“This must be the place,” Niko said.

The captain’s voice startled them. “Attention, our vessel is preparing to anchor down in Gundul Pier. Do you copy, Gundul Pier Patrol?”

“Guess that answers our question,” Kaffron said.

“This is Gundul Pier Patrol. We copy your transmission, our escorts are waiting to guide your passengers to the mainland. Anchor as soon as you’re ready. GPP out.”

The sharp ring of the anchor dropping into the water echoed in the air.

“Attention passengers, we have docked safely. Follow your guides down the ramp, and make sure you’ve all your personal belongings. Have a safe trip, and thank you for choosing us for your traveling needs,” announced the captain.

Niko and the others gathered their things. “You heard the man, guys, let’s go.” He excitedly ran toward the ramp along with the other tourists, being shoved by some of them as he weaved through the crowd. The southern fellow he met with the day before tapped his shoulder. “Huh? Oh, it’s you,” said Niko.

“Remember what I say to you—this is no longer our land. Beware.” One of his assassin beetles crawled up his neck, its big, black eyes staring at Niko. The man held up his finger, letting the bug skitter along his hand. He grinned at Niko, chuckling as he walked ahead.

With a sneer, Niko shook off his shirt and pants. “Nasty old fogey, shoulda smelled him comin’.”

The others caught up to him as they dispersed along the dock. “Man, I feel sorry for his girlfriend,” Amali said, pinching her nose.

“Do you see any of the guides they were talking about? We don’t want to get lost in here,” Alia said, her head weaving.

Amid the loud banter and stomping of feet along the wooden planks, a middle-aged man and a small group people held up bright yellow signs. A loud voice echoed in the cave, and all the tourists steadily congregated at the end of the walkway. The man stood in the center of the group, dressed in a maroon robe with long sleeves rolled up to his shoulders and a black undershirt covering his arms. A large, corroded copper necklace hung around his neck with unusual shapes and cryptic images, catching a glint from the lighting. A stiff, white, fez-like velvet headdress covered his shoulder-length black-and-grey hair.

“Salutations, visitors to Gundul Island. I am one of your liaisons, Senior Lorens Ekzera. I welcome you to our annual festival. Once a year we commemorate our ancestors of this once independent land. It is open to people of all ages and creeds. Those participating in our celebratory King’s Challenge, please gather on this side. The rest will accompany our guides, who will lead you to the hotels before the tour begins. Please enjoy your stay with us!”

Niko’s head bobbed while he watched the different people separate, tripping his way over to Alia and the others. The two lines walked up the steps to a higher level before splitting up down two dark corridors lined with wooden walkways. Glass lanterns lined the path while Ekzera led them down the cold, stone passage. Voices and various noises emerged from the group, growing louder with every step. Amali and Kaffron walked behind Niko and Alia, keeping a watchful eye on the motley assortment of people.

“So what do you think’s gonna happen during this contest?” she said.

“Judging from the look of these characters, nothing good,” Kaffron whispered sardonically.

“Definitely weeded out the tourists. These guys know why they’re here,” Amali said, her eyes squinting among the others.

An odd person shrouded in dingy, brown fabric bindings turned around, its seemingly blank face fixed on her. Its scrawny arms perked up, lined with gangly fingers while it lumbered in front of her, making muffled grunting noises. Amali averted her gaze ahead, gripping her lips. Further ahead, Niko and Alia stepped gingerly among the others. Two people garbed in long cloaks walked before them, one of them walking with an erratic, crooked gait. Niko’s eyes drifted between them, eventually stopping on the long implement held by the other person. With a gulp, Niko tapped the person’s shoulder. Suddenly, the stranger faced him, his face completely blacked out.

“What are you doing?” he said.

“S-sorry!” Niko said, stopping. “I was…never mind.”

“Don’t meddle with me, boy!”

“I just wanted to—” Niko said. Alia grabbed his shoulder, quietly shaking her head. “Sorry.” What is that thing he’s carrying?

“Keep up, everyone!” Ekzera called from the front.

The hooded man struck his baton into the floor, grumbling as he moved forward. “Perhaps you’ll discover first-hand.”

“How did you—?” Niko licked his lip nervously, his eyes locked on the duo in front of them. Pop mighta been right—I’m gonna get crushed out here!

Alia leaned over his ear. “I wouldn’t get on these peoples’ bad side; there’s no telling what we’re getting into.”

“You said this was gonna be fun,” Niko replied, his eyes growing wide.

“I thought so, too. Then again, maybe that’s what they want us to think.”

