Jade poked Eric in the ribs and pointed at the man, whose shirt was fighting a losing battle to keep his huge belly hidden. “He is either very well endowed, or very rich,” she whispered in his ear. As soon as one of the girls seemed to be the clear winner, Jade leaned back over again and whispered, “Rich it is!” Even Eric couldn’t contain his laughter that time.
They found seats as close as they could get to the front. Listening to the varied conversation around them, it was clear the crowd was so big because word had already leaked that Morcel would be appearing for the last time tonight. The folk at the other side of the arena began to stir a bit, then started clapping and whistling for some reason. The three stood up like everyone else around them to see what the commotion was.
To their horror, a wooden platform with wheels was being pushed to the center of the arena from that direction. It took five large men to push it through the sand, as the wheels sank in constantly. Four fat nooses were tied to the wooden beam that ran across the top. Shortly after the platform was left at the center of the arena the bloodthirsty crowd roared when four men were brought out, all tied together at the neck as they walked in a line. Well, three men and what appeared to be a boy no older than fifteen.
People in the stands threw stones and other projectiles they were able to sneak in with them as the four men were marched up onto the platform. Cheering and whistling filled the air as the nooses were set around their necks by the executioner. The large man wore a spiked leather wristband sleeveless and a black leather vest that fit tightly over his large, broad shoulders. The man was required to also wear a black hood over his face for many reasons, not the least of which was because he had to live among the citizens in the city and no one could know his true identity. It was ironic, really. The thugs that came to these games would probably think him a hero and buy him drinks.
The ropes were set shallow so the drop would only be a foot or so. The knots were set directly behind their heads as opposed to the side. If they were placed to the side, their necks would break, and the entertainment would end far too early. Placing the knots behind the head would ensure they would be strangled slowly.
Who knows what the four men had done to deserve the fate thrust upon them this day. It was probably the single least asked question by anyone at the games. Nobody cared if the victims deserved it or not. That would just add unwanted morality to the morbid fantasy that was the games. There was no place for rational thinking here, just public sex and violence—the grand orgy of violence that had made the slavers’ trade prosperous.
Jade buried her head in Eric’s shoulder as the two boys averted their eyes as well. The only way they knew it was done was the roar of the mob around them. Eric looked up too soon as his eyes went instinctively to the young boy hanging on the rope. He didn’t have the body weight of the other men, so his strangulation was slow as he continued to kick the air long after the others were no longer moving. He quickly looked away again, knowing that image would surely haunt him forever. This is what the Queen warned us about.
*
“The maggots is been hung, Morcel,” came the high-pitched voice from the other room. “You gonna be next. I hear da boss gotta big surprise for youzz. Betta says you prayers now! He not very happy with you!”
Morcel sat on his usual bench in his usual spot. Slow, rhythmic breathing followed as he concentrated on the images floating around in his mind. The raging river roared along as violent rapids sprayed high with white foam and mist as the water crashed against the rocks. Steel striking steel rang through the air as warriors charged against one another with completely reckless abandon. The sounds of primal battle echoed through the surrounding forest as screams and clanging steel became one continuous song of war. Then, one by one, the warriors began to disappear into thin air.
As the violence slipped away into the shadows, the river began to slow its pace as well. Soon, roaring rapids became a bubbling brook as the water trickled along smooth rocks. He took a slow, deep breath as the hot, humid air filled his lungs, and then released it, along with his fear and doubt. The river was calm now, the shoreline was peaceful. Morcel calmly opened his eyes as his mind floated in nothingness. I am ready!
He stood up off the bench and began to flex and stretch, wearing nothing but his loincloth. The man had always been large, but his physique was shredded now from constant battles that had gone on for years. His eyes hadn’t changed a bit. They were still bright green and full of murder. He needed to find some way to survive, whatever was waiting for him out there.