Jack Wilder: Sorcerer's Rising

The Pit

Chapter 18

The nerves in the Wilder home were running a little high to say the least.  Patrick was drilling Jack on the proper rituals of fighting in the pit.  Jack had of course never even heard of the pit because it wasn’t ever formally used anymore.  Most of the Lords fought in the back streets, or in the shadows.  However Jack was the first in the relatively new century to use the right of challenge.  Jack didn’t have the intention of killing Jonathon Treswyler, of course he was prepared to if he must, but that was a last resort.  The true goal Jack had was to demonstrate the power he had accumulated to the government’s body.

Gabriela stood nearby watching Jack with old eyes, even though she was only nineteen years old now, her eyes spoke years of stress that only terrible experiences could bring.  The other girls watched her with heavy hearts, knowing they would not wish this type of stress on any girl.

Little did the allies of the light faction know that their counterparts were across the country celebrating the fact that Jack Wilder would soon be reunited with his parents.  The dark faction was beyond confident that their young champion would thrash and throttle the Scion of the Pendragon family.

Jack had seen Jonathon in combat, he was impressive, but Jack believed himself to be better, and he wasn’t alone in those thoughts.  His best friends stood beside with confidence in their leader.  Even Theo was standing by Jack’s side giving him pointers and shields that would block dark curses that could prove to be fatal.  Brody stood off to the side, gently holding Veronica’s hand, as he watched his brother prepare for the fight for his life.

Jack himself wasn’t worried... nervous, but not worried.  He knew he did what he had to do.  No one would insult his betroth and walk away without an apology.  He couldn’t look weak in front of his friends and allies, much less his enemies, too much rides on the fight for Jack to be lenient.

As everyone gathered around Jack had a bit of a smile on his face as he put his dragon hide armor on.  No one could deny that Jack looked like a young Arthur Pendragon or maybe even a young Ares, the full armor, helmet, cloak, in slick black and red, with his family crest plastered all over it, he looked prepared, no he looked like a warrior.  Jack looked to his friends saying sarcastically, “We aren’t going to my funeral today my friends.  This will be a victory for the light, have a little bit of faith.”

Gabriela took Jack’s hand faithfully smiling up at him.  Samuel grinned, “I already have the party planned for tonight, I think all of us getting plastered after your victory here tonight will do all of us some good.”

Jack looked over his friends, but his eyes lingered over his little brother, who looked pale, which should be somewhat of an accomplishment considering the pretty girl holding his hand. Jack halted all conversation by approaching his little brother and getting on eye level with his little brother, “Are you coming to watch me put the whooping on the Treswyler brat?”

Brody looked at Jack for a moment before shaking his head. Jack was a little affronted by this, “What's wrong buddy? You know I am going to be alright right?”

Brody shook his head, “I can't watch you die too.”

Jack looked at Gabriela who had a hand on his shoulder. Jack reached out and put both hands on Brody's shoulders, the interesting thing of this in Jack's mind was how Veronica never stepped away, “Listen Brody, I am not going to lose this fight. You know why? Because I have this beautiful young lady behind me to come home to, and I also have a little brother who very much still needs me, and I intend to be there for him. I also have a whole group of friends who are going to be there to support me, I would really like it if you were there to. The Wilders have to be strong and unified. You know whatever happens though, Sammy and Gabriela will take care of you,”