“I’ll have you hung, you crazy monst—” a tap on his shoulder startled him further, as he whirled around to see a messenger standing before him. The young man wore the traditional green and yellow colors that marked him as a representative of the Queen. “And what do you want?” Kelzson snarled, quite jumpy now and afraid of his own shadow. Messengers held no real authority, so Kelzson was not concerned about whether or not the boy was insulted by his tone.
Morcel couldn’t hear what they were saying, nor did he particularly care. He dreamed of getting his hands on Kelzson, and believed his last chance at fulfilling that dream may have just come and gone. The man would be cautious from here on, and an opportunity like that just simply wouldn’t repeat. He began to roll back to the corner of the cage until he faintly heard his name in the conversation. Trying to act as if he hadn’t heard anything, he turned his ear slightly toward them and concentrated.
The two were definitely looking at him as they made hand gestures in the air. Maybe he was going to be hung after all? A direct order from the Queen, perhaps? Truth be told, he didn’t care anymore. The hope of ever being a free man had left him long ago. In fact, during some of his forced arena battles, he had considered letting the opponent run him through just to end it all, but his survival instincts always took over and wouldn’t allow him to go through with it.
Morcel watched as the messenger gave a brief salute, followed by a click of his heels before spinning around then marching away. Kelzson began ambling toward his cage wearing a sinister grin. “Well, dog, it seems you’ve made me money once again,” he said with a sparkle in his eye. Morcel’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. What was this fool talking about? “Queen Ilirra Marosia just bought your contract, worm!” his tormentor blurted out laughing. Waves of emotion flooded through Morcel. I’m free? This living nightmare has finally ended?
“Not so fast, dog,” Kelzson said as if reading his mind, still wearing that irritating grin. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve got to say this is a first! You...bought by royalty! I even gave the whore a great price!” Like he was a piece of used furniture to be bartered over. “After all, I’ve made plenty of coin off your hide already, and it’s always a good idea to stay on the good side of the Queen, don’t you agree?” He purposely brought his face close to the cage this time, knowing Morcel wouldn’t dare touch him. “But you see, your current contract remains intact until tonight. You will have to compete once more, I’m afraid,” he said in a mockingly regretful tone.
A sinking feeling of dread flowed through Morcel like a dam that had been shattered. He understood now. Of course this wretched human being had given the Queen a good price to stay in her good graces. All the while, if something were to happen to him during this last tournament, no blame could be placed on Kelzson. He was just “upholding” the current contract. People had already parted with their coin. How was anyone to know he would not make it through the last round? What a pity!
Kelzson’s eyes lit up. “So you’re not a dumb animal after all. Understand now, do yah? It’s been a pleasure working with you all these years, but if you will excuse me, I have to arrange your execution!”
Morcel lunged at the bars and rattled them savagely. For the first time in years, he actually cared about getting out of the next round alive. He wanted to live!
*
The palace was bustling with life early this morning as servants scurried about cleaning floors and washing windows. Some had the unenviable task of cleaning every glamorous piece of art hanging on every wall throughout the palace. Delicate silk tapestries were cleaned with the utmost care. Pictures had their frames daintily dusted and shined using a fine cloth. The maids in the kitchen climbed over one another like ants as they hurried to prepare the morning meal.
Queen Ilirra was up early this morning, as was Jade. The two of them strolled through the palace together before entering the dining hall. They would then partake in the large breakfast set out for any who were up. At first Jade felt a little guilty about not waiting for the boys, but the feeling faded quickly as the smell of eggs and thick-cut bacon filled her nose.
Ilirra went on to explain how she had indeed been able to buy out Morcel’s contract, but he would be forced to compete one last time, that time being today. She tried to talk Jade out of attending this round of the games, but she could be very stubborn on such matters. Ilirra finally gave in, but insisted the three companions take an appointed escort. This was sure to be the roughest group of people they had been around since arriving in Taron.