Inheritance: An Upper Earth Novel Chapter 15, Let the Games Begin (free access)

Chapter 15: Let the Games Begin

In the Devil’s Cauldron, prisoners are pitted against magical beasts. But which one will Kath have to fight?   

Recommended reading: teens/young adults and adults who are young at heart.
   
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Inheritance an upper earth novel chapter fifteen Let the Games Begin Kath sat in a huddle in one of the amphitheatre's holding cells. Bars made up one wall. On another was a wide but narrow barred window. Through it you could see the arena where the fighting took place. After one brief glance, she stayed away from that side of the cell. She preferred not to think about what that window might show her. Fresh straw had been strewn over the floor that morning, enough to keep the cold at bay. In the corner stood a bucket their idea of a toilet. She only used it at night when darkness concealed her. At least they fed her well. Not from any sense of humanity, she thought. Rather, they considered her as a prize pig being fattened before a trip to market. The jailer, Ogle, had a soft spot for Kath. He'd placed her in a cell alone, away from what he called the murderous rabble. The cells could hold hundreds of prisoners, but she'd been told that only a dozen men or women awaited their fate in the day's games. A jolly faced man with a ring of curls around a balding crown, the jailer reminded Kath of an overage cherub. He enjoyed his food and ale too much, though, judging by the size of his stomach and his excessively rosy cheeks. She didn't mind his chatter, but the ale made him too free with his words. The last thing she wanted to hear of was the trial that awaited her in the afternoon. That cacophrastus likes his games he does, Oggle said, with his usual cheerfulness, even though he was taking out her slop bucket. We've never had so many before. Only trouble is, with all the prisoners they're eating, some of the beasts are getting fat and lazy. Some of them can hardly move. Never mind run after anything faster than a snail. In the last games they had to tie prisoners to posts, to give the beasts a chance of catching them. Is that what they're going to do? Tie me to a post. Kath's jaw dropped open. Not you, my love. You're in with a bit of luck. A new brute's just come in. Things should be more sporting today. What sort of brute? Oggle made so much noise opening and shutting her cell door, he obviously didn't hear her. He trundled away to empty the bucket, humming as he went. Kath stood at the bars and waited. He'll be back, she told herself. Sometimes it is better not to know, child. The voice had come from the cell opposite, where a thin man with a ponytail sat against the back wall. I have to know, Kath said. I'm not going to leap to my death like some stupid lemming. If I know what it is, I can plan how to fight it. The light was poor, but she could see the man was smiling. You have courage for someone so young. I am known as Felix Longman. What is your name? Kath Kath Smith Felix bowed his head. May your name be everlasting. If I should live through this day, it is one I will not forget. But remember, child, from the moment we are born we begin to die. It is only because we cling to life so desperately that we fear death so greatly. If you have no fear, then death is nothing, more snilest, as the Romans would say. Still humming, the jailer returned with her bucket. Ogle, what sort of beast is it? This new brute you mentioned. Beast he echoed, as he paused with the key in the lock. Oh, an aphanodran, they call it. So I'm told anyway. I'm no expert myself. I just deal with the prisoner end of things. But my cousin works on the livestock side, and he tells me this one's rare. Least they think they're rare, but no one ever sets eyes on them anyways. Invisible they are. Should be interesting in the arena though. Don't think we've ever had an invisible monster in the games. Bit of a novelty really. Invisible the word echoed in Kath's head. They're going to feed me to an invisible monster. You'll be able to see for yourself when the game start, Lavi. I'm planning on saving you till last, and this cell gives the best view of the arena. That way you can see what you're up against. Watch the others fighting and keep an eye out for their mistakes. Oggle returned her bucket and let himself out of the cell. He paused at the bars. It's a damn shame for a young whippersnapper to lose her life so early on. But there's always a chance of getting through it alive. It's been done before. Alone again, Kath gazed at the barred window. She stood up and walked across to it. From now on, I have to pay attention to everything that goes on out there. A light wind caressed her face as she stared out at the arena. Could she get out of this alive? She didn't think so. But I'll die trying. It would be