Clan Garnis were the Lost.
That explained so much. This man Letos admiration for his dead comrade was plain. Perhaps he intended to forge a similar path in order to perpetuate his scattered clans bloodline. Brainwashed or not, he had as much reason to step into the Cages as she did. The futures of their families depended on it.
The last thing she needed was a feeling of kinship with this brute.
Come, he said more harshly.
With her teeth gritted but her belly full, Audrey obeyed.
The guards slapped manacles on Nynns wrists. Leto refused to think of her by whatever human name shed taken.
She stared at her metal-wrapped
wrists. What the hell?
They dont trust you.
The guards escorted him and his charge down a bright, open corridor. This one led away from the human quarters and mess hall, toward where the Cage warriors slept in personal dorms, and where they trained. He enjoyed the familiar sights and sounds and smells of being among his colleagues. His domain.
Youll never be without escort, he said. Unless you prove yourself beyond doubt, youll never be without manacles.
What about our collars?
Theyre never removed. Why would it matter? Topside, Im a holdover from long-ago gods that no one believes in anymore. Id have to hide like a coward, as you did.
You talk of hiding and cowardice? She laugheda hard, grating sound. Marrying Caleb was the bravest thing Ive ever done. You let human criminals lead you around by your throat.
To so thoroughly deny her heritage by uniting with a human . . . What Dragon King could do that? You dont deserve the honor of fighting here.
The guards led them to a wide double door made of reinforced steel and the same restrictive properties contained within a collars matrix. They couldnt escape the main training arenas room by using their powers. In fact, the matrix of the door was amplified to paralyze anyone who breached it.
He told Nynn as much. Some have tried, the fools. They became drooling cripples.
The guards removed Nynns manacles and departed, locking the door.
She scanned the large square facility. Leto looked as well, though he knew their perspectives would vary radically. He saw the basics: the high domed ceiling lined with sound-muffling materials, weapons along the left wall, the X-shaped whipping post in a shadowy corner. His back itched at that harsh reminder of past indiscretions. For the most part, however, he remembered moments earned, taken, beaten into submission. Those memories were more powerful than the cool air, the lingering scent of sweat, and the matrixs buzzing ozone.
Once locked inside the Cage, the collars can be deactivated. He pointed to the mesh steel that comprised its ceiling and octagonal sides. The training rooms doors keep us inside, but the reversed matrix of the Cage allows us free use of our powers. This floor is padded. Real Cages are twice as large, with brushed concrete floors with a five-inch layer of clay.
How does that affect fighting?
Leto raised his eyebrow, surprised but gratified. The clay is slippery. Makes for a tricky start. But it wears away. The concrete offers more grip. It also means the end to the fight is near. Combatants get tired. One wrong hit and bones are broken. Skulls cracked.
Understanding shone behind her silvery-blue eyes. Leto didnt like her sharp tongue or her obstinacy, but his initial enthusiasm returned.
Hed already assessed her body, but this was the first time her features had a more powerful hold on his attention. Wide, wide eyes caught his attention first. Equally wide cheekbones, exotic and high, came next. She had a full lower lip that dragged down at the corners in a stubborn pout. Even her nape was worth noticeslender, with strong tendons that accentuated her upright posture. Across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose was a smattering of freckles. When he found himself tracing patterns with his gaze, he looked away.
We have three weeks before the first combat match, he said. And a lot of ground to cover.
What does a match entail?
Dragon Kings from here in the Asters compound compete in nonlethal contests. We perform in a genuine Cage, with seating in the round for the Asters guests. Betting is rampant. Winners are rewarded, and take one step closer to the annual Grievance.
A Grievance? Thats ancientfrom when the Five Clans needed to clear bad blood.
Now its where the best warriors of the cartels fight for the ultimate prize.
Conception.
Leto nodded. And with the ultimate risk. At a Grievance we can be beheaded by a Dragon-forged blade, as punishment for losing.
She blew breath out through her nose. Theyve co-opted our traditions and made them into something disgusting. Whats the point of earning conception if it comes at the cost of slain Dragon Kings?
Leto led his charge toward the Cage and opened the gate. The perpetuation of our own lines. Protecting the futures of our families.
She shrugged from under his touch. Thats a selfish way of looking at our peoples march toward extinction.