Arena: Part One by D. Michael Withrow

Author:D. Michael Withrow [Withrow, D. Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-9978619-0-7
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The ludus was dark and quiet as they made their way to Cole’s cell. Sand had settled over every walkway and overhang from the wind storm earlier that day. They walked across the still hot sand to the door that led to the holding cells. A single protector stood guard at the doorway. He unlocked the door for Colston and stepped aside. “Will you be needing me to accompany you sir?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Colston said.

“Just call out if he acts up.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Colston and Anna walked down the steps that led to a row of cells. All were dark except for one. They made their way to the brightly lit cell and found Cole sitting up in his bed. He looked over at them as they approached.

“Evening,” Cole said. “What brings you two out at this time of night?”

“We’re staying away from my dad.”

“Looks to me as though he already got to you and your friend. The one that you’ve failed to introduce.”

“I’m sorry,” Colston said “Cole, this is Anna. Anna, Cole.”

Cole rose and walked over to the bars to shake hands with the girl. Colston noticed that she was staring up at him with what looked like a mix of fear and disbelief. When Cole extended his hand she hesitated a moment before taking it. Her tiny hand was lost in his. “Nice to meet you Anna.”

She continued to stare without saying a word. Colston could not tell if it was his size or the scar that captured her attention, but, he was beginning to feel uncomfortable for himself and Cole. “Anna,” Colston said. She looked at him as if she were surprised he were there.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “When Colston told me you were big, I had no idea. I mean, you’re really really big.”

“It’s okay,” Cole said. “I’m used to people staring by now.”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to be rude.”

“It’s quite alright.”

They were quiet for a time before Cole finally broke the silence. “So why don’t you tell me what happened with your father.”

“Same old story,” Colston said. “Except this time Anna just happened to be there. She had to knock him out with a frying pan.”

“You must have hit him pretty hard to knock him out.”

“As hard as I could swing it,” she said.

“You sure you didn’t kill him,” Cole asked.

“I had Doc go over to check him out. I’m sure he’s fine. He’s too mean to die that easily.”

“So Anna,” Cole said. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I was more scared than anything. Though it did hurt quite a bit.”

“If he does it again, kick him in the balls as hard as you can until he stops.”

They all laughed at this. The thought of his frail, beautiful Anna bringing his father to his knees made Colston laugh so hard that he snorted. It caused him to wince from the pain.

“I will,” she said. “And maybe I’ll even kick him while he’s down for good measure.”

“I can’t say he doesn’t deserve it,” Cole said.

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