hours before the games began. The waiting had a calming effect on Kath. The flame of fear she felt at first light dwindled with every hour that passed. Soon the only relief to her boredom was watching the preparations in the arena. Attendants were fixing banners around the terraces, decorated with the emblems of the League of Ten. She recognized the dragon of Duke Cacophrastus easily. At another point, a black wolf on blue fluttered in the breeze, and further on she spotted the insignia of a bear standing on its hind legs, with blood spilling from its muzzle. The gates on the far side opened to allow entry to a wagon. Kath wondered whether it carried food for the spectators. When the people of the devil's cauldron came to watch, they were given meat and bread, Oggle had told her. A feast and a show. While the spectators feasted high up on the terraces, the animals feasted on the gladiators down below. As the wagon rumbled closer, Kath spotted a movement beneath it. Then the wagon turned, and the wheels hid whatever it might have been. As the cart passed the entrance to the holding cells, a pint-sized figure hopped from behind its wheels. Kath held her breath for a heartbeat. The rat that's too big to be a rat. Again, she couldn't help wondering why she kept seeing this same creature. It squeezed through the bars at the entrance to the holding cells, and crept through the shadows towards Kath's cell. It was the same type of animal she'd seen in the tunnel, but looking at it more closely now, she could see it wasn't a rat at all. Its tail was far too thick and heavy, and it used it to balance when it walked or hopped. It is following me. When it passed right through the bars to Kath's cell, she moved back, wondering what it wanted with her. I'm a friend, it said, in what sounded like an Australian accent. A yelp escaped from Kath's mouth before she could clap a hand over her lips. Sh it tapped one foot with impatience. Laugh all you want. I'm not the one behind bars. I'm sorry, she said. I never saw a talking animal before. Don't need to tell the whole prison now, do we? The creature looked over its shoulder warily. But who are you? Why are you following me? They call me Augustus, he answered. And I've been watching over you. Best I could, anyway. I don't have any friends down here. Why could you possibly want to help me? You're important, the creature said. I have to be quick, though. The guard might be back any minute. He carried a small bag, which he offered to Kat shamefaced. It's not much, but it might help. Kath opened it. Her face screwed up in disgust. Uh they're teeth. She eyed them critically, then gave a hostile stare to her visitor. And this is supposed to help me. Augustus clicked his tongue. Stop your complaining and listen up. They're ancient warriors' teeth. Don't take them out of the bag till you're in the arena. There's also a bag of sneezing powder inside. Sneezing powder I'm about to face some invisible beast, and you bring me something from a joke shop. Don't knock it till you try it, Augustus winked. I happen to know that a phanodrans have very sensitive noses, and when they sneeze, it's hard for them to stay invisible. Stands to reason, don't it? You have to see the thing to kill it. And what are the teeth supposed to do? she asked. Make it want to go to the dentist. Augusta stared at her with a look that would have frozen mountain tops. When you're in the arena, throw one down on the ground, and it'll help. I ain't got time to explain more. I can hear the guard coming back. Just don't waste them all at once. He scrambled behind some water barrels next to the cells. The guard passed by without detecting him. When Kath next looked, Augustus was gone. A few hours later, another visitor approached the bars of Kath's cell, a sharp featured woman with long hair coiled high on her head. She fixed Kath with an icy gaze. So long did the woman inspect her, without a word, that Kat stared back with bold, rebellious eyes. I sense a fighter, Isize said. That will go down well with the crowd, but your appearance needs work. With a click of her fingers, two guards trotted to her side, their features hidden behind iron helmets. Bring the prisoner to the preparation chamber. Oggle opened the cell door and the soldiers grabbed her arms. They frog marched her behind the woman, past the other holding cells where prisoners crouched. At the far end of the corridor, Isies entered a door. In the room behind it, a square sunken bath the size of a small swimming pool took up half of the floor space. Isize turned around to face Kath. In a few moments I will send two girls to wash you. If you do not cooperate, the girls will be sent away, and the guards will do it. Her matter of fact voice softened, and she came closer. You look like a sensible girl, she crooned. And you do want to look your best, don't you? Kath kept her eyes