REVILED

“Do we need to go to Reviled?” Mina said, clinging to Meridith. A rat dashed out of the shadow, startling her.

“Better we go to him than he to us,” Meridith said. She placed a comforting hand on Mina’s shoulder. “I’ll give you some advice about Reviled,” Meridith gently took Mina’s hand as she followed the familiar, “He’ll expect you to answer for yourself to test your resolve, but don’t worry. If you show a little courage, then he’ll respect even if you’re afraid.”

“I’ll try,”

Meridith gave Mina a warm smile. Mina looked incredibly fragile. Meridith let the girl wear one of her dresses. A high collared, long sleeve dress that left little skin exposed. Meridith couldn’t blame her. It was only the second day since Mina was freed from Delilah, but the poor girl couldn’t stop looking over her shoulder or rubbing at her slave crest. Dark circles hung around her eyes. Mina hadn’t slept at all last night due to her nightmares. Meridith would need to find a way to help her. The walls of Skivret’s camp appeared out of the darkness.

“It’s Meridth, open up!” she said.

The walls opened to show Blegt standing guard, “Evening ma’am,” he said with a nod. His eyes darted to quickly between Meridith and Mina and gave a toothy smile, “The monster too.”

“Pardon,”

“Nothing ma’am,” Blegt said with a chuckle, “Master Reviled and the prince are with the tinkerer in the really big tent.”

“Thanks, Blegt,” Meridith said with a smile.

She headed to the large ragged green tent. The other wererats warmly greeted them with a bow. A group of four children ran up to them and circled them with loud boisterous cheers.

“Lady Meridith, welcome back!” the largest child said, “What are ya’ up to now?”

“Wanna’ play?” a ragged one smiled showing a broken tooth.

“Who’s she?” a spotted child stared in awe.

“So pretty!” a female holding a doll gave a shy smile.

Meridith kneeled scratching each one behind the ears, “I can’t play right now,” she said, “I need to go see master Reviled,” she pulled out four silver coins giving one to each, “But maybe later we can play later.” The children stared in awe at the coin.

An adult female wererat rushed up to them, “Go on children!” she said shooing them, “Lady Meridith is busy,” the children ran away admiring their new treasure. “I’m sorry milady,” she bowed.

“I enjoy it,” Meridith said smiling at the children, “They’re just so precious. I’d better get to master Reviled.”

“Are they always kind to you?” Mina said watching the wererats.

“Not always, but they eventually opened up to me,” she said, “But it’s because I’m more approachable than Reviled.”

Meridith entered the tent. Reviled laid on a ragged mat with its chest plate off. Three rats, an elderly grey and two spotted black and white, sat next to it inspecting its internal components. Skivret sat at a table between Nimble and a white female on the other side of the tent. There was great tension between Nimble and the white rat, but Skivret seemed oblivious. Cappy sat in a corner reading a book.

Meridith sat next to Nimble, “What’s wrong Nimble?” she said.

Nimble quickly looked between Skivret and the white rat, “Nothin’s wrong,” she said grinding her teeth, “But I heard you had some excitement.” She looked to Mina.

Meridith sighed, “That’s one way to put it,” she turned to the white rat, “You’re new here, right?”

“Yes, lady Meridith,” the white rat said with a bow, “My name is Preddie. I am prince Skivret’s attendant. It is my honor to be of service to him.” Her words made Nimble’s fur stand. “If there’s anything ya’ need please feel free to ask.”

“I will,” she said picking up a pillow, “Please excuse us.” She sat at Reviled’s head with Mina next to her.

“I glad you’re staying out of trouble,” Reviled said with a chuckle, “I’d hate to keep you waiting as they put us back together.”

“I wouldn’t need to get into trouble if you’d pay attention to me,” Meridith said with a smirk.

Reviled turned to Mina, “So, Hykaru Mina, why should we not devour you?” it said.

Mina turned away, “I-,”

“Look at us when you talk,”

Mina looked at Reviled with watery eyes, “I…I can’t give you a good reason,” she said, “I can cast a few enchantments through songs, but I can support lady Meridith,” Meridith placed a hand on her shoulder, “There’s also my brother. He’s a skilled warrior who’s being held captive in the arena. I’m certain he would serve you if he found out you rescued me.”

