Chapter 9
The Quarry.
Deyu’s Arena…
Here in the dusts of Bathyu, all able-bodied prisoners are kept. Here, those wishing freedom come to fight. Here, the Manticorian ranks are created.
“Rawwrrr!”
The battle cry of a stone troll echoed across the arena. Charging forward, mallet high above its head, the crowd cheered.
“Troll, troll, troll, troll, troll!”
The massive beast felt it could do no wrong in their eyes. Besides, the humanoid before him was weaponless, small, and blindfolded. All the stone troll could think was, Easy prey.
The man, eyes bandaged shut, stood firm. His red-trimmed, white satin cloak had clearly seen better days. Soaked in blood and dust, he awaited his fate as the creature barreled towards him.
“Die!”
The gap finally closed. The final step taken. The mallet c