sullen and stared into space, refusing to engage with the woman. Isize grabbed a handful of Kath's hair and yanked her head to one side. Insolence is not becoming in one so young, she said, in an iron tone. Now, you will behave, won't you? Yes, Kath yelped, blinking back the tears that welled in her eyes. I won't give her the satisfaction of seeing me cry. Good. Isize released her grip. Her pale lips broke into a poor impersonation of a charming smile. She lifted Kath's chin. I suspect there's a pretty face underneath all that grime. The woman turned on her heel and strode out of the room, leaving the guards stationed at the door. Moments later two girls arrived, a tall one with a broad freckled face, big shouldered and wide hipped under her bodist dress, the other with dainty features and a slender frame. You two out the big girl barked at the guards. We're supposed to guard the prisoner, one wheedled. Why I see it, best place to do that is here. I said out. She advanced on the soldiers. She's my responsibility while she's here, and I won't have no letterous goings on under my watch. All right, Sophia, no need to get narky. The guards sidled through the door, as though afraid to turn their backs on the girl. Right, you, she grunted at Kath. Clothes off and into the water. Take the cheap trinkets off too. Kath did as she was told. Like it or not, she would have to take a bath, and she preferred to do it without any men in the room. She removed her money earrings last. They had been part of her for so long that losing them was like losing her identity. When she slipped into the water, the heat surprised her. Under other circumstances, she would have liked to luxuriate in it, but Sophia scrubbed her down like Kath hadn't washed in months. The truth was Kath couldn't exactly remember when her last bath had been. The squat in Birmingham didn't have running water. Once the scrubbing was over, and the water had turned a dirty shade of grey, Sophia threw a piece of cloth at Kath to dry herself with. Then the slender girl, Lavinia, Sophia had called her, came towards Kath with something that looked suspiciously like a Roman tunic. Where are my clothes? Kath asked. There's no way I'm putting that on. Stop complaining, Sophia said. Everything Roman is the height of fashion, and in a Roman amphitheatre you can't wear anything but Roman. Course, you can go naked as the skin you were born in, if you like. That'd be a crowd pleaser. The bag of teeth it's in my jacket pocket, she remembered. She had to find a way of getting the bag back. I'll wear it, but let me keep my clothes. I promise I won't wear them in the arena, but I'll need them afterwards. Sophia gave her an odd look, and then nodded to Lavinia. That's right. You keep your spirit up, little lady. Pity, thought Kath. She pities me. But Kath didn't care. When Lavinia returned her clothes to her in a rough Hessian sack, Kath clutched the bag to her stomach with relief. Now get dressed, Sophia was all business once more. Kath took the white tunic and pulled it over her head. It only came halfway to her knees and left one shoulder bare. Lavinia made an apologetic face and tied a white cord belt around Kath's waist. Then she put flat sandals on her feet, with straps that crisscrossed up to the knees. In the final stage of preparation, Lavinia pulled Kath's freshly cleaned hair back from her face and plaited strands of it, before entwining the plaits with three woven cords that ran across her head. These cords are a sign of purity, Lavinia said, with her small, timid voice. In Rome, young girls wore them in the hair on their wedding days. Be quiet, Lavinia. There are things better not known. Sophia gave the other girl a dark look. It's not as if I'm getting married, said Kath. They're going to make me fight some young girl, white tunic, purity, ravenous beast. Oh I get it, Kath said, her voice quivering. I'm playing the role of the sacrificial virgin who's eaten by the mythical beast. Her fingernails dug into her palms. I will not let them see me cry. When Isize returned, she looked at Kath as though admiring her handiwork. Isies lavished praise on Sophia and Avinia. You have transformed our dirt encrusted tadpole into a warrior princess. It is well done indeed. She raised her voice a notch. Guards the two guards appeared like obedient bulldogs. Take her back to the cells, and be careful with her. I want no bruises to ruin that milk white skin. Kath grabbed the sack of clothes before they could drag her off. What is this? Ice Eyes asked. My clothes, for when I've killed your monster. Kath lifted her head, daring the woman to contradict her. Instead, Ice Eyes laughed. Very well, you shall keep your clothes. I look forward to witnessing your victory. Once back in her cell, Kath found herself drawn to the window. Oggle had left her a bowl of stew, but she couldn't bring herself to eat