38. CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Fear squeezed Alena’s throat, much like the warrior’s grip tightening around her wrist. Cold iron bars bit into her bare skin.
“Get me out of this cage, out of this damned arena,” the warrior snarled, “and I’ll tell you everything you want to know about your sister.”
He released her and retreated into the darkness of his cage, chains scraping along the stone floor. She staggered back, her heart hammering in her ears. When she glanced down the corridor, Agapios was studying another warrior, still in deep conversation with Aurelius.
She sucked in deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves, and plastered a smile on her face when they both turned to her.
“Ah, my dear, I see you have found the Achaean.”
It took her a moment to understand Aurelius meant the blond warrior.
The arena master approached, gesturing to the cage. His jewel-encrusted bracelets rattled around his thick wrist, and his lips curled into a smile. “You aren’t the first lady to notice him.”
Trying not to recoil from his pungent smell, she forced herself to step closer instead. “What’s wrong with him? Why is he sitting in the dark?”
“He attacked the guards after the death of the Amazon.” Aurelius signalled one of the guards for a torch. “His poor behaviour lost him his patroness as well. It’s a shame. The Achaean was one of our strongest warriors, much loved by the crowd.”
Flames flickered closer to the cell, revealing blue eyes that glared at Aurelius before landing on her. She took in his strong build and ripped tunic. Heavy chains wrapped his arms and legs as if he were a dangerous animal.
Had the Amazon been his friend or lover? Her death must have been unbearable if he’d attacked the guards. Their gazes locked through the iron bars, and beneath his tough fa?ade, a fleeting glimpse of misery intertwined with anger surfaced in his eyes.
Alena steeled her nerves.
No matter what, she had to get him out. He had information about Katell.
“Now he is worthless to me.” Aurelius was facing Agapios, ignoring her once again. “Fortunately, the capital sent word that they require Gifted warriors for the upcoming festival in Kisra. I will at least get some financial compensation for all my troubles.”
The vile man prattled on about his money, and her jaw clenched.
“My father is in need of Gifted warriors to help with his trade.” The words rolled off her tongue before she could stop herself.
Agapios gaped at her, but she kept her attention on Aurelius. “What can the Achaean do?”
“Oh, I would never sell a disobedient slave to a lady, even a Gifted one.” The arena master’s derisive smile belittled her more than his words. “I would be too concerned for your safety.”
She seethed at his quick dismissal. “There’s no need to be concerned. What can he do?”
Aurelius’ lips pinched. She gathered he didn’t like being contradicted, and even less by a woman. “Guards.”
The men in red approached the Achaean’s cage and ordered him to his feet. The blond warrior stepped into the light and pulled aside his tunic, staring daggers. His Mark was located on his pectoral: two black feathered wings within a gold circle.
“He is the fastest warrior we have,” Aurelius explained, a calculating glint in his eye. “Always able to get out of a tight spot, no matter the odds. He is a skilled fighter, too, favouring the Achaean short sword. He has killed numerous opponents.”
Alena recognised the Mark and ran with her idea.
“Oh look, Uncle, isn’t that the symbol of the Messenger?” Alena shuffled closer, beaming at the sight.
Aurelius’ brow creased. “You recognise it?”
She nodded. “The Messenger was an old deity from my hometown, who lost his following to Laran when the Emperor came to deliver us from the Megarian tyranny. Uncle, I believe this is a sign. My father will believe this to be a fortunate coincidence.”
With a graceful smile, she silently thanked Agapios and his quick lesson in etiquette when addressing Megara and the Empire.
Aurelius scowled at her, and Agapios gave a bark of laughter. “Aurelius, old friend. I should have warned you about my niece. She may not be Gifted, but she has a natural skill for business. I believe you have a deal.”
“I have not yet named my price,” the arena master argued.
