Uncaged Spirit

CHAPTER 3

The sound of steel touching steel echoed in the arena. The activities in the arena left an intense, charged energy in the air that would easily consume a weakling.

The arena was separated into sections based on the strength level of the warriors, and then there was this part, made specially for me. Regardless, the smell of sweat and blood hung in the air.

Sweat blurred my vision, but I efficiently moved away from the sharp blade that swung at me. Stormie was trying to hack my head, and he almost succeeded too.

"Lucky bastard," Stormie said. "I'm not sure you still want that head of yours. You don't seem inclined to keep it on your neck, letting yourself get distracted in the middle of a duel.”

“So that's what this is.” I snickered. “Here I was thinking it was a one-sided beatdown.”

“Oh. We’re being cocky now, aren't we?” Stormie switched his stance. “I'd enjoy mounting your head along with the rest of my collection.”

"It's a big head." I grinned, keeping the distance between us at the point of safety. "Did you think that feeble swing could do any harm whatsoever?”

"One way to find out." He edged closer. "Why don't you stand very still for a moment, and we—"

He charged forward, leaving barely enough room for me to escape his onslaught, yet I did. He was a good swordsman, undeniably, but his skills were child's play compared to what I could do.

"Chill, man," I said, stabbing my sword into the earth. "I thought we were friends—best friends now that I think about it.”

He charged forward, catching me off guard with a series of fast combos. I barely avoided the last part, but his sword nicked my arm, causing a small cut. Adrenaline coursed through my body, blessing me with an unparalleled high.

It's time to end this. I'd played with him enough for today, I thought. It’s time to show him what true power looks like.

“My turn,” I said, smirking.

"You cocky bastard." He grinned. "You're going to be a show-off right now."

I shrugged. "I can't help it. You know that better than anyone else."

"Your funeral."

Stormie charged at me with everything, leaving himself open for multiple counterattacks. I stepped from the path of his blade, pulled him by the collar of his shirt, and was about to hit him across the face, but he slipped away, anticipating my move.

I realized I'd underestimated him, but it was too late. Stormy used his speed to his advantage and the element of surprise to pin me on the floor.

“You got me.” I winced, tapping the mat with my free hand as a gesture of surrender.

He released me, and we lay there side by side, breathing heavily. My whole body felt like it was on fire, and my muscles burned from the intensity of our duel.

“You got lucky,” I said as I raised myself off the floor.

Stormie smiled, and we shook hands, showing good sportsmanship and a friendship that had lasted for a good part of 25 years, which was all my life.

Later that evening, Lolly came over, and she wouldn't stop nagging me about something that happened at a*****e two days ago. As much as I tried to block her out, her annoying voice found its way into my head.

“I feel like you're not paying attention.”

“I am.” I lied as I drew a mental pros and cons list about being with her.

It didn't take long for me to conclude that being with her was a bad bet. The only upside to our relationship was the strength we would have in the union of our families.

“Then what did I say?” She asked, looking at me intently, waiting for an answer.

Stormie seemed to be enjoying the show, given that he was trying hard not to laugh. I would have punched him if he was within reach, but luckily he wasn't.

“Alistair!” She groaned in a painfully disturbing tone.

For crying out loud, woman! Let me breathe already.

I didn't dare say it because then I'd have to sit through yet another tantrum show that could go on for hours on end.

“You were saying something about a lowly girl in the shop,” I said absentmindedly as I tried to get what Stormie was mouthing behind Lolly.

He kept repeating a phrase, and then he drew two devil horns in the air and pointed at Lolly. It took longer for me to understand what he meant. He was trying to tell me she did it, which wasn't news to me. I knew Lolly.

no angel. She had a kleptomaniac streak, and even though she tried to hide it and deny it, I knew.

“You should have seen her." Lolly sighed. “The poor thing was hideous, and she tried pinning the theft on me.

"Outrageous,” I said, playing along with the role she wanted me to take. “She should be hanged for such an offense," I added, confident that the sarcasm would go over her head.

“I said the same thing, but Stormie wouldn't allow it. You know how he is with the peasants."

Stormie made a silly face behind her, and I had to bite down on my tongue to stop myself from laughing. She turned around but missed it.

“I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving," I said, yawning.

“Figures. You'd be starving after getting your ass kicked by yours truly." Stormie smirked. Lolly turned around to give him hell, defending my honor.

I pressed the button under the table for the maid to serve our food. I'd told the chef personally to prepare my favorite dish, and as I waited, my mouth watered in anticipation.

The door opened, and a servant walked in carrying the tray. She was wearing the uniform, but I couldn't see her because she kept her head low. Her red hair was done in a bun, but I could tell it was normally wild, falling in fiery heat like hot lava.

Lolly and Stormie were arguing as I tried to imagine what the maid would look like.

“I call for a rematch. Alistair is a better fighter than you'll ever be.”

The servant gasped as she heard Lolly's voice, and she looked up. I froze, unable to think or breathe, as I stared at the most incredibly beautiful face I'd ever seen.

Her big brown eyes were wild, and they glowed with an intensity that made them look just like flaming balls of chocolate.

Lolly jerked beside me and pointed at her in an accusatory

anner.

“It's her! It's the thief from the shop."