Escape from Evil by David Grimstone

Author:David Grimstone
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2010-10-04T04:00:00+00:00

As Olu was escorted back to the cells, fourteen slaves paired up and strode out into the gaping mouth of the arena.

“You will be unarmed for this combat,” Hrin screamed behind them. “You may use fists only. No kicks or wrestling are permitted. The object of the trial is to knock out your opponent. The victors will progress into the last eight . . . and will move to Arena Secondus in order to face Grand Master Doom’s public trials. The losers will be imprisoned here, like so many who have fallen before them.”

Decimus glanced at Argon as they walked, but the Gaul was staring straight ahead and marching as if to his day of judgment.

When the pair had reached a suitable distance from all the other combatants, Hrin cried out and the trial began.

Decimus and Argon circled each other.

“You cannot beat me,” Argon snapped, his voice cold. It was almost as if the two had never met, and his voice certainly betrayed no hint of friendship. “I’ve watched you in the trials. You’re not strong enough or agile enough to take me.”

Decimus said nothing; he simply continued to circle the Gaul. Neither slave could remove his gaze from the other.

“You’re weak, Decimus,” Argon continued. “Ruma was smarter, Gladius was stronger, Olu and Teo are both quicker. I’m better than you in every way.”

Decimus could feel his anger building, but he knew deep down that the Gaul was speaking the truth.

“Your biggest weakness is that you consider EVERYONE you meet a friend . . . even those who couldn’t care less whether you live or die. You pretend to be cold and hard . . . but you are the softest slave here. It really is no wonder your family racked up such debt if you—”

Decimus exploded with rage. Roaring a battle cry, he thundered over the sand and threw a punch with all his strength behind it.

Then, two very surprising things happened.

First, Argon’s lips split into a resigned and happy smile. Then, the Gaul dropped his defense, letting both arms fall to his sides.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.