Holy Gladiator

Chapter 2; arrival

We are all filing out. All the other carriages have already emptied and gone. Rose's hand grips mine as I lead her through, hand in hand as we made it to a side entrance to what appears to be a colosseum. It towers above everyone on the ground. Numerous armed guards fortify the side entrance. One specific man stands in front of the gate with his head held high. He wears noble colours, his appearance being very familiar. As I draw close to the man through the line, Rose retreats behind me. As I pass him, I finally recognize him as the noble from the church, the same one who killed the Archbishop. I feel rage flow through me, though I bite my tongue to show restraint. I feel his gaze examine me. I can feel his twisted smile rise as he recognizes me.

I won't let this be the last time I see him.

I take a deep breath through my nose and out through my mouth. I mumble a silent prayer, calming myself down as I enter the colosseum. I blink rapidly, my eyes adjusting to the new lighting.

A foul scent fills my lungs not long after entering the damp and dank room. The light sources consist of hung torches and small slits in the walls as windows. All sorts of different people line the walls, the majority of them analyzing the new bodies, while others barely pay them any attention. The gate slams shut behind us after we enter, a loud bang echoing through the room as it does.

A large, burly male stands, walking over to us. He wears a tribal outfit, it not covering much of his regions, leaving his muscles out in the open. He holds a club in his right hand it has its head laid on the ground. He easily surpasses everyone who came in through height.

"Fresh bloods?" He questions, a passive tone to his gruff voice.

I notice Ranaldo step forward. He wears a fake smile as he offers his hand after nodding. The gruff man stares at him from the gesture.

"I can already tell who dies in their first match just from looking at you all." The man shakes his head, walking away without a second glance. "Go find a corner. Matilda, show them around."

A woman wearing a purple robe lurks out from the shadows of the room with a nod. The robe has a unique design; it is lined with a bright purple while the rest is dark. It has two purple dots on the hood, along with two ears that resemble cat ears, filled in with bright purple. The hood is down, revealing a head of jet black hair tied into a bun on the back of her head. Her eyes are grey but express an energetic flare.

"Howdy fresh bloods! Welcome to your new home! If you're lucky, you'll live here for over a month! Everyone you see here now has been here at least a week, except you lot o' course. The chairman 'as been collectin' a good lot o' folks recently. Why? I dunno!" She blabs, speaking through her hands, using motions to convey words. She has a light accent, "oh listen to me ramble, I'm supposed tah show ya'll around. It won't be dat long o' a tour, trust me. Room's small as all hell. But if you prove yerself good, oh me oh my, you can get into a new room I 'ear! Maybe e'en yer own! Now don't dat sound fantastic?!" She exclaims, chirpy and full of energy.

She points out some spots, gesturing to one corner and calling it the waste corner, while one side of the room was turned entirely to a sleeping quarter, though without anything to sleep on besides the ground.

I meet up with Ranaldo, Rose and Rhine.

We take some time to get introduced to each other. Though Rhine isn't long to sit, followed by Rose resting next to him. We all manage to find a spot in the sleeping area (through some negotiating) where we can rest.

"Rest would be healthy for us at the moment. And seems the kids seem to like you, Luca." Rhine mentions as he tries to get comfortable.

"I used to look after the town's kids and teach them valuable lessons, none quite for this. And Rose is a step ahead of you." I gesture to Ranaldo as I let out a sigh, seeing him laid down with Rose laid atop him, he atop another.

"As is him, Ranaldo was it?"

"Yes, and now. You as well you need rest."

"And you?"

"I will have a vigil tonight. So I can pray for our safety. It might take some time, so I suggest you sleep."

Rhine smirks at that before turning in, attempting to sleep as I stay awake. My gaze turns toward the ceiling as I let out a low sigh. I slowly place my palms together and begin to quietly pray while the flames crackle and echo around the room.