The transition from darkness to light still played on Solstafir’s eyes as he walked out into the arena. Harsh rays from the sun still rained down from the sky, as the crowd was cheering with ecstasy for the upcoming fight. Songs of valour filled the air; signs inscribed with combatant’s names were waved in the wind. Everywhere he turned his head, Solstafir could see a mass of life ceaselessly moving. But the mood broke from cheers and soon a wave of insults and abuse was hurled. From the opposite side he could see a shadow moving up onto the sand, his opponent he assumed.
But the shadow stopped and turned. As far as he was, his movements could still be perceived. As his opponent faded back from whence he came, a third person entered the arena. Jumping from out of the audience he came with a microphone in hand. The people grew quiet and grumbles of disgust sung low beneath the new man’s brief speech, “Due to his withdrawal, Dragoth has forfeited his match. And so by default, I announce your winner and second finalist in this tournament, Solstafir!”
Sound erupted once more like a disorganized orchestra, as a mixture of cheers and boo’s echoed throughout. Turning to take his leave, Solstafir walked calmly back down into his chamber; his face a portrait of annoyance and anger. But once again he was stopped and that same eerie blue light flashed before his eyes again. As is dispersed, the warrior found himself in another unknown room. Pacing around, he found it to be a lot more hospitable that the previous areas he had seen. The stone walling was bare of any moss and in its stead were hangings of flowing green silk laced with gold. Torch holders burned bright as the entire chamber of illuminated.
Unsurprising though to Solstafir was that same old man as before was in there with him, casually sat at a wooden table. An empty chair stood opposite him before the table covered in fresh, steaming food. “Hello again young one.” Was the only order he needed to take his seat at the table along side the host.
“It seems you let me down this time. I could have provided an entertaining battle yet my opponent yielded at the first glance of me.” Was the opening of conversation as Solstafir took a look at what options he had. His eyes slowly moved from left to right, scanning the food carefully. All looked ripple and delicious even to the eye. But temptation and gluttony washed through him as all was too much to bear. Coming to the fruit bowl, his mouth watered as he reached for an apple as cold water slowly dripped down the fruits skin.
With one bite, his mind declared the taste to be perfect as he swallowed the succulent flesh. Lost in the exquisite thought, he barely paid attention to his host’s reply. “Well we do not know why he gave in. He seemed so eager at first to battle, and his first round was entertaining to those that could see it. But alas, the finals should be a good one. I hope you show how entertaining you can be there.”
“What makes you think I would hold back to a battle like that? To win that is why I was sent here. You can expect me not to go easy whoever it may be.”
“So you say but neither will your fellow combatant. She is a strong one herself. I pray you do not let looks deceive you.”
Somewhat taken back by the comment, Solstafir gritted his teeth still bearing a great deal of anger from before. Again he had to bite his tongue from the old man’s words as his mind screamed to retort. Letting out a sigh, he replied, “I never let ones outward appearance fool me. Just like that girl you set me up against in the first round. She was far more skilled than the impression she first gave. I remember seeing that fear well up in her eyes but that didn’t weaken me. I thought no lighter of her. So please, do not say such a thing about me when I know the importance of battle.”
The old man sighed as well after Solstafir’s reply. With a raise of his hand and click of his fingers, the light appeared once again and started to crawl up Solstafir’s legs. “You are still young no matter how many years you’ve lived,” The man mused, “Arrogant and foolish like all others yet you still can not admit it here. Your opponent’s name is Ivy Roza and I’ll repeat what I said: Do not take her lightly.”
The last thing he saw was the smile of the man’s face before the light consumed him wholly. Fading from his eyes, Solstafir found himself in the putrid holding chambers once again. “The old man calls me foolish and arrogant?!. Hmph. He has no manners towards his guest.” But taking in what had been said at the table, he reflected on what it meant. A glimmer of light appeared in his mind saying that the man was right about him.
But before the thought could be dwelled upon, the sound of gears mashing sounded and the age-worn gate opened to the sun once more. Already the call of the people billowed through to the rotting chamber as Solstafir took his leave of the place for the last time. All things dispersed from his mind as he calmly rose from his place in the arena, swords drawn at either side of him. They too shared in his hidden excitement as lightning crackled and darkness hummed.
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