“You said it yourself.” Alena retrieved the leather pouch, hoping it contained enough for a Gifted warrior. “You weren’t expecting any return on this slave, and judging by the amount of trouble he has caused you, it seems you’d be better off without him.” She handed Leukos’ coin to Aurelius. “I’m sure we can come to an agreement.”
Aurelius examined the pouch, and his eyebrows shot up before his smarmy smile returned. “Release the Achaean.” The pouch disappeared inside the folds of his tebenna. “He has a new mistress now.”
Alena exchanged a silent look with Agapios, who joined her side while the guards opened the warrior’s cage and worked on his chains.
“I will have the paperwork prepared and sent to you, my dear.” Aurelius’ sudden shift in demeanour grated on her nerves. “I must take my leave and prepare for today’s opening. Please enjoy the rest of your visit, my guards will watch over you. Agapios, I hope you’ll consider supporting the arena as a patron. We have slaves for everyone’s tastes.”
Aurelius clasped a hand on Agapios’ shoulder, who returned the gesture. “I will be sure to think about it.”
Once the arena master was gone, the Achaean warrior took cautious steps out of his cage, favouring his left leg. Thick bronze bands wrapped his wrists, chafing his skin raw.
“What are the manacles for?” Alena asked.
“They’re dampeners,” a bearded guard answered. “They prevent Gifted slaves from using their magic.”
The blond warrior’s lips pressed into a thin line but he kept quiet. Muscled arms showcased arduous training and fighting in the arena, while the blood smeared across his tunic enhanced his menacing allure.
His focus shifted to Alena, assessing her as he waited for her next step.
She held his gaze. “If I take them off, will you run?”
The guard stiffened. “My lady, I must caution against it. You cannot trust him.”
The warrior came closer, his powerful frame towering over hers. “I won’t. By the Twelve, I swear I won’t run.”
The genuine expression in his piercing blue eyes gave her reason to believe him. She had kept her end of the bargain and saved him from the arena. Now, it was his turn to honour his word.
She addressed the guards. “Take them off.”
Agapios cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should listen to them, niece.”
“I can’t have my slave treated this way, Uncle. Father wouldn’t be pleased. Take them off.”
The bearded guard hesitated, glancing at Agapios.
“You heard the lady.” The old man gestured to the warrior’s hands. “Take the dampeners off.”
The guard pulled out a set of keys and unlocked the heavy manacles. They fell to the floor with a loud clang.
“Thank you for your help.” Agapios offered the guards a brief smile, then took Alena’s hand, placing it in the crook of his elbow. “We will see ourselves out.”
The bearded guard gave a sharp nod. “As you wish, Master Acilius.”
Agapios led her away, keeping his hand over hers in a tight grip. She’d deviated so far from his plan that she couldn’t blame him for wanting to leave the arena in haste.
But she wasn’t done yet.
An unsettling stillness hung in the air as they walked away from the guards, every pair of eyes from the cells fixed upon them. The Achaean’s soft footsteps echoed behind them.
Once they were out of earshot, Alena stole a glance over her shoulder. “My name is Alena, and this is Agapios. What’s your name, Achaean?”
“Nikander. You can call me Nik.” He searched her face, his brow furrowed as if trying to decipher a riddle. “Your sister said you weren’t Achaeans, yet you recognised the Messenger’s symbol. How?”
Alena’s cheeks heated. “I read a lot.”
He snorted.
Once they reached the archway, she stopped and faced him. “I got you out of your cell,” she whispered. “Now tell me what I wish to know. Where’s Katell?”
“She’s not here.” He crossed his arms, watching the corridor ahead as though Aurelius might reappear at any moment. “She left the arena, and once we’re out of this pisshole, I’ll tell you where she went.”
“We’re not leaving yet,” Alena said.
Both Agapios’ and Nik’s gazes snapped to her.
Leukos was going to be furious, but after seeing all those slaves—children—waiting to be slaughtered for the Rasennans’ entertainment, she refused to walk away.
