The Warrior by Joseph Delaney

Author:Joseph Delaney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: RHCP
Published: 2017-08-10T04:00:00+00:00

WE RULE THE STARS

When djinn confront each other, a handshake is the preliminary routine exchange of information to establish identities and purpose.

It is the first stage in protocol.

The History of the Conflict by Eitel the Pessimist

LEIF

I was not permitted to watch the Games.

Shalatan asked that I be allowed to attend if I was chained, but the barska and orla forbade it. They were now the law in the city, and she was subject to their will.

I was frustrated. During the afternoon I stood in the open doorway of my hansha, not daring to venture into the garden in case I was being observed. The huge circular arena was roofed, but I could still hear what was happening within.

There were drumbeats, cries and chants. Every so often these sounds were punctuated by cries and shrill screams, as if a combatant was in mortal agony.

That night Peri visited me and gave me some very bad news.

‘The barska and orla have demanded that Shalatan deliver you into their hands within the week. They say that you are a spy and must be executed.’

‘Will she do that?’ I asked.

‘She has protested and will delay as long as possible, but eventually she must accede to their demands. I am sorry, Leif. I had hoped that we would travel north together.’

I realized that I needed to escape soon. However, I had to conceal my plans from Peri. I changed the subject. I was curious about the day’s events.

‘How did Shalatan’s warriors fare today in the arena?’ I asked.

Peri smiled. ‘Lots were drawn to determine the order of combat. My lady’s do not fight until tomorrow.’

‘What’s the nature of the combat?’ I asked. ‘What are the rules?’

‘Djinni fights djinni, and the victor moves up the rankings while the loser moves down. All manner of weapons are permitted – though of course my lady does not enter the arena herself.’

‘How is victory achieved?’ I asked. I had been wondering about this. In Arena 13 a contest was won by cutting the flesh of a human combatant. In this arena, did they fight on until all the selves of a djinni were slain?

‘I am the target. If I am killed, my lady loses.’

I looked at Peri in astonishment. I couldn’t bear the thought of her being hurt, let alone slain. She was the nearest thing to a friend I had.

‘Why you?’ I asked.

‘Because I am Peri the Communicator. Battles in the arena are the ultimate communication. It is the method by which rank is determined. It is right that I should be the target.’

I was concerned about Peri, but I knew that, with this new threat to my life, I had to leave as soon as possible. In reaching the High Wall I had achieved everything our mission had hoped for. If I could make my way back to Midgard safely, Garrett would not have died in vain. Although I no longer had my father’s map, I knew now that it was accurate, and the details were clear in my mind; we could now follow the safest route, avoiding the Grey City.

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