Fight to Die (Harry Styles)

Sixteen

Chapter 16

The warm summer air blows past me, my hair flying behind me. The thumping of horse hooves sends the dirt along the road flying back behind me. Not a single person is on the road as I fly past the numerous houses. Air is thrust from the horse's nostrils; its breathing is heavy as I push it faster. There are no lights anywhere, only darkness. I am only able to navigate my way through the city because of pure muscle memory. This is not the first time I have rode at night.

Dark building by building, I come closer to Colosseum. I can see its looming structure in the distance. A few minutes later I reach the Colosseum, but then I remember something my brother once told me. The gladiators don't actually stay in the Colosseum; they stay in the small arena a little ways away. It's their ludus. I am a little frustrated at this realization because I am honestly becoming very uneasy with this whole thing and I kind of want to get it over with. Why, though? This was my idea in the first place, I remind myself.

I don't even know what I'm going to do. Why am I doing this anyway? It makes no sense, now that I think about it. This literally could only get me in trouble, or even worse get him in trouble. I should just walk away while I can, but I don't. I don't walk away.

I pull the reins and turn my horse around to the direction of the ludus and head there. I am crazy. Absolutely crazy.

The barred gate is locked when I reach it and there is a guard standing behind it, walking back and forth in a bored motion. His head jerks up when he hears me coming and he raises the torch from the wall and shines it in my direction.

"Who goes there?" he asks holding the light up to try and see my face. I pull the hold further down to cover my face so that he cannot identify me.

"That is not important," I say quietly, pulling back on the reins and slowing to a stop in front of the gate. "I am hear to see someone and I would appreciate your discretion."

The guard scoffs, "well, miss, I'm afraid there are no visiting hours here."

I begin to panic. How I am going to convince this man to let me in? I shift awkwardly on the back of my horse and feel the weight on my hip. The bag of money. I knew I would have to bribe him.

"Would you be willing to change that for a bit of payment?" I suggest mysteriously in attempt to get him to comply.

The man's amused smile from before disappears and he looks completely serious, "how much?"

"How much do you want?"

"An aureus for a visit, but I'm going to need your name," he tries to bargain and I am shocked at the high price he is asking for. A whole gold aureus. Of course I have far more than I car to mention, but it's still a lot. I would accept, but I need it discreet. He can't know who I am.

"Two and we forget the name," I argue, hoping- no, praying that he will accept. Though it is a high price to pay, I don't mind. My curiosity for the mysterious gladiator is immense and I intend to lessen it.

The man's eyes noticeably widen at my words, "you-" he begins to ask but decides not to question me, "never mind; it's a deal."

"Open the gate, please. I will pay you after my visit."

He shakes his head, "no. For all I know you don't have the money. In fact, it would shock me if you did."

"Fine; I'll show them to you and then after my visit, you will receive your payment. You will have proof that I can and will pay you."

He remains silent for a few moments and I become impatient again. Why is this taking so long? He finally looks up at me, "give me one when you come inside and then other after. And we have a deal."