From within her personal inferno, Shalee laughed. The power of her magic echoed the sound throughout not only the room, but the catacombs beneath the arena. Once she saw the serpent's eyes were filled with fear, she stopped laughing and whispered in a hiss of her own that was free of her accent. "Do you always talk back to G.o.ds, Farogwain? Mind your place. I will spare your existence, but you'll leave this room before I change my mind. Be gone with you."

The fire surrounding Shalee's body dissipated as she took a few steps back to give the serpent room to exit. As the serpent undulated past without saying a word, Shalee looked over her shoulder and winked at Helga who was standing down the hallway with her hand cupped over her mouth to silence her laughter.

As Shalee walked back into the room, Sam and BJ were still looking at each other, shocked. Shalee said, "Well, that was nifty, don't you think? Me, a G.o.ddess? Who would've ever thunk it? What a fun deception." She focused on BJ. "So what's this about Sam fighting 29 souls? Were y'all planning on telling me?"

Again, Sam and BJ looked at each other. They turned and responded at the same moment, saying the same thing. "Of course, we were. We were about to look for you."

Helga bounded into the room. "Oh, Child, Child, Child, that was exhilarating. I believe a high-five is necessary."

The women sa.s.sily threw up their hands, clapped them together and b.u.mped one another's hips.

Shalee added, "You go, girl! I told you I was going to find the right series of moments to use those new elven words."

BJ cleared his throat. "I hate to interrupt your celebration, but we have a problem. Sam refuses to withdraw his ticket. He cannot win a battle of this magnitude. If it was only the bear and not another 28 souls, he might stand a chance."

Shalee looked at Sam.

Before she could say anything, Sam held up his hands. "Don't even suggest it. I'm not backing down, and I'm not going to fight with your magic protecting me. If I'm meant to die, I'm going to do it without dishonoring Brandon's death."

Kael took it upon himself to lift from Sam's sheath. The weapon stopped in a hovering position in front of the fighter's face. The blade pulsated as it spoke. "BJ is right, Sam. You need to withdraw your ticket. This is a fool's fight."

Shalee tapped her staff against the floor again. "Kael, you took the words right out of my mouth. There's no glory in dying in a fight you cannot win. It's stupidity."

"Okay, okay. Hold up. First of all, Kael, I didn't ask for your opinion. Second, there's not much choice here. Even if I do quit and start the 22 fight requirement again, who says I won't land the Beast vs. Man battle the next series of moments we return? What are we going to do, quit again and again until we draw the fight we want? I have no desire to keep killing."

Yet again, Shalee tapped the b.u.t.t end of her staff on the floor as she pondered. Eventually, she came up with a plan. "You know what? Why don't you go on up and take your position when the bell sounds? I got everything under control. Don't you worry about a thing." Shalee and Helga left the room.

BJ looked at Sam. "I wonder what she's up to?"

"I have a sneaking suspicion," Sam replied. "But it's Shalee we're talking about. So who knows what goes through that woman's mind?"

It was night when Sam entered through the gate on his side of the arena. All the pools scattered about the floor had been lit and illuminated the battlefield. To his surprise, the sandy surface was empty, and there were no visible opponents. Curious, he walked further out to get a better look at his surroundings.

When Sam spotted Shalee, she was sitting in Farogwain's personal booth. The serpent was coiled against the far corner, away from the sorceress. It was evident the reptile wanted to avoid further confrontation.

Sam shook his head in amazement. As he looked below Farogwain's booth, he saw two rows of criminals. The rows consisted of two giant cats, a Minotaur, one wolf, and the rest were human. They were all standing beneath the headmaster's box, bound to the wall in chains. Sam thought to himself, d.a.m.n, she really cleaned house. There's n.o.body to fight. So, where's the bear?

Helga entered the serpent's booth. She had a dagger in her hand and handed it to Shalee.

Shalee spun the knife around in her palm and then tossed the blade down to the arena floor. The dagger stuck in the sand, not far from Sam's foot.

Shalee shouted, "You go on ahead and fight your little fight! I got everything under control!" She pointed down at the criminals. "They won't be bothering you!"

As Sam grabbed the knife, the growl of the bear filled the air as the gate on the opposing side of the arena opened.