Something had to be done, and with Nik’s magic, they could strike before the arena master and his guards realised what was happening.
Agapios’ face turned as pale as his beard. “By the Sea, Alena, what are you thinking?”
She had no time to argue with him. They needed to act quickly.
“Nik,” she asked, “can you take out the two guards behind us?”
The blond glanced down the end of the corridor and cocked his head. “I can, but we wouldn’t have long before their absence is noticed. What do you have in mind, Red?”
A strangled cry erupted from Agapios. “You scoundrel! How dare you address a lady in such a way?”
Nik lifted his hands in a placating gesture, backing away.
“Agapios, peace.” Alena clutched his arm, shifting his attention to her. “We need to work together. I promise I have a plan.”
Still red in the face, the older man nodded. His narrowed gaze remained fixed on Nik.
“Nik,” Alena said, “if you could, please take out the guards and grab their keys.”
A faint smirk crossed his face. “As you command, Mistress.”
He disappeared with such rapidity that a gasp escaped her. His movements were swifter than mortal eyes could register. A blur against the stone walls, slipping between the guards and knocking them out before they even noticed his presence.
He was back in a flash, dangling the keys in one hand.
Agapios’ wide gaze roamed over him from head to toe. “By the Sea God’s beard, I’ve never seen such a Gift!”
Nik winked, a cocky smile lighting up his beaten face. The combination of his bruised skin and dimples lent him a roguish air. “I don’t like to brag, but I do believe I’m the fastest warrior in the Empire.”
Alena bit her lip, her mind whirring as a plan fell into place. With Nik’s skills and some help from the other Gifted warriors, they could take over the arena and free the slaves before Aurelius even noticed. They might even get them all out before the games began.
“Here’s the plan: defeat the guards and free as many slaves as we can.” She glanced down the corridor at the other cages. Surely more warriors would wish to help in exchange for their freedom?
Nik let out a low whistle, while Agapios’ face contorted in bewilderment.
“Have you lost your mind? My dear, I agreed to help you infiltrate the arena and rescue your sister.” The old man flailed his arms about the corridor in increasing distress. “This is complete madness. We’ll never make it out alive.”
“If we can convince a few Gifted warriors to join us, then the plan will work.” She mustered false confidence in her voice, hoping to sway him.
“Some of the Gifted were sold to the arena with family but then separated at their arrival,” Nik said, his gaze sweeping across the cells. “I believe they’d want to help.”
His words lifted Alena’s spirits, his support and input enhancing their chances of success.
“How many?” she asked.
“There’s the Vaskone at the end of the corridor and the Kantabri next to him.” Nik pointed at the barricaded cages. “Also, a couple of Eluvites and an Illyrian.”
Even if half of those Gifted warriors joined them, it was more than enough.
“Do any of them have fire magic?” she asked.
Nik’s teeth flashed in a wicked grin as he caught on to her plan. “The Kantabri.”
“All right, let’s go talk to him first.”
“Alena!” Agapios pulled her back, the lines on his face more pronounced than ever. “My dear, do not let your emotions guide you. Think about what you’re about to start.”
A pang of guilt rang through her chest. Agapios had never agreed to her spontaneous plan, and it wasn’t fair for her to drag him into a life-threatening situation.
“I’m sorry, my friend.” She squeezed his hands in hers. “I won’t put you in danger any longer. If you wish to leave, we’ll create a distraction so you can escape. But I must stay.”
He opened his mouth to speak, but she shook her head. “Your efforts to help slaves in the city are truly admirable, but this is a chance to make a real impact. You saw all the cages we walked past.”
The disapproval on his face melted away, and he let her finish.
“All those slaves awaiting death… I can’t leave them behind. Something must be done.”
