitehalls were fair and just, or at least they tried to be. Aurilon has been in a downward spiral ever since Augustus’s father killed King Whitehall all those years ago.”
It was obvious to me that I’d need to do some more research on Aurilon, specifically what happened with the Whitehall and Corlinius families. I leaned over to ensure Fapplejack was breathing before continuing. “So, what else do you know about Amos?”
Isobel shrugged and stole a quick glance at Amos who was rubbing his hands awkwardly over his dragon women. “Unfortunately, not much else. I know Amos doesn’t live with the other members of the royal family, but he’s still required to do things for the royal court. I’ve heard he doesn’t live too far away from the Capitol, but I’ve never seen where. I also imagine if you do enough searching of the area where he does live, we’d probably discover the extent of the current regime’s crimes.”
Amos clapped his hands as he climbed down off of his cart with a smug look of satisfaction. “What do you say, Logan West? Shall we get started?”
“I’ll be staying with my cart, the women that came with me, and the goblin. We’ll follow you north to Kilney when you’re ready.”
“Suit yourself, but make sure you get some rest. You have your first trial tomorrow and you must win your round convincingly.” Amos replied, rubbing his hands together nervously.
“What happens if it’s not convincing?”
“You’ll be killed.” Amos said matter-of-factly.
I furrowed my brow. “Seems a little harsh. Why wouldn’t they just send the losers back home?”
Amos shook his head and straightened his mustache. “Incentive. The King wants only the best fighters from Aurilon. If someone throws a fight, then where is the incentive to win if you know you can just go home if you can somehow survive.” He paused and laughed. “Oh, no. Trust me when I say, everyone fighting tomorrow will give it their all, because, in all honesty, their lives depend on it.” He lifted his arms into the air, his cane firmly in his grasp and called out to everyone who was still gathered. “Get ready for a show tomorrow ladies and gentlemen!”
“Guess I better show up to fight,” I said and glanced down to the motionless minotaur.
Amos lowered his arms and
spoke under his breath so the others couldn’t hear him. “If, and I mean if, you somehow win your trial, then it will be imperative that you listen to me and your trainers.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll pass the trial. There’s no doubt in my mind.” I paused. “Who are the trainers?”
Amos turned slowly and motioned toward the four dragon women who now looked like they all wanted to jump me simultaneously. Actually, I wasn’t sure if they wanted to kill me or fuck me, or something in between.
I shook my head. “I think I’ll be alright. I have three amazing warriors with me and I’ve seen my share of fights. I can handle it.”
“Fair enough. Don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you when you come crawling back asking for mercy.” He laughed and poked the dead minotaur one last time. “I suggest you get some rest Logan, you’re going to need it.”
The man walked back to his cart, and all four women swarmed him. “Come on ladies, let’s eat. Tomorrow we’ll see if we have a genuine contender.” The women stole glances back over to me and a couple even licked their lips while they stared.
A large man met Amos as he walked back to his cart and I could tell he was pissed. He was pointing toward the body of Viares on the ground, and from what I could gather, he wasn’t happy about the fact the minotaur was dead. Amos held his hands up defensively and then wrapped an arm around the man as he led him into his carriage to presumably smooth things over.
Two of the dragon-kin women escorted us back to our cart. Gwen leaned over the edge of the cart as I approached and grabbed my face. She looked up to the dragon women and kissed me passionately. I wrapped a hand around the back of her head and returned her kiss, remaining locked with her lips for several seconds. She pulled back and gave a smug glare toward the dragon-kin.
Isobel caught what Gwen was doing and a small smirk rose to her mouth as she climbed in the back of the cart.
I chuckled lightly. “Hey,” I waited for Gwen’s eyes to meet mine. “You have nothing to worry about. I’m yours and you’re mine.”
Gwen gave me a devious smile. “I know, but there’s nothing wrong with making them a little jealous, is there? You’re going to be the next champion of Aurilon after all, might as well take advantage.” I gave her a smile and helped the others into the cart.
The gathered travelers and potential fighters got a free show, and now that the odds-on favorite had been killed, there was a constant buzz in the air. The sun dropped below the horizon by the time all the chaos calmed.
We sat in a circle in the back of the cart with our backs to its walls. Fapplejack laid directly in the center. The goblin remained asleep, occasionally whimpering in pain for several seconds before falling silent.
I met Dahlia’s eyes and pointed to her bag. “Were you able to find any more useful potions back at the bakery?”
She opened the bag at her side and pulled out four small bottles. “Only one additional healing potion. The others are stamina, focus, and strength potions.”
“Hmm, those could possibly prove useful tomorrow at the trial.” I paused and refocused on her green eyes. “Thank you for going back there. I know that was probably the last place you wanted to go again.”
She blushed and smiled shyly. “I would do anything for you, you know that.”
I met her eyes and grinned. “I do.”
Dahlia’s jade eyes sparkled slightly as she smiled and turned her attention to the goblin lying on the floor of the cart. “Besides, I knew it was our best chance to save Fapplejack. I hate seeing him in such pain.”
I nodded and ran my hand down along her arm. “I know what you mean. That goblin is braver than most men I’ve ever met.”
Isobel spoke up from across the fire from me. “I don’t get it.” Her tone was more inquisitive than accusing.
I cocked my head and looked at her curiously. “Don’t get what exactly?”