Just then, a bright light stung their eyes through a gaping hole at the end of the tunnel.

“Hey, Niko, look at that,” Alia said.

They came to the mouth of the cave, where an enormous cavern surrounded by water spanned before them. “We’ve arrived,” Ekzera said.

“Man, look at this,” Niko said. He leaned his head back and looked at the sky, visible from the cave interior.

“It’s amazing,” Alia said.

The others anxiously spread out in the barren grotto.

“Get a load of this place,” Amali said.

A stone platform rested at the center of the cavern, while rocky ledges wound around the entire area and led down to the central platform, connected by two pathways. A hollowed stone, castle-like structure stood at the base of the dilapidated amphitheater; its angular facade lined with cracked pillars. Tiny steps led to the narrow entrance into the rigid monument, darkened by shadows.

“I’ll say…wonder what this place is? Or used to be,” Kaffron replied.

“What is this place?” one of the others asked.

“This is where we hold the festival,” Ekzera said. He grabbed the voice amplifier from under his arm and beckoned the rest of them over. “Attention, visitors, please gather over here. Welcome to the Gundul Island King’s Challenge. For four hundred years, the Gundulites have celebrated their ancestors’ legacy with the Freedom Festival. Centuries ago, warriors of the ancient Oumiat civilization gathered in this colosseum to obtain rulership and power. Many have fallen in death, and the sole triumphant was deemed worthy of Gundul’s secrets. Fortune and power came with victory, but only the truly wise knew how to use it. Rulers have fallen into corruption and insanity from misuse of their power. Their eventual demise would come in succeeding competitions, beginning the ritual of sacrificing the dethroned to the jaws of death. Down in that central ring is where the ancients are commemorated. Ironically, that old shrine is also where their remains were kept after they lost their lives through the great sacrifice. Do you still wish to enter their domain?”

Kaffron peered over at Alia. “I bet that’s where they’re hidin’ the treasure,” he said.

“Tell us about the contest,” a female participant said. “We want the treasure!”

Ekzera grinned. “So you shall have it, if you prevail! The Oumiat were as intelligent as they were strong. Mind and matter are your allies in the King’s Challenge. Scattered throughout the island are markers, which shall guide you to the fortune you seek!”

The masked man stepped forward. “A scavenger hunt? I don’t have time for games!”

“That is the second part of the challenge. First your strength will be tested. Follow me to the temple.” Ekzera stepped along the path across the water to the central arena. One by one, the others followed behind and met him at the foot of the tower, dotted with moss and cracks.

“What’re we gonna do in there?” Niko asked, stepping over a broken pillar shaft.

Ekzera stood at the facade beneath the entablature, passing through shadows cast by columns. “In the temple you will face a gauntlet of fierce warriors! Your objective is to evade them as you navigate the main room. If you make it to the end and touch the king’s altar, you advance. If you are hit three times, you concede defeat! If you are brave enough, raise your hands.”

Amali leaned to Kaffron. “You think they check for guns?”

While the others slowly raised their hands, Ekzera garnered them forward. “Then we will get started! Line up here, one by one. I will guide you inside.”

As they lined up in front of the temple, the first entrant, a beefy, muscular man wearing a yellow hooded jacket and grey jeans approached the broken gateway.

“Welcome, my friend,” Ekzera said, shaking the man’s hand. “What’s your name?”

“Tripp. I’m a west Gesnian bodybuilder.”

“Nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy the upcoming festival! Come, the King’s Challenge awaits!”

While the group stepped toward the stairwell, a wily, frightening laughter sounded off in the distance.

“What was that?” Kaffron said.

At the other end of the cavern, two men emerged from within the shadowy tunnel, their silhouettes wiped away by the sunlight. Niko and Alia gasped with horror as Mr. Jirani and Mr. Shigoh slowly crossed the walkway towards the stage.

“I don’t believe it,” Niko said, wincing.

“Niko, you know them?” Amali said.

“Yeah, I met ‘em back in Senigot—he almost got me arrested!”

Ekzera shuffled to the head of the group. “Excuse me, what is the meaning of this?”

The Arugian intruders walked onto the central platform. Jirani pulled a gun from his pocket, aiming right at Ekzera. “Step aside, old man! Ah, little Niko, there you are!” Jirani said.

“What’re you doin’ here?” Niko asked suspiciously.

Jirani fiddled with his twine-like mustache. “Why else? We’re entering the Gundul Island contest!”

“Wait, where’s Mr. Norasi?”

