The Friendship of the Maze

Chapter 7

Averi-

It seemed to me that The Arena was a little like its own town. Rennee told me that I had to pay to get in and if I happened to leave I had to pay again to enter. Inside The Arena were inns, taverns, shops, and plenty of caged animals. Rennee checked us into an inn away from the main part of The Arena 'to keep us out of trouble' was how she put it. Our room was small but had two clean beds and a window that looked out into the street. Most of the many people who happened to walk by the window were warriors dressed in light armor and carrying a sword at their side. I learned from Rennee that slaves and free men fought in The Arena if they won they received a large sum of gold coins. If they lost they would receive a decent burial. The professional warriors trained every day at the training grounds. I could sometimes sneak out of our room and up into a tree that overhung into the training grounds and watch them. On other days I would explore the market and the shops that lined the streets. My favorite shop was the armory where I convinced the blacksmiths to let me watch them. I barely saw Rennee, she woke up before me and crawled into bed after me. She doesn't let me know of her whereabouts. She does supply me with enough coin to buy food, clothes, and weapons though. I wish she wanted me around more. Rennee might be a little harsh at times but she's like a sister to me. I've never had a sibling before. The closest thing to one would be Cade. Anyway, today I'm going to the market. I pulled on my boots and reminded myself to grab my bow and quiver. My hand bumps the little knife that Rennee gave me. I slid it into my boot. Grabbing a few copper coins for my breakfast I rushed out the door.

Rennee-

I don't like keeping secrets from Averi but if she found out that I was trying to get her out of The Arena Games she would flip.

"So Guard-master do you think there is a way to play the system, without getting her in trouble," I asked desperately. I love Averi so much. If I could save her from this horror I would.

"No," answered the Guard-master after a moment of thoughtful silence.

"No way, no way at all?" I pushed.

"I know she means a lot to you but," he shook his head, "there's no way." That's what I was afraid of. "Yeah." I slumped. No way.

"But you could come back and look over the game rules."

I perked up, "Really?"

He sighed, "I think I could arrange that." I got to my feet and grasped his hand and shook it furiously. "Thank you."

He nodded, "Follow me."

Averi-

I don't mind it here, other than the fact that Cade is still in the clutches of Warren and I'm going to be eaten by a big monster it's not that bad. I like that the warriors work for their power and wealth. They have to prove that they deserve what they have. At school, you win power by bullying the smaller kids. At my favorite tavern, The Last Chance, I sat down at a far table. The name means it is your last chance for food before you die in The Arena. Kind of depressing but their food is really good. Normally I watched the sizable counter as the owner served his customers and as the servers navigated through the sea of tables and hungry customers, but today the restaurant is quite empty. It's too late for breakfast and too early for lunch.

"Good morning," a tall boy with black hair and a goofy smile said.

"Morning," I replied matching his tone and smile.

"Do you know what you want this fine day," he asked with a sparkle in his light eyes.

"Yes, I shall have my usual," I snickered.

"And what is madam's usual?"

I tried to keep a straight face as I said, "Boar eyes with blood sauce sprinkled with maggot salt." After a moment of complete silence, we both lost it and burst out laughing. This server, Janner, was a friend of mine. We played this game every time I came in for a meal. The owner shot us a playful look and then returned to his work, by now he was used to our little game.