Walking through the corridors following Galland, I realized I was essentially naked. Apart from the loincloth, I was wearing nothing and the wooden hallways were filled with cold air. The wall torches periodically giving off dim light weren't any help in keeping me warm. I couldn't tell where I was, there was no windows and only a few doors were scattered along my route, I wasn't paying attention when Galland stopped and I bumped in to him. 

"Heads up kid, you better put on a show at the very least. If the King looks angry you're doing great!" Galland had me by the shoulders as he stood in front of two great double doors. His smile was unfaltering, but the soul searching eyes were back, this again had me uneasy. He broke away and pushed the doors open to reveal the caged gate of the arena, I could see past it to the mostly empty bleachers. It was night time and dark except for the giant fire in the center, various torches of nobles and officials, and the lit seating box of King Luan, who sat with his five royal guards since Galland was with me.

     Galland reached over and open the gate. He held me for a moment as he whispered in my ear. "Go crazy kid, I wanna see that beast of yours." After finishing he pushed me past the gate and shut it behind me. I looked on as he waved me towards the center and headed back through the double doors. I moved into clear view of Luan, I made contact with his cold eyes. For some reason the benevolent king of Halomtano hated me, but I had good reason to hate him. A moment later Galland came into the box from a back door, bowed to Luan, assumed guard position and winked at me. 

      Luan stood up and began to speak "Boy, despite your insolence, Galland, who Im sure you have already met has insisted on training you. He believes you could be an asset to a special garrison I am constructing. I however rather have you executed." He paused for a moment and he expression grew lighter, but only a bit. "Because Galland's loyalty and service, I will trust his judgement and give you a chance. Defeat these opponents and you will be handed over to Galland." He waved his arms and sat back down, apparently that was the cue as I heard a cage door open and close, and the shuffling of feet. It was still hard to see even with the fire, but I made out three men, all with leather armor of some sort, all three with wooden shields, two with clubs, and one with a short sword which I hoped was dull. I looked at Galland who gave me a smile, then the king who looked angry that I was still standing.

     As soon as I turned around I felt Galland's gaze. I had never fought before, unless one counted throwing out uncivilized men from the brother. But all the emotion rushed forward at once and exploded. I bolted at the men as they came after me, I collided with the man closest to me who wielded one of the clubs. I used enough force that when I went shoulder first into his shield it took us both to the ground. As I was getting up I was hit with a foot in my side, which forced me on to my back. I crawled back as the next man with a club repeatedly attempted to strike at my legs and torso while I was on the ground. I kicked him the leg as slowed down and he fell forward on top of me. In this position I grabbed him by the neck a spun around to get on top. I hit him twice with my fist while choking him, but then I was hit on my back, I could feel the sword tear through my back, it took alot of force which meant it was dull but I was still bleeding. I had jumped off the man and had my back to the fire. The sword bearer swung again, I was able duck and land a blow to his open side. But has he back off the other two enclosed me. I suffered blow after blow ad started feeling a heat that wasn't the fire behind. With this rising heat in my scars it took everything I had to not fall back into the fire that lit the arena. I looked to the smiling King Luan, then to Galland, with his disgruntling stare gave me a wink.

     Letting the fire in my body explode, I blacked out as the man with the sword came back to take another shot at me. My hand felt like I had just pulled it out of a forge as I watched it shoot up and catch the sword.