-Grand Colosseum Stands-
As the spectators took their seats, some 70,000 in just the Grand Colosseum itself with another 20,000 in each of the 8 smaller arenas, Jack silently thanked the gods he was able to secure seating for them all in the Colosseum instead of having to watch a magical projection in one of the secondary arenas.
"Anyone seen Sara," Beverly asked laying down in her space, "it's starting soon."
"Here she comes," Mai indicated downward at Sara as she ascended up toward them. Once she was closer, Mai could tell she was distressed. "Uh oh."
Sara sat down, curling her tail into her lap so it wouldn't get stepped on and stared down at it in dismay. Lelu and Mai who were sitting on either side could tell she'd been crying earlier. Lelu slowly put one arm around her friend and tried to comfort her.
"Hey, you okay," Lelu asked softly her voice very gentle for one so large and savage looking, a reminder that she wasn't always like she was now.
Sara shook her head slowly and sniffled. "I finally got to speak to Stanley for the first time in 4 years...," she stopped when her voice began to break.
"It's ok, deep breaths. Hey Ves, will you get me something for her," Lelu asked.
"Sure, but what?"
Jack leaned over and whispered something in his ear.
"Sounds strange but ok."
"Now until he comes back, try to tell us some of what happened," Mai urged.
Sara nodded and then began....
- Grand Colosseum Ready Room -
Stanley sat in silence belting on the last pieces of armour while Dolph Remly glowered at him, arms crossed. Finally his patience wore out.
"If you have something to say speak," Stanley Zagan snapped.
Dolph's voice was practically drenched with sarcasm, "oh no, I have nothing to say about how you destroyed your sister's feelings. Oh glorious one." He bowed mockingly.
Stanley glared at him. "Speak your mind," he said through gritted teeth.
"What you said to her was completely uncalled for Stanley," said Dolph.
"Which part?"
"All of it! 'You are a monster and should have been left for dead', are you serious?! I remember the stories you told about when you 2 were younger. You 2 were close in those stories," Dolph pleaded.
"That was before I saw what they were capable of. What they are capable of eventually. Men and women drained of all life force to sustain their own presence in our world. You saw the villages we passed through, or what was left of them," Stanley countered.
"Those creatures made their choice," Dolph responded flatly, "I doubt Sara is anything like them."
"Mark me, it will happen eventually. She'll go through the Emptying and when she does she'll be trading lives for a few more years on this realm. Maybe not in our lifetime, but eventually she'll feel the hunger closing in around her," Stanley pointed his warhammer at Dolph as if to emphasize his point.
Dolph got up and started towards the exit to the outer hallway before he turned back to Stanley. "You know, I blinded myself to how much Lovelace had sunk his claws into you because we are friends. But I am actually hoping this Vect guy knocks you off your high horse and brings you back to your senses before you do-." He was interrupted by the signal horn to enter the arena. "Heh, goodbye Zagan. I'll be seeing you." And he turned and left out the door leaving Stanley Zagan alone. After a moment his fierce expression softened and replaced with genuine hurt.
"Fine, leave then. I- I don't need you," he said angrily. Shaking his head, Stanley clamped down on the perceived weakness and snorted. " 'A Paladin knows not of emotion, lest it cloud one's solemn duty to the kingdom and its people'," he quoted from one of the early teachings before he donned his helmet, took a breath and left the ready room.