OUTCAST : THE PATH OF A WARRIOR

26. THE DARK ONES

CHAPTER 27

We entered the Arena, just as most people were already seated and the buzz of excitement was at its most peak. When suddenly a great hash came about, disrupting the people's long awaited festive mood.

We were cloaked with invisibility, standing at the far end, our backs hugging the upper rear walls, Pietro, my self and the little imp were huddled together.

Screech who was sitting quietly on my shoulder, had eventually calmed down, the poor thing, after the umpteenth attempt at trying to remove the pouch from over his head.

After listening to a few of the hushed up voices from the crowd closest to us, Pietro and I realised why the people became so suddenly quiet.

The majestic figure of the Dark one, stepped forward into full view, levitating just above the ceremonial balcony.

But it wasn't because of their admiration, nor through their mark of respect that these people became suddenly quiet, but it was through the unrelenting pain of irrational fear and dread.

And so I was to realise later.

Above us all around, dozens of men rode upon giant birds , circling the Arena, watching and guarding.

A tall slender man, covered from head to toe by a dark cloak, over a monks robes, head covered completely by a connected pointed hood.

A large blue crystal ball hang loosely, a few inches below his neck, while he remained suspended in the air. Behind him stood several more Dark hooded figures, wearing similar garments.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, the hooded man spoke, but as he did, his booming voice was heard all around the Arena, almost as if he was talking right next to our ears .

"For the ones who don't know me, I am Felippo, servant of the Gods, the three and only true Gods! Some may know them as the Heathen Ones, or by their glorious names, Raspa, Serp, and Persis.
And I'm here to deliver their message!" Said Felippo, as he raised his out-stretched arms.

Pietro put his mouth close to my ear." The leader of the Dark Twelve, who is as much powerful as a warlock, as he's ruthless and cunning as a leader."

Was it him who knocked me out? I wondered, after I killed the imps back in the tunnels?

" So we have our work cut out, then!" I said, also whispering.

"They say, death to the traitors, and to the unbelievers, show them pain, so that others can atone for their sins, and make them believers once again. But who are these traitors and non believers?" Are they sitting among you?" Said Felippo, looking around the crowded amphitheater.

The people also looked around, half expecting traitors and non believers to start running for their lives.

But I felt the tension and the fear being shared equally across the Arena, his infectious voice, made even my own hair stand up on the back of my neck.

Felippo, finally lowered his arms.
" No my loyal friends, traitors and non believers hide behind false Gods and liaison in the shadows, and don't belong where you're sitting." He said pausing

But they do belong with the wild and stupid animals, half breeds and all who dare give them safe haven!" Felippo's voice suddenly became more excitable.

His words, buzzed through all our ears, and the crowd roared with approval." Yes, yes, yes!" They chanted, on and on, until someone shouted ." Show us, show us", which of course got everyone else chanting that too.

"So I believe it's time to show you how we treat traitors!" He said, as the crowd went wild anticipating the blood sport to come.

The crowd watched the Dark one raise his arm up, while the drummers almost drowned out the loud cheers, then after a few more thundering beats from the drums, he lowered his hand, signalling the start of the entertainments.