Shadows of Voryn

Chapter Fourteen

Image above is hyenas being transported in prison wagon

Master Cadius

   He stood before his hyenas with a whip in his hand. The sandals on his feet scuffed against the hard rocky ground as he walked, pacing from both ends where the hyenas lined up in three roles. His foot caught between rocks that scraped at the edges of his toes. "This fucking place," Master Cadius sneered, shaking rocks out of his sandals.

   Master Cadius wanted more wealth than he could fit in his Vila. If to move to Scallibis and own an arena, that is what he hoped his hyenas would make possible for him at the tournament.

   Scallibis was the wealthiest and most busy City of Vyron lands. Master Cadius tasted power in his mouth. Out in the courtyard his hyenas stood awaiting his words.

   He straighten with an arrogance that did not make him to appear any wiser. Walking back to the center, he gripped his whip. "You all be fucking grateful that you will leave this place here today. No other master has been given such control and trust to allow for their fighters to move with such freedom. And that alone, makes you stand out and will make for talk of the Arena."

   Many of the hyena's grunted their bliss over possible recognition.

   The gates to the gladiatorial opened from the main entrance. The double wooden doors creaked, coming to life as the hyenas watched, never given access to leave from the front before. For so long, they'd been treated like a hidden secret in Tegorus, the people never quite comfortable with being near them.

   "Do not draw damaging remarks to my name." Master Cadius reputation was mild and the last thing he needed was it being destroyed before he had the chance to build.

  Once the doors were fully opened, a half dozen Keep guards came with silver chains and two prison wagons.

   Some of the hyenas watched with concern. Not all hyenas would be joining, merely twelve of his best fighters.

   "Oh, do not be fucking shocked," Master Cadius groaned with annoyance. He saw T'ara to be one of the few not confused by what was occurring. He smiled. "You will be chained to fucking wagon and taken to Scallibis. Do not make trouble for yourselves. King Virion would never let you walk into his city, free to roam so freely. Many in other villas come in worse conditions and do not have the comfort of a wagon."

   He waved his hand to Forqo. "Lead them by example."

   It was in Forqo's eyes that she could see his loathe to be reminded of his place as a slave. For any of them to be seen as slaves. T'ara caught that lookin his eyes for only for a heartbeat. The fierce hyena in Forqo wanted I say no. To tell Master Cadius to fuck off. Maybe, rip tongue from mouth. But he nodded instead. "As you wish, Master Cadius."

Everyone watched as Forqo walked up to one of the guards, few standing in earnest attentiveness with their hands clamped around the hilts of their swords. The guard holding a set of chains did not make eye contact, hands shaking of Forqo's close proximity. The guards all knew if Forqo wanted, he could snap each of their necks before they had the chance to pull their swords.

   The look in Master Cadius eyes told many not to forget who was truly in command. Forqo did much leading for Master Cadius that many forgot he was a slave too and not their true leader. This day...they were all reminded. Even Forqo.

   Forqo held his hands up as silver cuffs locked around his wrist. They placed another cuff around his neck and then guided him to prison wagon. There was latch in the metal floor of the wagon to attach Forqo.