“Why are these two so willing to do anything you ask?” She shook her head. “And the fact that you treat them with respect. I know you’re bonded to them, but I’ve never seen or even heard of a human treating non-humans the way you do.”
“I think I’ll take that as a compliment.” I gave her a small smile.
She shook her head as if she were trying to process my actions. “You didn’t hesitate to protect them earlier.”
“No, of course not. I’d die for either of them in a heartbeat.” I caught both Gwen's and Dahlia’s eyes, and both were looking at me like the dragon women were earlier.
Isobel shook her head. “No, not just them. But, you didn’t hesitate to protect me as well. You ensured that I stayed out of harm’s way.” She stopped and shifted her eyes up from the floor to meet mine. “Thank you.”
I hadn’t seen this side of Isobel since I’d met her, and I was sure she would revert to her normal serious self soon, but as I looked at her I kept getting an overwhelming feeling of wanting her, of bonding with her.
Chapter Seven
We ate in the back of our cart, not necessarily on purpose, but we had several sponsors approach us and offer food and wine to thank me for taking out the minotaur. Before we could even finish what we had, a new sponsor would approach with more.
Gwen wasn’t complaining. The others had brought us our fill of wine. Even she was having a hard time drinking what we had, and that was almost unheard of. She refilled my cup and then hers as she scooted close to me. “We need to have you kill potential champions more often. This is some of the best wine I’ve ever had.” She downed her cup and immediately poured herself a refill.
“I’m not a wine guy, but I’d have to agree. This stuff actually tastes amazing.” I took a drink of my wine and set my wooden mug down slowly.
Gwen let out a slightly tipsy laugh. “Wait until I tell my sisters about this. They’re going to be so jealous.”
I grinned. “You’re evil.”
She nuzzled up closer to me. “And you like it.”
Gwen had a point, I absolutely loved her devious nature. When I was around her, I had an insane urge to dance and sing along with her. That was definitely new. Although, I’d discovered there was a charm that satyrs could cast on others which often made them feel this way.
Gwen admitted to charming me when we first met, and it was part of the reason I couldn’t resist taking her right in front of the fireplace that night, even though she had been badly injured.
Recently, she actually got me to dance, twice. Thankfully she has hooves, instead of toes, otherwise I surely would’ve broken them all with my less than graceful coordination.
She couldn’t get me to sing, though. I left that to her. Her voice was amazing and if I had to guess what an angel sounded like, it was her. She made herself comfortable next to me and sang softly, just loud enough for us to hear it in the wagon.
As Gwen’s voice rose, I sensed a calm wash over each of us. Isobel’s shoulders visibly relaxed as she sank into the back of the cart and let out a long breath.
Dahlia gave me a sweet look as she sat across from me and created a small yellow flower in her hand. She leaned forward and handed it to me. “Here you go, a kiss.” This was one of the many ways that Dahlia showed her love for me. She created the most intricately designed flowers I’d ever seen and would leave them for me throughout the day. She’d also increased her rank recently, which provided her even better control of creating her beautiful designs.
I gripped her hand lightly and kissed it as I accepted the flower. “Thank you.”
Isobel scoffed lightly and rolled her eyes. “You guys are too much.” She let her eyes linger on Dahlia’s hand in mine just long enough for me to recognize a hint of sadness, almost longing in her face. I reminded myself that she’d lost almost her entire family, just like Dahlia and even Gwen.
Where I had willingly left my family behind, they each didn’t have a choice. I’m sure my outward signs of affection were not exactly easy for the wolf-kin to ignore.
We finished our dinner and took turns checking on th
e goblin. We moved him toward the front of the cart and placed several crates around him, draping a piece of cloth across the top in order to keep the whipping wind off of him for the night.
Amos retreated to his carriage and disappeared inside with his four companions. His excited voice filled the air, becoming more slurred as the night progressed. “Ladies, ladies, there’s enough of me to go around, please, let’s not be hasty.” Several giggles rose before his carriage finally fell silent about an hour later.
Amos’s voice was the only one filling the air throughout the night. The voices of the other men and their champions, mostly arguments, permeated the night. Every half hour a new fight would break out and the cheering would start all over again. A constant stream of new combatants passed through Dunway well into the night. Each time they passed our cart they stared as if they were sizing up their competition.
After about the tenth cart, I stopped paying nearly as much attention, unless it was a new type of fighter I’d not seen before. One that stood out was a man who was at least fifteen feet tall. He carried a large spiked club in one hand and was led through town by a thick metal collar around his neck. He stopped in front of our cart and stared at me. His eyes looked similar to the minotaur’s earlier. Cloudy gray and lifeless. It was as if something had a hold of his will.
“Isobel, have you noticed those fighter’s eyes?” I asked as they led away the giant.
“I have. It’s almost as if they are under some sort of spell.” She watched the giant as he lumbered to the north.
“Have the sponsors cast spells in the past in order to control their champions? That giant’s eyes looked exactly the same as the minotaur’s eyes did earlier.”
Dahlia rifled through her bag and pulled out a bottle I’d not seen before. She held it up and showed me. “I think I know what’s happening to them. I forgot I grabbed this one when I was back at the bakery.”
I accepted the bottle from her and held it in my palm. It was about the size and shape of a shotgun shell and had only a few drops of pink liquid remaining inside. I inspected it before shifting my gaze back on Dahlia. “What is it?”
