The Woman From the Fire Pits

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 (Third-Person Narrator)

Edward sat quietly at the bar in the tavern, with his head down and drink in hand. It had been the same routine ever since he settled in Great Inagua. Have a bite to eat, then drink to his heart's content. But nowadays, all his heart felt was a void that had to be filled with more than just rum and running around with the ladies of the brothel. It helped satisfy him, but not as fully as he would have wanted.

"You can't keep going on like this, Edward," Maria said, filling up his cup again.

"I know, Maria." Edward replied, "But what else can I do?"

"You can go out on your own. Meet a nice lady for more than just bodily pleasures. Make some friends. Being alone like this clearly ain't doin' 'ya any good."

Just as Edward was going to speak, a man came barging into the tavern, stumbling over his own two feet and panting as if he'd been running from soldiers.

"Everyone, listen up!" His voice boomed through the entire establishment. "The Fire Pits are back! Lucy's gonna be fightin' tonight!"

The entire tavern, minus Edward, raised their cups and shouted, "AYE!" and finished their drinks with haste and immediately started to empty of patrons and courtesans alike. Edward looked around, confused and, for the first time in a long while, curious about the man's raving.

"What was all that about?" Edward asked, pushing his cup of ale away.

"The Fire Pits are open again."

"And what are they doin' there?"

"The usual. Men battling for a bit o' coin. People put bets on their favorite fighters."

"What makes this night so different?" Edward scoffed.

"There is a woman going into the ring tonight. Lucy's a bit new to the Fire Pits, but it's a sight to see when she's looking for a scrap or Dust-up."

"Are you serious? A little Bonnie lass roughin' up a bunch o' men?" Edward laughed it off.

"Don't believe me? Then go look for yourself. Place a bet on her. You'll see...."

Edward sighed deeply. He had nothing better to do, why not try something new?

"Alright, fine. I'll go...Thanks for the drinks."

"Have fun, Edward."

As Edward stepped out of the tavern, looking up at the dark, night sky, he followed the patrons from the tavern and brothel as the street started to empty. He had a fair lot of money to spare after he paid Maria for his rum and ale. Soon, he was a walkway lit by small torches staked into the sandy ground.

Without saying a word, Edward followed the path until he got to a large gathering. There were 3 rings; 1 on either side of the mass of people and another in front of them, all drawn in the sand and lit by more torches. His attention was first drawn to the commotion in front of him.

"Step right up, lads and lassies. Place your bets with speed, gents! Our favorite tonight is Miss Lucy, now with 100 bets placed on her certain victory!"

The crowds around the betting table started to slowly thin out, allowing him to walk through more easily. A man of dark hair and a woman of dark complexion were sitting patiently.

"Welcome to the Fire Pits, stranger." The ebony woman purred.

"So what will your pleasure be?" The black-haired man asked.

"200 Reales on Lucy." Edward said, dropping his sack of coins on the table.

"You've chosen well, sir." The man said.