Surprised, the kodiak-looking beast quickly adjusted to the emptiness of the battlefield. He turned and looked above his gate toward a larger group of bears who sat growling at their champion. It did not take long before the beast realized he only had one enemy to kill. The bear turned and charged.

Sam secured his footing. He gripped the knife in his right hand and waited for the bear to close the distance.

The beast's heavy paws thumped against the sandy surface as the people of Empire filled the stadium with their cheers. As the bear drew near, it stopped running and rose up. His mouth opened wide and a powerful roar covered the screams of the fans.

Sam did not wait for the beast to lower onto all fours. Instead, he dove into a roll. As he exited, he stabbed the bear's right, rear paw, then ripped the knife free and began running to the far side of the arena.

Limping, the bear gave chase. As Sam pa.s.sed one of the pools, he spotted a heavy chain meant to harness one of the criminals. He grabbed it and with all his G.o.d-given strength, ripped the chain free from the block it was secured to and spun the linked weapon around in his hand.

Again, the bear stopped and lifted up as the chain whipped around in front of him.

Sam gathered the chain into a ball and tossed it skyward. As the bear watched the weapon arch over its head, Sam removed the dagger from his mouth and dove into another roll. He stabbed the bear's left, rear paw, yanked the knife free and ran again.

Pa.s.sing a second pool, Sam ripped another chain free. He tossed the majority of the links into the fiery oil which filled the pool and then waited for the bear to limp his way back into battle. Once the animal was close, Sam pulled the chain free in a slinging motion and ensured the weapon landed across the beast's back.

As the bear rose up to free himself of the irritation, Sam pulled the chain free, and moved to the far side of the pool. As he pa.s.sed the corner, he made sure the heavy links also pa.s.sed through the oil, reigniting the fire.

As he waited for the bear to follow, he laid the chain onto the floor of the arena, parallel with the edge of the pool. He hoped to use the fire as a natural barrier and also hoped the bear would take the bait-placing himself between the pool and the fire covering the chain to draw the beast in.

As the animal closed in, Sam jumped to the opposite side of the flaming barrier and threatened to stab the bear in its flank.

The beast rose to defend itself.

Seizing the opportunity, Sam jumped toward the bear, planted both feet on the center of its exposed chest and kicked. The heavy-coated animal fell backward into the pool and was engulfed in flames.

Sam came down hard. He landed across the hot links on the same side where he had injured his ribs only Peaks earlier. Despite the cracking sound beneath his sizzling skin, he forced himself to roll off the chain, suffering additional burns to his back, stomach and opposite side.

The crowd of the arena erupted as Sam stood. Holding his side, he stumbled over to BJ who waited above the gate he had entered. BJ tossed the fighter a pouch filled with Soresym's essence.

Sam did not drink right away. Instead, he poured some in the palm of his hand, splashed it against his burns and watched the redness begin to fade. After taking two large swigs, he tossed the pouch back to BJ and exited the arena.

With Sam clear of the fighting surface, Shalee turned and took a few steps toward the arena headmaster and addressed the snake. "Well ... it appears that settles it, doesn't it Farogwain? Sam is your champion. I'm sure you don't wish to dispute the result of the battle."

The fear consumed Farogwain's face as the serpent simply nodded.

"Wonderful." Shalee grabbed Helga's arm and just before she left the headmaster's box, she called back over her shoulder, "I was hoping you wouldn't agree. I really needed a new pair of shoes. Oh, well."

The snake cringed at the thought.

Sam went to the arena the next Peak to collect his winnings, but before he could leave, BJ ran up and stopped him. "Someone of great importance is here. No one is allowed to leave until this person speaks. They have posted guards at every exit."

"Who is it?" Sam snapped. "I have a headache and my ribs still hurt. The pain in my head has been getting worse all Peak. I want to go back to the inn and drink the rest of what Soresym gave me."

" You'll have to wait. They're not telling anyone who it is, but when someone is given this kind of privilege, it's usually a member of the Royal Family."

Sam rolled his eyes. "Whoever it is ... he puts on his pants just like you and I do. I'm not in the mood for dealing with some pompous jerk who wants to throw his weight around."