it. Instead, she watched the flags flapping in the breeze of a glorious summer day. Trumpets were sounding, and crowds flocked into the spectators' enclosure, which sat high up from the arena. The excitement in the crowd was tangible, and the terraces bubbled with laughter when a troop of acrobats and clowns tumbled across the arena. Another trumpet call rang out, then a voice proclaimed the opening of the games to rapturous applause and cheering. Over the noise of the crowd, other sounds became audible. From the livestock enclosure, a cacophony of snorting and hissing and squealing drowned out everything else. Nothing was visible behind the gate to the pens, but the Aphanodran had to be there, because the whole structure shook violently. The clowns and acrobats threw nervous glances in the direction of the enclosure, where something powerful was throwing itself against the bars. The entertainers left the arena speedily, covering their undignified retreat with a rapid display of cartwheels and flick flax. In the passage outside Cat's cell, a short, thick set man in a red tunic pleaded with one of the guards. No, not out there, please. I'm innocent. Give me a Another chance. This is another chance, Numbskull. Show him what you're made of. Courage is a virtue, you know. Heavy, cynical laughter followed the prisoner, as he was dragged up the ramp and thrown bodily through the gate into the arena. They threw weapons out after him. Kath's window stood a few feet above the level of the arena's sandy floor, but it gave her a good view of the fighting. The man in red recovered his feet, his eyes wild and his head jerking round erratically, as though he were trying to look in every direction at once. The crowd delighted in his panic stricken state with uproarious laughter. Then slowly the gate on the opposite side was raised. The prisoner recovered his weapons and fixed his eyes upon the gate. In his left hand he clenched a dagger, in the right a spear. Nothing visible came out of the gate, but still Kath could see the creature coming. It moved across the arena like an express train, throwing up a swirling cloud of dust in its path. The pounding of its feet shook the very foundations of the stadium. The prisoner took one look and ran. His head half turned, he tried to gauge whether he could outrun it. But the dust storm ran him down until it engulfed him. Without warning, he was flung sideways and rolled across the ground with the force of an invisible blow. He didn't get a second chance. The beast was upon him. Kath turned away. When she dared to look again, there was nothing left of the body that had been on the floor. She realized with revulsion that body parts could still be seen travelling down the creature's digestive system. A few minutes later, and they disappeared altogether. The tall thin man with a ponytail came out to face the creature next. Kath remembered his name Felix Longman. Felix acted with more dignity than the last prisoner. When the Ephanodran stampeded towards him, he stood his ground, his spear held in a defensive stance. But just as the creature reached him, something strange occurred. For the briefest of moments, a fragment of time so small that you weren't sure it had actually happened, the creature became partially visible. A flash of green and white and red appeared, where skin and teeth and mouth should be. Kath thought back to what Augustus had told her. When the Aphanodran sneezed, you could see it. Perhaps pain made it become visible too. Immediately Kath knew that she was right. Felix must have made a lucky strike with his spear. For a moment all was quiet, as the creature seemed to retreat, or at least its footprints retreated. Then a thunderous squealing echoed around the stadium, as though it was outraged that its food was fighting back. When the squealing ended, a nervous, teeth clenching silence fell over the stadium. Felix remained still, and so did the beast. Head lowered, the man focused on the ground around him. He maintained a constant vigilance for any sign of attack. Swivelling on the spot, he turned body and spear to face a new direction. His face was resolute, etched with the concentration and fatigue of battle. Kath's legs tensed as she watched each and every movement. She desperately wanted him to survive. She needed to see that survival was possible. The crowd grew impatient. At just the moment when Felix needed quiet, a loud obnoxious voice filled the air. Get on with it, coward, we haven't got all day. The tense atmosphere was broken, and others within the crowd laughed. That one distraction changed everything. Felix's concentration broke, and the creature must have sensed it. It chose that precise moment to attack. One minute Felix was upright and in control. The next he was on the floor, being torn to pieces. Kath turned away, blinking back tears. May your name be everlasting.