by Jake Daniel
I moved my gun close to my side and held my knife at the ready. We reached the first cart and I slowed the horses as we passed. I used my Sight to confirm the cart was empty before urging the horses forward toward a second cart.
An unsettling feeling washed over me as we approached. I closed my eyes and used my Sight ability once more as we approached. My suspicions were confirmed as I saw three figures wriggling at the bottom of the cart. I stopped the horses about twenty feet away and readied my rifle. “Come on out. I know all three of you are in there.”
A heavy set man peeked his head up over the edge of the cart and stood with his hands in the air. He was shirtless and balding and as he rose I realized he was pants-less, as well. A moment later two winged women stood, their bare breasts exposed. The man crouched and pulled up his pants before lowering himself to the ground. “I apologize, I was just getting one last round in before we entered the capital. The truce started today, so I’m in the clear, don’t report me.”
I held up a hand and shook my head. “I have no interest in reporting you. I was just making sure you three were not here to do us harm.”
“Harm? Us? Ha! This is my favorite week of the year. Men and monsters getting along without fear of repercussions of the capital! I wish it could be like this around here tournament or no tournament.”
The two succubi blew me a kiss and all three of them disappeared back inside the bottom of the man’s cart.
I shrugged and shook my head. “Seems like things are going to be quite interesting the next few days.”
Gwen rubbed my arm excitedly as she sat next to me. “I know, isn’t it great?! I am so excited to see what it’s like!”
I couldn’t say I shared Gwen’s excitement, but a part of me was extremely curious about what it would be like. An hour later, I got my first glimpse of what to expect.
We crested a tall hill and could finally see the capital below. A long row of carts and carriages flowed in from all directions around us as the area at the bottom of the hill was a central hub where at least four roads converged from multiple directions.
Dahlia pointed at a massive tree creature that was slowly making its way toward the city. “Look! It’s an Ent!”
I stared at the massive creature. The only thing that was even close to human about it was its face that blended seamlessly with its bark, and two massive legs. Each step it took could’ve cleared one of the smaller wooden cottages near its feet. “That thing is impressive.”
Dahlia smiled. “They are distant relatives of the Alraune, I’ve never seen one in person, though. He is simply amazing!”
I smiled at her wide-eyed wonder and realized that Gwen and Isobel had similar expressions. I was on edge and couldn’t allow myself to appreciate the sights around me. I knew that even though there was a truce for this week, I needed to stay vigilant. Especially since I was slowly becoming more popular with people associated with the Capitol. Not to mention that Striker was undoubtedly lurking around closeby.
Monsters of all shapes, sizes, and colors appeared from all directions. Some obviously with their sponsors, but many wandering around the area of their own volition. A small group of Satyrs waved to us as we passed and Gwen returned their wave excitedly, blowing kisses as we passed. It made me smile to see just how excited she was.
I turned back to the city and from atop the hill I could finally see how beautiful it was. A sea of proud stone and wooden buildings stretched out in front of us in a wide arc. The city appeared to be set in an enormous circle split evenly into four distinct quarters. A towering stone castle stood on a massive hill directly in the center of the city with impressive walls separating it from the other quarters.
Several ships were docked at the port on the far side of the city, and all the buildings surrounding the docks were a dark inky blue color making up the north-east quarter of the city.
The northwest area was composed of all red buildings that appeared to be living quarters. There were large red streamers flying proudly in the light afternoon breeze and an occasional firework shot up into the sky from between the houses.
The area directly to the south of the docks consisted of mustard-colored buildings. This area contained a massive arena and was the section where everyone was heading toward. I pointed toward the arena, which was at least five times the size of the one I fought at in Kilney. “Look at that thing, it’s enormous.”
Gwen stood and steadied herself on my shoulder as the horses continued forward. She turned and yelled back excitedly to Dahlia and Isobel. “Look! The arena!”
The other girls leaned further out the window of the carriage and exchanged small smiles as three bright explosions lit up the sky. I could feel the energy of the crowd flowing through me. It reminded me of coming up on an unexpected trophy buck. That anticipation of the hunt, the win, the kill. It was intoxicating.
I took a deep breath as we entered the fourth section of the city with the teal and violet buildings. Amos peeked his head out and waved his finger around in the air. “This is the crafting district. Keep your eye out for anything that may be useful.” As we passed the first small structures, I spotted several types of buildings I recognized. Although, the sturdy stone buildings on either side of the cobblestone street here were a stark contrast to the shabby wooden buildings back in Dunway and Necross. We passed a smithy, several general goods stores, and even a confectionery.
I navigated the horses through the crafting district, and looked at each shop we passed, just in case I saw anything worthwhile. There were many weapons, potions, and food shops scattered in every direction. I saw nothing particularly interesting until we reached a shop called Sum of All Parts. I had seen nothing like it since arriving. Metal braces and leather straps hung displayed across the front of the shop and along the bottom were several prosthetic feet, arms, hands, and every other body part you could imagine.