A male voice from behind Sam spoke. "Pompous, he says. I heard you were a strong man, but I would not have imagined that you viewed royalty with such disregard."

Sam turned to look. The figure was well-dressed, and he clearly heard everything he had said.

BJ knew who was speaking. The trainer backed against a wall, and dropped to one knee.

Sam did not care in the least and turned to defend his position. "It's not that I view royalty with disregard, I'm not in the mood to kiss someone's a.s.s. I have a headache. I feel sick, and all I want right now is to get some sleep. Who are you anyway?"

BJ shouted to get Sam's attention. "Sam, shut up! The man you're talking to is Prince Aaron. He's the king's son."

Sam whirled around. "So what! Like I said, he puts his pants on like you and I do, unless you know of some royal secret I don't."

The prince laughed, "Sam, Sam, my good man. You're clearly out of sorts. I'm glad I came and not my father. He would've had you beaten for your words. I, on the other hand, would like to think that I understand the peoples' frustrations. Perhaps we could have a respectful conversation. I have come a long way to see you, and I would appreciate your company."

Sam studied the royal figure. Prince Aaron had sandy-blond hair, blue eyes, and although his frame was not a fighter's frame, he was fit. His black robe was trimmed in gold. Embroidered at the center of his black cape, also trimmed in gold, was a shield of the same color, and at the center of this shield sat a scale, the crest of Brandor.

Aaron ordered the healer to fetch something for Sam's headache. "Perhaps when the healers return, we could walk."

Sam took a deep breath. "Sure, no problem. I'll talk, but I need to p.i.s.s first."

While Sam was gone, BJ made an attempt at damage control. "I'm sorry, Your Grace. He's hurting. His last few fights have been brutal."

The prince a.s.sured the trainer it was unnecessary to apologize, but this did not make BJ feel better. "Everyone is allowed a bad Peak every now and then. Duke Barthom Brandor has a.s.sured me that Sam is a true gentleman. Our conversation will be pleasant."

When Sam returned, he followed the prince through the cobblestone streets of the town. The prince's personal guard cleared the way as they went, barring people from stepping outside their doors. Aaron smiled as he watched the children poke their heads above the watering troughs as they pa.s.sed.

"The duke spoke highly of your character, Sam. I heard about what you did for the Smith family in Haven. I can think of no other fighter who has given his winnings to the family of his fallen opponent. After hearing of this generosity, I spoke with my father. He, too, was impressed. He will be holding his tournament early this season since we may be going to war.

"With the way your reputation has spread, my father has decided to extend you an invitation. It seems you have turned the heads of the right people. The rumors of your skill have proven true. Since the Peak my father handed me your invitation, you've added two more victories to your name.

"The king's tournament will start in 7 Peaks, and I would like you to return with me to Brandor. I don't normally hand-deliver my father's invitations, but I wanted to see what all the commotion was about."

Sam was grateful for the invitation as he took it from Aaron's hand. But his mind was elsewhere. "You said we may be going to war. Is this what all the wagon building is about? Are they not for harvesting? What can I do to help?"

"I can see why people like you, Sam. You've been extended the highest honor a fighter can be given, yet you're more interested in what I've said about war. It's refreshing to meet someone with an unselfish nature. Before I can answer your question about the wagons, I first need to acquire your word. You must swear to secrecy on this subject. Can I trust you, Sam?"

"Of course, you can trust me. I can keep my trap shut."

The prince's brow furrowed. "I don't think I've ever heard someone speak as you. I find it entertaining." The prince smiled, then his demeanor changed. "The wagons are for harvesting. The G.o.ds have promised there will be three bountiful harvests within a short period of Peaks. We need the wagons to get the harvests to the coastal cities."

Sam cut in, "Is Mosley a part of this?"

Aaron gave Sam a look, unsure how to respond. "Why would you speak of Mosley?"

"You said the G.o.ds have promised a bountiful harvest. Since Mosley is a G.o.d, I a.s.sumed he would've been part of this conversation."

"He was. How do you know Mosley?"

"Shalee and I were the first to talk with him after he became the G.o.d of War. He told me about Ba.s.sorine's destruction. How's the wolf doing, anyway? Has he been back to see you since the G.o.ds gave you this information? I was hoping to speak with him."

