Warning: There is a fight scene in here!
After a days worth of walking Meri never thought that a boat ride could feel so long. It had only been a few days at sea but the endlessness of the sea had her restless. Trapped on a small boat had Meri feeling tense. The crew did not speak a word to her or Pythia. They would only speak to Alyone, who had gotten them passage. She had instructed the crew to take them swiftly to the port city of Thermodon. Mewri had been there once or twice when she was small. Her memories of it were beautiful.
“Be at ease Andriomache, we are on the right course. Destiny awaits” Pythia gave her a smile. She had been trying to help ease Meri’s worries. Something Meri had been trying and failing to hide. The vague promises of something good happening had started to wear down on Meri’s nerves. She found herself missing home more and more.
Levi
It had been weeks since he had last set foot in the arena. Not much had changed. The walls were still cracked and the sand still held hints of previous battles. He did not miss it, the weeks away were a small mercy.
“To rest” he had been told. “Our queen doesn’t want to lose her new favorites too quickly”
That was two weeks ago but it felt like only a day ago since he had limped his way off the field. It had given the worst of his injuries time to heal but he would have gone mad if not for the woman in the cell across from him. They spoke about things. What was missed the most from home? What would he do if he ever got out? Her answer was the rip the building apart piece by piece until she found her family and the woman she loved. Levi would want to find Chrysippos and Meri. Beyond that he wasn’t sure.
It hurt to think of Chysippos and Meri. Both could be dead. The queen didn’t need either of them really. She could lie to him, telling him they were alive and fine. Levi would never know.
He shook his head, attempting to clear the thoughts.
“I am so glad to see so many of my sisters returning to me. I have something special for you! ” the queen’s voice rang out. Something shoved Levi out into the arena. He winced blinking the evening sun out of his eyes.
“A gift to my sisters, to show we are stronger together and that the goddess doesn’t show mercy to traitors” a small gasp drew Levi’s eyes to the stand for the first time. Levi felt as if the world was spinning. The woman looked so much like Meri. It had to be a trick of the mind, he had been thinking of Meri earlier that day. It couldn’t be her.
Meri
Alkyone squeezed Meri’s hand, tightly. To reassure her or keep her from leaping down there. Meri wasn’t sure.
“Do not be rash” the elder creator’s voice was soft. “We will figure something out. This will be difficult but I ask that you trust me. Stay in your seat and do not move”
Meri didn’t have a chance to think of a reply. The doors on the other side of the arena opened. Five heavily armored figures entered the area. The arena was quiet as the armored figures circled Levi. He had nothing to protect himself with.
A sudden cry went up as one of the fighters charged him. An attempt to stab at him. It was clumsy and desperate. Meri watched as Levi dodged and disarmed his opponent. As he dispatched the first attacker, the second one charged.
He picked up the sword lying next to the first fighter and faced his new foe. This attack was as quick as the first, Levi disarmed the attacker. The leader of the group tried to rally the remaining fighters. Together they might have a chance to take him down.
Levi cut down two of the warriors with ease. The final one was proving difficult. The enemy was countering each swing he took at them. The enemy retaliated, giving the armor-less Levi several new scars.
Two fighters charged each other. The fight was short and brutal. The blades flashed in the evening light, leaving Levi weak but still alive.
“By the goddess” Pythia whispered from somewhere behind them. Meri watched as Levi was grabbed by armored guards and dragged back underground.
“Now that all that unpleasantness is over, I invite you all to come to celebrate and speak of our future” Meri watched as the woman who called herself queen rose and walked away from the balcony. Alkyone’s grip on Meri’s hand kept her seat.
“What a horrid display” Pythia whispered. The stunned silence that had overtaken the arena seemed to agree with her statement.
“This was nothing more than a show of power” Alkyone’s voice was low, that way only Meri and Pythia could hear her. “It does not matter who you are, who your family is, or if you are amazon or not. If you are not useful to her or refuse to bend to her will, you are entertainment or fodder for a new blade”
Alkyone stood, breaking the spell that held the arena. The other women in the stands stood as well. Ready to file out of this horrid place.
“The woman in red. She was the leader of the Solare tribe. She had magics that prolonged her life. She knew my mother and her mother before her. She would refuse to bow to invaders but magic cannot save you when the underworld beckons” Aklyone led Meri and Pythia out of the arena. A small group of warriors in the queen’s colors were waiting for them.
“Our queen invites you to dine with her this night” one of the guards spoke. There would be no rejecting the proposal.
“We are honored to receive such an invitation” Alkyone was far more polite and calm than Meri would have been. The warriors surrounded the small group and lead them off down the path.
Alkyone slowed her walk, falling into step with Pythia and Meri. She took Meri’s arm in her own.
“Do not be so nervous dear Andriomache, today is an auspicious day” Alkyone spoke loud enough for the guards to hear before whispering. “I will introduce you when we meet the queen. As the newest to Otrere, you will be named after Pythia. There is much to ask of you. Do not be rash and think before you speak and act. We are in a dangerous situation”
“Of course Creator Alkyone. I promise I will not let you down” Meri hoped this was a promise she could keep.
Isla Amazon Challenge 