“I see your mind is set.” His gaze softened, and with a long sigh, his shoulders slumped. “Fear not, I would never abandon a lady who puts herself in danger for the sake of others. That is the coward’s way. Besides, our mutual friend would never forgive me.” He pulled a handkerchief from his folds and wiped his brow. “Very well, then. Your plan is a noble one, my dear; reckless and foolish, but noble. Now, let us see how well I remember the Western tongues so that we may speak to these warriors.”
Nik strode towards the cells, his expression shifting into a steely resolve. “If we’re all agreed, then let’s burn this shithole to the ground.”
Alena turned the key in the lock and pulled open the iron door.
A sea of wide eyes locked onto her.
“We’re here to rescue you.” She dropped to her knees and went to work, unlocking dozens of iron manacles shackled to the children’s wrists and ankles. “Stay still, we’ll get you out.”
Beside her, a blonde Eluvite slave translated in a soft voice.
Shouts erupted down the corridor, and Alena glanced behind her. A fresh group of guards burst through the arch, heading straight for them.
“Nik!”
The Achaean emerged from the neighbouring cage armed with a short sword and a dagger. “We’ll take care of them.”
Accompanied by three more Gifted warriors, he was gone in a flash. Alena ignored the grunts and screams that followed and focused on her task instead.
Thankfully, more than a dozen Gifted warriors had agreed to help them. With Agapios guiding the rescued slaves out through the patrons’ secret staircase to his servant, Felix, who was waiting outside, the plan was running smoothly—or had been, until the guards’ arrival.
“Lead them back to the staircase.” She unlocked the last pair of manacles and the Eluvite nodded, gathering the children to her. “My friend will show you the fastest way out of the city.”
The blonde squeezed Alena’s hand. “Thank you, and may Souconna watch over you.”
She picked up the youngest child in her arms, a rosy-cheeked infant with dark tresses, and spoke to the others surrounding her.
Alena patted their little heads as they scrambled out of the cage. “Good luck.”
She followed them out and hurried down the corridor towards the last occupied cell. Ahead, Nik stabbed a guard with his sword, then disappeared in a blur. The Vaskone warrior lay slain on the ground among a half-dozen red tunics.
She ducked into the last cage and found a group of women chained and huddled together. The space was damp and cold, with no natural light, yet most were barefoot and half-naked.
“I’m here to help.” They didn’t say a word, so she smiled and showed them the keys. “We’re getting you out of here.”
She unlocked the heavy iron chains. The women watched her work at first, then came closer, lifting their arms, begging to be set free.
The cries of battle faded, and Nik reappeared by her side in a rush of wind. The women gasped at the sight of him, armed and covered in blood.
“We’re down to six.” He belted his sword and helped the women out of the cell. “We need to leave now, or we won’t make it.”
Alena shook her head. “I’m not leaving these women behind, and we haven’t gone down to the last floor yet.”
He wiped the blood off his face with a frown. “The last floor?”
“It’s where they keep the Non-Humans. An Illyrian told me there were over a dozen of them caged down there. Probably in worse conditions.”
“The Giver’s tits, there’s no time!” He helped another woman to her feet, and a couple of warriors led them out of the cell, keeping an eye out for the guards.
Alena shook her head, unlocking the last pair of shackles. “I’m not leaving without them.”
Nik huffed and grabbed her arm, tugging her out of the cage. “Fine. But we have to be quick about it.”
“Wait, just the two of us?” She glanced over her shoulder at the women and warriors headed the other way.
His lips ticked up. “Why? Scared of being alone with me?”
“That’s not what I meant.” She pulled away from his grip. “If we encounter any more guards, you can’t take them all on.”
His smirk widened. “Are you doubting me, Red?”
“This isn’t a game, Nik,” she snapped. “We have to save them.”
“And we will.” The mirth melted from his face, his gaze sharpening as he led the way through the endless circular corridors. “Non-Humans are stronger than half a dozen guards combined and resistant to magic. Together, we can all make it out of here.”
They hurried along, hiding in alcoves every time guards approached. Alena held her breath. The red tunics ran from one corridor to the next, cursing at every empty cell.