“Gwen, keep the cart right here. This shouldn’t take long.” I jumped down and opened the carriage door. “Fapplejack. Let’s go. Amos, you’re coming as well.” They both looked at me curiously before the goblin scooted himself over Mona’s lap and toward the door of the carriage.
I lifted Fapplejack and held him in the crook of my arm as Amos searched the outside of the carriage with his cane and exited.
Amos stretched his arms to the sky and bent to each side to stretch his back. “This seems like an odd place to stop. What have you found?”
“I found a way to make up for what your failed champion did to my friend here.” I motioned with my head toward the goblin, who looked up at me curiously.
I walked over to the shop and heard Amos call out from behind me. “Ah, yes. You realize that prosthetics are not cheap, right?”
“Honestly? I don’t really give a shit.”
Amos pulled out a handkerchief and matted the sweat from his forehead and nodded. “Alright, but no promises. They may not even have what he needs.”
“Won’t know until we ask, right?” I entered the shop and a beautiful blonde-haired human woman shot up. She wore a pair of thick goggles propped up on her forehead and had a streak of grease smeared across one cheek.
She had the most amazing colored turquoise blue eyes and one of the friendliest smiles I’d ever seen. She motioned for us to come further inside. “Welcome to the Sum of All Parts! My name’s Ellie, and this is my shop.”
“Thanks Ellie.” I paused as I finally noticed that both her arms were actually prosthetics. “I’m hoping you’ll be able to help my friend here.”
She looked at the goblin in my arms and waved me over. “I may be able to help. What exactly is the problem?”
Fapplejack straightened and used his most formal voice. “You see, I had a bit of an unfortunate run in with a minotaur. Obviously, I won, but it came at a cost.” He reached down and lifted one of his legs and let it fall limply back over my arm. “See.”
Ellie let out a sweet laugh and lifted him from my arms. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you all fixed
up. You may have to stay overnight. Is that okay?”
Fapplejack looked at me with hopeful eyes and I returned a nod. “Of course. Please do your best and help Fapplejack to walk and hopefully fight again.” I turned toward Amos and motioned toward the coin purse tied to his hip. “How much will it cost to get the best of the equipment you have available?”
Ellie ran a hand back through her hair and walked behind her counter. She wrote several things down on a piece of paper before looking up slowly. “I’m afraid to show you, but if you want the best, here’s what it’ll take.” She turned the paper around and pushed it forward for Amos to see.
Amos let out a little squeak before removing his coin purse and pulling out nearly every coin inside. He placed a large stack on the counter and grudgingly pushed it forward toward the blonde woman. “Here, take it before I change my mind.”
She accepted it and nodded. “I’m assuming you all are in town for the tournament? Do you know any of the fighters this year?”
I gave her a small smirk. “You’re looking at one.”
“What?! No way! I’ve never had a champion come into my store before! Will you give me your autograph?”
I chuckled lightly and cocked my head. “Um, sure, could I borrow your pen there?”
She searched the counter and found a green marker. “Here, please sign my arm if you don’t mind. My more regular customers will not believe it when I show them!”
I took the marker and held her arm in one hand. I tried to write as legibly as possible as I signed my name. “There you go, that should do it.”
She glanced down to her arm and smiled. “Well, thank you very much, uh, Logan West. I’ll be rooting for you!”
“Thanks, and good luck with Fapplejack. We’ll be over by the arena if you’d like to bring him over once you’re done.”
Ellie nodded and grabbed a measuring tape off the wall. “Of course. Go, enjoy the festivities!”
“Thank you.” I set the goblin down on the counter and squeezed his shoulder. “Good luck, FJ.”
“Thank you Logan, sir.” Huge tears filled his eyes as he struggled to get the words out. “This is an amazing gift.”
“You’re welcome. Anything for my wingman.” I smiled and exited out of the shop.
Amos cleared his throat loudly. “Ahem. Aren’t you forgetting something?”
I looked at him and shrugged. “What?”
“I haven’t heard a ‘thank you’ yet.”
“And you’re not going to. If you wouldn’t have felt the need to parade your champion around like a dumbass, he wouldn’t even be in this situation.” As we exited out onto the street screams rose in all directions.
Gwen pointed up in the sky, her eyes wider than I’d ever seen them. “Dragon!”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Ellie stuck her head out the front door of her shop. “You better get somewhere safe! That doesn’t sound good.”
Amos waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry, it’s just my brother trying to show off.”
Ellie furrowed her brow. “Your brother?”
Amos didn’t respond and hurried back to the carriage.
I gave the woman a small smile and hurried back to the top of the carriage behind Amos. As I pulled up into the seat, Gwen snapped the reins.
Ellie called from behind as the horses pulled away. “I’ll be seeing you soon. Thanks for the business!”
We hurried down the path as a bright red dragon swooped down and cast its massive shadow over the city.
Amos leaned out the window and yelled up to us as we maneuvered through the city streets. “Make your way to the arena. This is all part of the opening ceremonies.”
We reached the first yellow buildings of the next district and the buzz from the gathered crowds grew louder.
Gwen slowed the cart as the arena came into full view. It was even larger than I initially thought. It towered high into the sky with intricate archways and ornate carvings stretched across its entirety. We found a safe place to store the cart and the six of us stood together and stared up at the arena in awe.