“Interesting,” Reviled said, “So you want us to rescue your brother?”

“It’ll be worth it,” Meridith said, “You could use a capable bodyguard, especially in your current state,” Reviled laughed at her comment, “But there is also another reason.”

“What would that be?”

“Betting on fights brings in a lot of money,” Meridith said, “Enough to pay for the parts you need.”

Reviled’s eyes dimmed in thought, “Excellent points,” it said, “Very well, Mina, we’ll save your brother,” it turned to Meridith, “When is the next tournament?”

“Four days,”

“Not a lot of time,” Reviled said turning to the table, “Skivret, we’ll need your help in this heist.”

“Yes sir,”

Meridith leaned over Reviled, “I’ll need all the gold you have,” she said.

“Why?”

“Mina and I need to go shopping.”

Meridith stared into the night. She caught a glimpse of her reflection every time the carriage passed a streetlamp. She caught Mina readjusting her robes in discomfort. She wore blue and white robes that revealed her shoulders and cleavage and held together by an embroidered blue and gold belt. Meridith understood the girl as she adjusted her own dress. Meridith’s sleeveless red dress showed off a generous amount of cleavage with the low cut. She spent every last coin she had for this rescue.

“Why must we wear these?” Mina said playing with her mask.

“It’s common for courtesans to wear these,” Meridith said, “We’re going to sneak in as a pair of courtesans looking for patrons.”

“But why aren’t we sneaking in with Reviled?”

Meridith took Mina’s hand, “We’ll be more helpful keeping an eye on the patrons,” she said, “We need to let Reviled know if we see anyone that could disrupt the plan. And we need you to convince your brother to join us.”

Mina nodded, “I get it now,”

“Good,” Meridith said catching sight of a well-lit building, “We’re here.” She put on her mask.

Meridith was the first to step out. The area outside of the arena was bustling with life. Most of the patrons belonged to the upper echelon of Jericho, and many courtesans stood off to the side trying to gather attention. Meridith scanned the crowd. She needed to find someone that could get them into a private box, that way she could keep an eye on the arena. She smiled when she recognized a pair of well-dressed men greeting a few patrons. Meridith took Mina’s arm leading her to the men.

“If it isn’t masters Gambill and Ellion,” Meridith said giving them a charming smile, “How are you two doing this evening?”

Both men returned her smile as their eyes wandered, “We are doing quite well now that we’ve been graced by two lovely ladies such as yourselves,” Ellion said taking her hand, “But we would be better if you’d tell us your names.”

“My apologies,” Meridith said with a husky laugh, “My name’s Meri and this is my sister Min.”

“We can see the resemblance,” Gambill said.

Meridith gave a pout, “I wanted to show my sister a good time, but I don’t think that’ll happen,” she said, “I forgot our money.”

“No need to worry my dears,” Ellion said offering his arm, “As the owners of the arena, my friend and I would love to accompany you both tonight. If you’ll have us?”

Meridith took Ellion’s arm, “We’d be delighted to,” she said, “Be sure to thank these kind men, sister.”

“T-thank you,” Mina said.

“It’s our pleasure miss,” Gambill said patting her hand.

The arena consisted of a several warehouses that were remodeled to house stands and boxes for the audience to look out onto the courtyard. Betting counters sat on the first floor of every warehouse with metal bars keeping the attendants separated from the crowds. There was a stone staircase with two guards going downstairs. Ellion and Gambill led them up two flights of stairs to a box with two maids standing by the door. Three men stood in the box. It was difficult for Meridith to keep the shock from her face.

“Bartholomew, Baron, I’m glad you two could make it,” Ellion said shaking each of their hands.

“I grateful you invited us,” Bartholomew said.

Gambill turned to the third man, “Who’s your guest?”

“This is Halligan,” Baron said, “He served with Solomon in the war.”

“We appreciate your service,” Ellion said taking his hand, “Feel free to order anything you want on us.”