“He was murdered by a Senigot Officer, thanks to you!” Jirani said, pointing his finger.

“Hey, y’all’re the ones who tricked me!” Niko replied.

“It does not matter. You’re right where I want you, and this time you won’t get away,” Jirani said, sneering.

“What do you mean?” Alia said, holding Niko’s arm.

“You wanted me to come here? But why?” Niko said incredulously.

“One cannot catch fish without bait, Niko!” Jirani said with a snicker. “But I must thank you for bringing me the minister’s daughter.”

“You rat…it all was a setup?” Niko replied angrily.

“Strong as you are, little Niko, you are as brainy as a donkey,” Shigoh said.

Niko stomped his foot. “You little troll, come here and say that!”

“Guys, hold it,” Kaffron said, pulling him back. “If it’s her you’re after, what do you want with Niko?”

“He stole a precious relic that was in my family for generations,” Jirani said.

“You mean this stupid hat? She’s the one who gave it to me,” Niko said.

Jirani stepped forward. “So you admit your guilt! Both of you are traitors! Your attitudes show utter disrespect for me and my country!”

“And my father controlling my life isn’t insulting? He’s the one who’s wrong,” Alia said, grinding her teeth.

“So you choose to abandon your own country? Perhaps you are not worthy of your father!” Shigoh said.

“I’m not going back. You may as well shoot me now!” Alia shouted.

“You will be dealt with, but Niko must be put in his place,” Jirani said.

“What?” Niko said confusedly.

“You have interfered long enough. We are under direct orders from the minister! We will not leave without her!” Jirani ranted.

“You’re blowin’ this outta proportion! If she don’t wanna go back, you can’t force her!” Niko replied.

Jirani lowered his gun, his teeth clenching. “Oh, you wish to threaten me? Very well, I will teach you how wrong you are!”

“What’re you saying?” Amali said, raising her arms.

“You will fight the three of us,” Jirani said.

“Three?”

Suddenly, from behind them, swift footsteps crushed along the grainy pathway from the end of the cavern. A clad man in a black overcoat dashed over, peering through a white, silk mask with creepy, slanted eyes. A wide, white sash covered his midsection along with stiff, black armor plates on his arms, legs, and torso. He removed his hood and firmly held the heavy utility belt on his waist as he approached, its metallic compartments softly clinking.

“Wh-who’s that supposed to be?” Kaffron said, flinching.

“Looks like the world’s worst movie villain,” Amali retorted.

Ekzera hurried through the group and stood in front of them. “I cannot permit you to do this! Just what is it you’re after?”

“This contest is out of your hands,” Jirani said, waving over his shrouded ally. “All I want is the girl; the rest of you are none of my concern.”

Ekzera lowered his hands, his head turning over to Niko.

“What? You can’t be serious!” Niko exclaimed, standing close to Alia.

“Young man, everyone here is in danger! Whatever problems you have, I must drop you from this event,” Ekzera said, his mouth frowning.

Niko’s eyes shook as he leered at Jirani, his chest slowly rising as he breathed. He brushed Alia aside and stepped further towards them. “No. I’m not lettin’ you scare me, Jirani. If you want me, fine. Just don’t hurt anyone else.”

“Niko, you can’t—” Alia said, reaching her arm out.

Niko shooed her back. “It’s okay. I may not get the money, but you’re not takin’ my friend. You’re on, Jirani.”

Everyone in the group clustered together while Niko confronted Jirani.

“Is that guy crazy?” whispered Marlin, a black-haired, twenty-six-year-old Gesnian man. He loomed amid the crowd, sneaking glances of the Arugian men at the opposite end of the field.

Jirani and his entourage marched closer, their footsteps pounding against the eardrums of the frightened group. Amali and Kaffron huddled around Alia while Niko stood boldly in front of them.

“I respect your courage, but nothing will prevent me from completing my mission,” Jirani said with a snarling grin.

Niko swallowed. “So what do you wanna do?”

“We have our own contest—you and Alia against me and Shigoh.”

“What about him?”

The mysterious black-suited fellow stepped from behind, with arms folded firmly inward.

“If need be, the Black Assassin will finish the job,” Jirani said.

Kaffron pushed Niko aside. “How ‘bout we even the odds? We’re fightin’ too!”

“Kaffron, you don’t—” Niko said.

“Count me in,” Amali said, stepping forward. “If anyone’s takin’ the money, it’s me!”

Alia shook her head. “That’s what you’re worried about?”

Amali chortled. “That and knockin’ the grin off that shithead’s face! No one pushes me around!”