Ancient Shadows

TWENTY FOUR

Helmut was taken to an armory where he was given the choice between several different types of armor and weapons. The Count was diabolical, there was no doubt about that. But he was courteous if not generous. This would be a fair fight. Augustus had accompanied his employee and friend to the armory. He was acting as Helmut's second, as a man would do in a duel.

Helmut chose a suit of leather armor studded with metal. This armor may not have protected as much as his opponent's chainmail but it would allow for more movement and flexibility. Helmut was persuaded by Augustus to also choose a shield. Only a small shield, as not to hinder his movement too much and allow him better use of the small spear he'd decided on using. These selections were rounded off with a metal helmet. Not a full helmet with a visor like a knight would wear. No, just a simple one covering the skull and the ears. Lastly Helmut chosen a plain but sturdy dagger.

Augustus appealed to Helmut about his sincerity in competing in this battle, this duel to the death. Helmut laughed lowly but said nothing. Augustus reminded him of his wife and children. Helmut assured Augustus he didn't plan on dying today. Augustus rolled his eyes.

"Don't worry bout me boss," Helmut gloated in a calm even tone, "I'm going to skew this cocky mother."

Augustus laughed nervously as they strutted out of the armory and in the direction of Dimitri's little personal arena. Both brothers had not seized contemplating how much the Count knew about them and where he was getting his intelligence from. Both had deliberated whether the Count knew they were associated with Rundolph. If Helmut won this battle, slayed Dimitri's gladiator and in turn won the chest of gold, would he allow with them to leave without trouble?

With what good with that do? Even with its story book ending, the champion leaves with his life and great reward. It still left the great problem of Count Dimitri Lewellan unsolved. That diabolical menace of Vienna at work in the end unstopped. To have to return to Rundolph unsuccessful with nothing but a grotesque story to confirm the rumors of the macabre and more.

This couldn't do. Augustus saw then how this would likely end. Normally it was Walter who figured out these things but not this time. This gladiator of Dimitri's he had said was his third best warrior. Augustus suspected who might be the first or perhaps the second best.

Augustus and Walter were to learn that this warrior of the Count's name was Forrest. He was taller than Helmut and his arms and legs were longer. He swung a broad axe around, this apparently his weapon of choice that he would use in the battle. While he wore a skirt of chainmail his torso was bare, not even a shirt was he wearing. He swung his broad axe with two hands so he wouldn't be using a shield.

He preferred to have his movement unhindered obviously but the chain skirt would slow his overall movement, in particular his movement with his feet. Laying to the side was a great helm, one that would cover his entire head including his face only being open where the eyes were. It was assumed by his foes that Forrest the gladiator would wear the great helm. He had a short sword sheathed and tied to his belt as his second weapon.

Helmut's armor was lighter than chainmail but covered his legs and his torso. His helmet was lighter too and only covered his skull and ears. Helmut was quite dexterous when armed with a spear. He went about practicing, spinning it around and around. He planned on putting quite the show. But more than anything Helmut planned on winning. He had determined that tonight this brash and confident warrior who opposed him, would die. It was that simple. His fate was sealed as far as Helmut was concerned.

Augustus tied back Helmut's long brown hair especially so his long bangs wouldn't fall into his eyes during the fight. Augustus gave him a loving pat on his shoulder. He followed his up with a hug right after. Walter simply shook his friend's hand and told him to give his opponent hell. Helmut responded by assuring Walter he was going to send the young gladiator to hell itself. Walter felt good with Helmut's certainly that he would be victorious. As the brothers fratenized with their friend and employee, Dimitri did the same with Forrest.

The brothers were given a special area to watch the contest, a box right below the area with the bleachers but 10 feet above the arena floor. There are soft cushioned chairs and end tables for drinks or plates. In the rear of the box is an open bar with a few bottles of spirits and glasses to drink of. Wine was provided along with mead. Blackberry flavored along with more traditional flavors of wine. The spirits had all been aged an prepared with perfection. There were snacks, they were told by the servants, that would be delivered regularly.

Of course Walter and Augustus had no need of spirits and foodstuffs. The food wouldn't digest right and barely did anything that was liquid that wasn't blood. But it was there for affect. Almost any blood drinker would take a snack or pour themselves and others a drink. To feel human again. Whether they had been turned one year ago or two hundred. The smells were still there and the food and drink could still be looked upon. It could still be held. The wine swished around in a goblet, the bread of pastry torn apart leaving a sticky residue on the fingers. Oh the things that mortals took for granted..

Kellandra had requested a seat in the box with the brothers. Along with her she brought her favorite vessel, a vessel and she was also a domestic as it turned out. She courteously asked first, about bringing the girl to join them in the box. A domestic was not officially considered to be one of "them". Kellandra seemed detached from the reality of what was about to happen. To her it seemed as if it were pure spectacle.

Helmut did not stay in the box for long. The contest was about to begin. The other bodyguard, Philip, was close friends with Helmut. He was welcomed into the box with the brothers. To be so evil and calculating, the Count sure was a good host. The brothers had to wonder if Dimitri knew who they were by now. Surely this was so.

As his second, Augustus, took his place on the arena floor to watch the fight. He stood with Helmut making final preparations. Count Lewellan stood only 30 feet away with Forrest, doing the same. As the Count was acting as his warrior's second. A last minute prayer was said on both sides. Augustus and Helmet embraced warmly. The time had come. One man would walk out alive and rich. The other man would be carried out dead.