Amos shook his head. “Even after all these years, the sight of this place never ceases to amaze me.”
The dragon circled the arena, looking small in comparison, It glowed brighter with each second until it was nearly as bright as the sun. It circled once more before letting out an incredible stream of fire from its mouth and dove toward the gathered crowd, sending the fire down to the ground and charring the earth in a straight line before it pulled up and disappeared into the sky.
The gathered crowd let out a massive cheer as the dragon flew out of sight. As soon as it left, thousands of fireworks blasted up into the sky from the top of the arena. As the explosions rang out, a row of flags appeared, lining the top of the arena. I glanced over to Amos and pointed toward the flags. “What’s the significance of the flags?”
“Those flags represent the winners of the past tournaments. Each one has a representative symbol and color that the champion fought under.”
“What’s my symbol?”
“Ah, I’m glad you asked. You have been toting around that damn rifle everywhere, even though I haven’t seen you shoot it, and I don’t know where you’ll find ammunition for it, but it seems to matter to you. I can’t think of a much better symbol.”
Gwen smiled and handed me my rifle. “Here you go.”
I gripped it tightly. I really didn’t give a shit if I used it or not, that it felt comfortable in my hands and I could if I needed to, was all I needed to be content. “Sounds good. How about my color?”
Amos dug in his pocket and pulled out a dark forest green square of cloth. “ I figured you being a former hunter and all, this color would be reminiscent of the forest.”
“Former? Once a hunter, always a hunter.” I accepted the cloth from him and tied it around my arm.
“I like that thinking.” Amos took several steps and rubbed his chin. “Ah, there we go. Every year they have a massive feast. It looks like they are setting it up over here this year.”
I followed Amos with all the girls close behind. Creatures of every type sneered and sized me up as I walked. Many cursed me under their breath or displayed their weapons, which I guessed, was an attempt to rattle me. Although, after what I’d faced and seen since arriving in Aurilon, I wasn’t too concerned. Except the ents, but that was because they were fucking massive. I searched the area for any sign of a wolf-kin that may resemble Isobel’s father, but was unsuccessful.
A few human children ran past with stuffed animals that looked like something you’d win at a carnival. A small boy laughed excitedly. “Let’s go into the arena, that’s where they’re keeping the best warriors!” The other children cheered and ran excitedly toward the large opening of the arena.
Two succubi passed us, walking seductively, garnering a scowl from Mona. She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Amateurs.”
As soon as we found a table, several men and women with long pointed ears began bringing plates of food out and setting them down in front of us. I turned to Gwen and spoke under my breath as a dark-skinned man with pointed ears set a plate down in front of us with a nod. “Is he an elf?”
Gwen grabbed a loaf of French bread from the center of the table and broke it in half, setting a half on the plate in front of me and the other on hers. “Yes, that’s a drow elf.” She looked around and spotted a second server, one with brunette hair and fair skin. “That one’s a wood elf.” She took a bite of bread and shook her head. “I’d heard they’d been captured a while back and forced to be slaves of the Capitol, I guess it’s true. They probably prefer it here rather than back at Darkholm with the vampires, though.”
I studied several of the servers’ faces. Each of them looked exhausted and downtrodden. Anger rose in me once again as I thought about the things that Striker and his men were planning to do with Gwen and her sisters, and could only imagine that this was a much better result for these elves than what coul
d be. “What happens if they try to escape?”
Gwen shrugged and met my eyes. “I imagine that the king would not hesitate to kill them.”
I furrowed my brow. “Why haven’t the monsters of Aurilon joined together already to stand against the king?”
“He’s too powerful. After his father toppled the Whitehall reign, the Corlinius family has pretty much been able to do anything they want. Including taking the Mystic Vale.” She paused and sighed. “I can only imagine how many monsters here want to get their hands on that land.”
“Other than resources, does the Mystic Vale hold any sort of advantage?”
Gwen took another bite and a long swig of wine before responding. “I can’t say for sure, but I’ve heard it is home to the strongest spirit well in all of Aurilon.”
“There has to be a reason the king is offering the Mystic Vale as part of the reward.”
Isobel let out a laugh. “Yeah, because monsters were planning to boycott the tournament before the Mystic Vale was offered. I don’t imagine that would’ve gone over well with the people of Ambirn.”
I nodded. “They really care about the tournament that much?”
Gwen nodded. “I don’t think it is so much because of the tournament, but for most of the humans here in Ambirn, this is the only chance they have to interact with monsters, without fear of being punished.”
I let out a long breath. “So, no monsters showing up to the tournament means discontented residents of the Capitol, which results in a shit show that the king doesn’t want to deal with. Got it.”
Isobel smiled and nodded. “Exactly.”
Amos came over and looked as if he were about to say something. He slapped the table as someone caught his attention. “Oh, there’s an associate of mine! Please excuse me, I shall be right back.” He pushed back from the table and walked over to a man who dressed nearly identical as he was. Bright white suit and white fedora, except he wore a bright pink shirt under his suit coat.