The prince took Sam by the arm and led him into a potter's shop. He ordered his guards to clear the area. Once this was done, he spoke. "Mosley is the true reason why I'm here. The wolf was the one who told me of the gift you gave to the Smith family."

Sam nodded. "I figured something was up. Why else would you blurt out that we might be going to war?"

The prince grinned. "Whom have you told Ba.s.sorine is dead?"

"Not one soul. Other than myself, only Shalee, BJ, and Helga know. I understand the importance of keeping information like this quiet."

"You've done well, Sam. We'll continue our conversation in Brandor." The prince reached into his robe, produced a pouch and tossed it to Sam.

As the fighter caught it, he heard a loud, clinking sound.

"There are 25 Jervaise in that pouch. If my accounting is correct, this will equal what you would have won over 10 victories in the arena. This is your reward for being so gracious to the Smith family. It's also meant to give you the means to come to Brandor and find a home. I think it would be wise for you to leave with me in the morning."

Sam was unsure how to react, so he tossed the bag in the air and caught it. "I guess I'll see you in the morning." He watched as the prince extended his hand. Sam thought to himself, There is no way I'm going to kiss that.

The fighter took the prince's wrist, turned it over to expose his palm and then shook it. He followed this up by saying, "I am not from your world. Where I'm from, we show respect in different ways. I have much to tell you, but for now, I'll ask you to be patient with my ignorance of your customs."

The prince was shocked, but after a moment, he secured Sam's hand and allowed his arm to be moved up and down.

Sam encouraged, "I hope this will be the start of a great friendship."

"I hope so too, Sam. I look forward to the explanation of your customs. I didn't realize gestures on the other worlds were so different."

" I'm not from your worlds. As I said, I have much to tell you. See you in the morning."

"Agreed," Aaron replied. With that, the prince walked out of the store, escorted by his guards.

When Sam arrived back at the inn, BJ, Helga, and Shalee were waiting for him at the bar. BJ was a wreck, worrying that Sam would say something to upset the prince. The women were trying to calm BJ since his ranting was getting loud.

Sam walked in behind them just as BJ said, "...then, with the prince standing right there, the todlum said, 'He puts his pants on just like you and I do!' And, if that wasn't bad enough, he questioned, right in front of the prince, whether or not I knew if there was a royal secret to putting pants on. I was so embarra.s.sed! I wanted to sink into the ground. So much for getting an invitation from the king. I'm sure everything has been blown to garesh."

Sam smiled. He tossed the bag of coins over BJ's shoulder and watched everyone jump as it thumped against the bar. "Don't make such a fuss, old man."

BJ shouted, "Don't make a fuss? How could I not? You messed everything up! You're a todlum!"

"What on Earth?" Shalee questioned. "What the heck is a todlum, BJ? You're not making sense."

Helga responded, "A todlum is someone who is thick in the head, Child."

"Oh shoot ... in Texas we called todlums, numskulls."

Sam rolled his eyes. "Well, I may be a todlum, but we did much better than just being invited to the king's tournament. Look in the bag, you old grouch!"

Once BJ saw what was inside, he clenched the bag and whispered. "This is a substantial amount of coin. Where did you get it?"

"The prince, of course. I sold him a new secret about how to put his pants on. You should have seen his face. He was so impressed. His eyes got really wide, and his mouth started to water. He was so thankful. To show his appreciation, he pulled out a bunch of coins, threw them in a bag and then tossed it to me. He even invited us to his father's tournament in Brandor, which I had to turn down because the secret wasn't worth that much. Apparently, his father's tournament is being held early this season since there is an upcoming war."

BJ growled. "That's absurd! Why would a member of the royal house give you this much coin? Why would the prince pay you to fight in his father's tournament? And why would you turn him down?"

Sam looked at BJ and whispered, "Have you ever heard of keeping quiet so the whole world doesn't know we've got this kind of coin on our person? Let's go up to the room and talk."

Once they were in the room, Sam explained how the coin was a reward for his generosity to Brandon's widow. "We're supposed to meet the prince in the morning to go to Brandor."

BJ responded, "So we're leaving, and we'll be meeting the king? What should we wear? I don't have my best clothes with me ... or my armor."