章 11: 8. Gladiators

While our company was idly chatting, an operation was pending with aim to enslave them, and sell for some good coin, but only if bounded alive.

When they were going to sleep, didn't know of a plot which was to ruin their honestly-earned savings, and bring them to slavery. They sleeped like a lamb, which was to be preyed by hungry wild Hilfis. But they were waiting til the morningstars appeared, then stroke with ferocity of broken men, turning the tent into shreds, and taking their weapons. But they could not ever find the Vile's arms…

She drawn a spirit katana out of sheath on her back, decapitating five rogues at once in a flash of red light, sheathed her deadly weapon, released it, then advanced with blades affixed to her fingers by threads thinner than cobweb. The storm of razors was unleashed, wrecking havoc onto the surprised pack of headhunters.

But the slaughter didn't last long… After killing 13 men, and injuring 4, Sil was taken captive, held with a stiletto on his throat to make feral women obey.

"I think we both don't want that youth to have his throat slitten, do we?" The pack's leader said through gritted teeth, grinning viciously.

"Vile, don't do that!" Sil shout was left unable to change her decision.

"I'll let you tie me up, but don't think I'm helpless afterwards, I can kill you any moment."

"She is fiery tempered at that." Sil added resigned.

"Your next destination is capital's arena!" One of them said cheering.

"How much?" Vile asked.

"15000 gold for each, and 10000 for the lizzy."

Sil choked at those words.

"Ya know, are quite famous by now. That price is reasonable, while you unarmed killed 19 our men, and ambushed to add insult to injury!" The leader said.

"We'll get you reasonable conditions, so pay ourself in the same manner, here – your weapon, sheperd." said and bounded their hands to the staff, even managing to affix Kil's wings onto it.

Next moment Vile's magic got sealed by powerful bonds, which were beyond surpassing to even the archmages of the old days.

After three days they arrived to destination, where were given payment, and the slaves – a surprisingly luxurious apartment with even baths. The company was immediately approached by a maid:

"The rules are simple; fight with glory, bathe in luxury, break rules – receive gutterfood. Are we clear?" She explained, and asked.

"I think so." Vile and Sil said in unison, and Kil nodded.

"Wunderbar. Sleep well before tomorrow's fight!" And she stepped into Voidmist.

"Today we better go rest, and think later." Vile decided.

After an overslept night, they were given glorious breakfast, and readied themselves for the battle to come.

They were pitted against some beastmasters which were troublesome foes, and could even summon elementals, or voidstrides, which were otherworldy creatures little known to simple folks. Sil was given his quarterstaff by a young squire, with its blade sheathed into scabbard.

He was glad to have that weapon at hand for these tough times, and readied himself to face their foes.

Vile was at peace, too much happened in brief time, which left her emotionless.

The box's gate opened slowly, allowing them to see the foresty arena – stylized by druids. Walked off the cage and took battlestances...