“Can I get a pint?” Halligan said to servants. One of the servants bowed and left. “Thanks for inviting me, Baron.”

“You’re welcome,” Baron said. He turned to the women, “And who are these beautify women?”

“Our dates,” A bell rang, “We should get to our seats.” Ellion said.

Meridith and Mina took their seats in between Gambill and Ellion. Another bell tolled.

“Welcome everyone!” an announcer stood in a box overlooking the arena with a wand to his throat projecting his voice, “We have an exciting event for you all tonight. Five bouts with our great champion, three of them to the death.” Mina grabbed Meridith’s hand. “Give a warm welcome to our champion. He hails from the archipelago of wind and lavender. His blade makes the wind sing. He is Kogna!”

Mina tightened her grip as a man stepped into the courtyard arena. He wore a ragged brown robe with the left side of his torso exposed. A single blade hung on his hip and a glove on his left hand. His filthy black hair hung around his shoulders.

“Three death matches?” Bartholomew said to Ellion, “Isn’t that reckless?”

“What can I say,” Ellion said with a chuckle, “People ae drawn to tragedy, and they’ll get it tonight. I really should thank Delilah for bringing him.”

“I’m sure she’d thank you if she could,” Baron smirked.

“Let’s introduce our first competitor,” the announcer said, “A rookie member of the Black Horn guild, Obran!” A young man in cheap armor stepped into the arena. A great sword rested on his shoulder. “The first to submit or be knocked out loses. Ready!” a bell rang, “Fight!”

Obran charged forward. Kogna slid his left foot back and grabbed the hilt of his sword. He took several deep breaths. On his last breath, he drew his with a vertical slash. A blast of wind swept across the arena and knocked the rookie onto the floor. Obran didn’t get up.

Halligan sat on the edge of his seat, “What kind of magic is that?”

“It’s not magic,” Mina said, “The air slash is a technique that harnesses the Amu’Ryjin’s ability to control wind.”

“Such a shame!” the announcer said as two guards dragged Obran away. “Get ready for our next match.”

Gambill leaned over placing his hand on Mina’s upper thigh, “Would you like a drink?”

Mina tried to stutter a reply but was unable to. Meridith slapped Gambill’s hand away, “Don’t tease my sister.”

“Don’t make these ladies uncomfortable Gambill,” Ellion said.

The bell rang again, “Time for our second bout,” the announcer’s voice rang out, “Welcome our newest fighter, Ixa!” A woman with coppery scaled skin and black revealing clothes stepped into the arena. She carried two serrated machetes.

“A Zymarrian?” Baron said nodding in approval, “Must have cost a fortune to transport her from the desert.”

“The snake isn’t the only thing we had imported from the eastern desert,” Gambill said.

The bell tolled. The woman ran forward, and Kogna performed his air slash, but she slid under the attack. She closed the distance and struck with her dual machetes. Kogna deflected her attacks, but the speed of her attacks kept him from retaliating. The Zymarrian slipped under Kogna’s attack. Her attack left a cut against Kogna’s chest. Mina gasped when Kogna pulled back.

Ellion’s ring started glowing, “If you’ll excuse me,” he said leaving the box.

Meridith moved to sit next to Halligan, “Excuse me,” she said leaning close, “I need to step outside for a moment. Would you do me a favor and keep an eye on my sister?” She pressed against his arm. “I don’t want her to be uncomfortable.”

Halligan blushed as he cleared his throat, “Of course madam,”

Meridith gently kissed his cheek, “Thank you,” Meridith smirked as Halligan couldn’t find the words. She stepped out of the box. “Could you two get us an assortment of refreshments?” she asked the servants. Meridith waited until both were out of sight. “Master Reviled,”

The familiar appeared, “What is it, Meridith?”

“Something’s happened,” she said, “One of the owners left when his ring started glowing.”

“That was us,” Reviled said, “We didn’t disarm all the alarm runes on the vault door.”

“You should also know that Kogna is in the arena,” Meridith said keeping an eye on the stairs, “Also Solomon’s apprentice is here too.”

“Understood,” Reviled said, “Keep an eye out for anything else.”

“Yes master,” Meridith said heading back inside.