“Stay close.” Nik kept to the shadows until they reached a hidden stone staircase in the corner of an archway. “This must be it.”
He went first, readying his sword. Alena followed down the steps, keeping a sharp eye over her shoulder, her heart hammering inside her chest.
Within the arena’s depths, the musty smell grew acrid and burned her eyes. Clutching her veil, Alena pulled it over her mouth and nose, following Nik into the darkness.
No sunlight reached the deepest corridor of the arena. A handful of torches hung from the walls, revealing rows of iron cages, similar to the ones above. Her sandals slapped through puddles of filth, disturbing swarms of flies and awakening foetid smells.
Bile burned the back of her throat. “What is this place?”
Covering his nose in the crook of his elbow, Nik didn’t answer. He belted his sword and grabbed a torch and the set of keys dangling on a hook underneath. The flames lit up the sallow faces of the cages’ inhabitants. Male, female, and young Non-Humans lay naked on dirty straw, chained to the stone walls.
“By the Moon…”
The Non-Humans sheltered their eyes from the sudden light, many jerking back into the shadows. Alena took the keys from Nik and fumbled through the set until the lock finally clicked open.
“Be careful,” Nik said. “They don’t listen to reason. They’re not like us.”
She stepped inside and low growls emanated from the men while the women hid their young ones behind them.
Alena pulled back her veil, showing her face, and crouched down on one knee. “Don’t be afraid. We won’t harm you. It’s all right.”
Facing the closest Non-Human, a man with dark shaggy hair and a beard, wearing a tunic streaked with filth, she brought her fingertips to her mouth and opened her palm the way San had done with her.
“Alena. My name is Alena.”
The growls stopped, and they glanced at one another until the man repeated her gesture.
“Dhark.”
She smiled and showed him the iron keys. “For your chains.”
He snatched them from her hand. Nik sprang forward at the threat, but Alena held up a hand to stop him.
“Wait! It’s all right.” She faced the Non-Humans again, pointing to the large chains crisscrossing the stone walls. “Don’t be afraid. Use the key.”
Dhark unlocked his chains first, then went around the nestled group, giving out orders in their native tongue.
Nik disappeared in a blur, then reappeared a moment later at Alena’s back, startling her.
“There’s no one else,” he said, shaking his head. “Let’s hurry and get out before the guards find us.”
“Are you sure?” She squinted at the other cages through the darkness. “All the other cages are empty?”
He stiffened. “There’s no one else alive.”
Biting her lip, she got to her feet, and Dhark coaxed the others out of the cage. They hurried back to the narrow staircase in silence, following Nik’s lead.
The blond halted at the top and peered around the archway.
“There’s no sign of the guards. Let’s go!” He disappeared around the corner, followed by Dhark, while Alena helped the mothers and children.
A shout echoed through the hallway, and her heart seized.
She rushed ahead and stumbled upon Nik, Dhark, and the other Non-Humans, surrounded by an army of red tunics with Aurelius at the centre.
“I should have known you would cause me trouble until the end.” The arena master sneered at Nik until his gaze fell upon Alena. “You! How dare you? You have no idea what you’ve done. The Emperor will hear of this. You won’t get away.”
Alena’s hands balled into fists. She wouldn’t be cowed by a man who kept slaves, Emperor or not.
“Let him hear.” She strode forward. “Let him hear how we saved lives.”
Aurelius scoffed. “The slaves you’ve set free will never make it out of the city. You’ve led them to their death.”
“Perhaps,” she replied, her voice unwavering, “but at least they’ll die free.” A couple of guards chuckled, but Nik’s solemn nod of approval was all the validation she needed. “It’s better than being slaughtered in an arena for your entertainment.”
Aurelius’ face flushed a vivid shade of red. “You wretched girl! Who are you?”
Alena ripped off the veil from her head and met his glare head-on. “My name is Alena, and I came here for my sister, Katell.”