Eleesa never meant to get involved with Uxalen, but nonetheless, the young artificer finds herself entangled in the affairs of this strange Sauratian of the lizardfolk tribes. As she manages to survive under the stern gaze of Arena Master Saetrum, can she find to escape with her strange ally or will both remain imprisoned to the man’s wicked whims?
Cassius smiled in response to the thunderous roar of the spectators above him. Their shouts reverberating through the coliseum’s masonry, giving him chills. He gazed at each of the gladiators in their cells, noting the apprehension written on their faces as they awaited their fate. They were newcomers, all of them, taken from prisons throughout …
Garron observed the saberquill’s slow approach toward the sauratian. He narrowed his eyes, watching the sauratian’s movements. How long will you toy with that beast, lizard? “Is the great Garron suddenly interested in gladiatorial combat?” Saetrim asked. “I’m speechless.” Garron drew his lip taught leveling his gaze at the arena master. “The fight is over, …
“A thief you say?” Garron asked. “Yes, Inquisitor,” the centurion replied. “We were attempting to apprehend her once the merchant identified her, but she bolted into the arena. From what we know, she’s Charnoan and a Maker.” Garron looked beyond the doorway, past the booth where the Saetrum was reclining in his chair and toward …
The smell of urine was the first thing to assault her nose. The sound of chittering rats was the second. Both pulled away the fog in her mind and Eleesa slowly opened her eyes. She turned her head; her gaze falling on a large rat staring at her a foot away. Eleesa held her breath, …
Saetrum sat back in his chair, arms propped, his hands folded, and chin resting on them. The crowd was full of vitality. Their shouts and jeers throughout the day had rocked the coliseum. Through it all they periodically chanted two names: Uxalen and Eleesa. Neither name was chanted simultaneously, but the demand was clear. In …
The smell of oil and metal was calming. The sound of the hexitool clicking as she tightened the bolts soothing. Eleesa looked around the chamber. It was growing cramped from the sorted pile of parts and mechanisms she had created at Saetrum’s request. No, not request, order was a better word. Nine months… Has it …
Upon exiting the villa, Uxalen held his breath, after passing through the arbor and into the gardens. Three pergolas sat over the u-shaped walkway surrounding an enormous pool of water. Atop them grew roses and violets, both hanging loosely, but well trimmed. Their branches were shaped and woven around the pergola’s support columns from with …
“Isn’t this splendid, Garron!” He was like a child, his face lit like the sun at noonday. “Garron?” “Yes, Arena Master.” “Must you brood? I swear, you are the most miserable man I have ever known!” A roar sounded from the coliseum floor. Drawing Saetrum’s attention. Garron curled his lip, watching as the six gladiators …
