Original Link (now dead) - http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/ASHEdarkness.asp
Darkness in Dereth
by Lava
A roar of cheers erupted from the arena, followed by silence, then further cheers and clapping. Aval stood outside the large arena door with Halloween, Eredas, Kraynoc, and Shadow Pahn.
He dreaded entering the arena since it was likely they would be attacked despite the arena's strict “no fighting in the stands” policy. But he had little choice. One of his men was going to be part of a duel tonight and he didn't want to cause dishonor by not appearing.
“Let's go,” he said.
As they walked into the arena, a short plump man greeted them. He seemed to make an effort to smile but which came out more like a grimace. The man “announced” in a voice Aval was certain no one but he could hear, “The TVC clan has arrived.” He then turned to Aval and told him in a sarcastic tone, “We have reserved seating for our honorable guests.”
Grabbing Aval's arm he began to escort the group to their seats. Aval shook him off his arm roughly. “Don't touch me!”
Instead, the man showed them along the front of the arena and into a small walkway that separated the walled fighting area from the stands. The escort walked quickly -- a pace Aval didn't bother to keep. When the man moved too far ahead he would stop and look back at them like a trained dog. When they caught up, he would rush ahead repeating the pattern. Aval could see he was frustrating the man and enjoyed the anger he was causing.
“TVC is here!” someone shouted from the stands that had grown quiet as a match between two warriors finished.
Food, mugs of ale, and refuse were thrown down at them. The group ducked and weaved to avoid being hit. Kraynoc stopped to cast a spell. With a gesture of his wand and a mumble of words, a black sphere of protection surrounded Aval. Soon the entire party was protected by magic. Aval could see the attendant frown and shake his head since the use of magic was forbidden in the arena.
They were escorted to a row at the front of the arena. The first half of the row was occupied, forcing them to squeeze in front of a group already sitting. One man holding a mug of ale mumbled, “. . . the scum Aval has arrived,” as he passed. Aval turned to confront the man only to see Halloween claw at him with her sharp black fingernails. A wound was opened in his neck.
The man sat back holding his wounded neck. He stared at her with a look of utter disbelief. Halloween leaned close to him and Aval could hear her whisper, “Never disrespect this clan.”
She continued on to her seat.
Aval didn't turn back as the escort shouted at them in a shaking voice, “I will only warn you once. I don't care if you are evil. In my arena you will behave yourselves. No fighting in the stands!”
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