{"id":27921,"date":"2022-06-04T07:43:02","date_gmt":"2022-06-04T11:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/?p=27921"},"modified":"2022-06-04T17:18:10","modified_gmt":"2022-06-04T21:18:10","slug":"tellest-short-story-towersphere","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/tellest-short-story-towersphere\/","title":{"rendered":"Tellest Short Story – TowerSphere"},"content":{"rendered":"

TowerSphere
\n<\/strong>A Tale by Michael DeAngelo<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A glimmer of morning sunlight shone to the man\u2019s side, and he turned to regard it.\u00a0 The clouds parted, allowing the light to pass down over the tops of the buildings toward the east\u2014even the large one that he would soon be visiting.\u00a0 But in that moment, the sun reflected on the show window in front of a weapon and armor shop that was known for more ornate wares, and replications of the equipment of the city\u2019s champions.<\/p>\n

He had seen the glimmer there for a second, but with his focus on the items up for display, he spotted the armor sitting atop the stand inside instead.\u00a0 That armor had once been donned by one of Atalatha\u2019s mighty champions.<\/p>\n

The man shook his head.\u00a0 It was likely just a replica.\u00a0 There was a chance the man had been buried with the original to honor him.<\/p>\n

As he considered the stunning armor before him, the man brought his focus back.\u00a0 Instead, he spotted his reflection.\u00a0 Rynathor Chatwick grinned at the sight of himself.\u00a0 He had chosen his attire with great care that day\u2014even started the process of thinking it through weeks before.\u00a0 Though he was a noble from Viscosa, there was enough present in his outfit to suggest that he was ready for combat if need be.\u00a0 And if that need did arise, Rynathor would be sure to show anyone that he wasn\u2019t just a pretty face.<\/p>\n

For the day\u2019s events, he needed to show that he was a man of many talents.\u00a0 He hummed to himself.\u00a0 He needed to demonstrate that he had an eye for the future.<\/p>\n

Rynathor turned again, that time to face his destination once more: the great coliseum of Atalatha.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

The morning light couldn\u2019t pierce through the layers of stone and the marble fa\u00e7ade of the room within the coliseum.\u00a0 Though there was an exquisite appearance to the famous knight\u2019s chamber, it was hidden from the world above.<\/p>\n

Allan Mayheyre had once enjoyed his solace and solitude.\u00a0 After saving Blacklehn from the rise of an unforgiving evil, folks would swarm him to give their thanks.\u00a0 After Viscosa had authorized the construction of the city of Atalatha, and Eltan Mane, the city\u2019s duke and his good friend, had given his blessing to create the coliseum, Allan\u2019s fame grew, sometimes out of control.\u00a0 His chamber, hidden in the depths of the coliseum, had separated him from the people that he had chose to hide from in the early days of its ascent.\u00a0 But recent times had reminded him that he needed to be seen, and that he needed to witness all the glory that was his arena.<\/p>\n

The old knight shifted in his seat, ensuring that the torchlight shone on his plate.\u00a0 Somehow, just being able to better see his food enhanced its aroma, the smell of the bacon leaving him salivating.\u00a0 There was no sour mood that a good meal couldn\u2019t fix, he mused, unconsciously tapping on his stomach as he smashed a soft biscuit into a pile of gravy.<\/p>\n

Across the desk from him, his closest confidant reclined in his chair, a little less bothered by his surroundings\u2014truly, just content to be there with the man he loved.\u00a0 Miller lifted his leg and almost draped it across the desk.\u00a0 Allan would have been cross with him, but only for a moment.\u00a0 Still, he knew better than to sour the coliseum owner\u2019s mood.\u00a0 He hummed, and took a bite out of his apple, the crisp sound nearly echoing off the walls.<\/p>\n

Allan looked up from his breakfast and arched an eyebrow. \u00a0\u201cIs that your \u2018I have something to say,\u2019 chomp, or was that just a regular bite?\u201d<\/p>\n

Miller grinned and wiped his lips with his thumb.\u00a0 \u201cYou know me too well, dear.\u00a0 Although it wasn\u2019t going to be something you haven\u2019t heard me say before, so I was just going to keep it in here,\u201d he said, poking his temple with his index finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d Allan said, ripping a piece of bacon in half with his teeth.\u00a0 \u201cOut with it.\u00a0 One way or another I\u2019ll hear of it,\u201d he said with a smirk as he chewed on his breakfast.<\/p>\n

A playful shrug shook Miller\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s just that, well, you\u2019re happy now, but once this meal is done, this room is going to lose its luster yet again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis again?\u201d Allan asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to be out there in the stands, among your people. \u00a0We\u2019ll construct a new section for you that\u2019s closer to the action.\u00a0 Nine hells, we\u2019ll pick up this room and move it if we must, and instead of a door, you\u2019ll have a lovely window,\u201d he said, casting his arm behind him as though he imagined it all before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t the money to do any of that,\u201d the coliseum owner muttered, returning his attention to his food.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s rubbish, and you know it,\u201d Miller argued.\u00a0 \u201cEven if the arena had grown out of favor\u2014and I assure you that it has not\u2014you\u2019ve amassed enough wealth of your own over the years that you could build a second coliseum out in the woods and still be buried in a jewel-encrusted casket when you\u2019re gone.\u00a0 And that is to say nothing of the support you would receive from Eltan.\u201d\u00a0 He paused then, allowing his words to permeate the air.\u00a0 His beloved said nothing, the man\u2019s attention still on his food, though he knew it was just to avoid eye contact.\u00a0 Miller leaned forward and placed his hand on Allan\u2019s forearm.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened wasn\u2019t your fault, and you shouldn\u2019t allow yourself to be at odds with the sight of this place.\u00a0 Those golden sands are a part of you and have been for years.\u00a0 You mustn\u2019t let one accident break your\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A knock on the door interrupted Miller\u2019s train of thought.\u00a0 Allan was quick to react, calling the visitor to come into the room.\u00a0 Miller furrowed his brow, knowing that his beloved had used the opportunity to flee from the conversation.\u00a0 He grinned though, knowing that they would return to it in time.<\/p>\n

When the door swung open, one of Allan\u2019s other assistants took a bow.\u00a0 He stepped to his side then, sweeping his hands wide, and presenting their visitor.<\/p>\n

\u201cLord Rynathor Chatwick,\u201d the aide proclaimed.\u00a0 As Rynathor stepped into the room, the assistant closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

The visitor felt the pull from every wall, where the weapons and armor of previous champions hung from frames or sat draped upon stands.\u00a0 Rynathor instead kept his gaze fixed on Allan, who tilted his head and arched an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour name strikes me as familiar, but I cannot say just why,\u201d the coliseum owner said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have business scheduled for this day,\u201d Rynathor insisted.\u00a0 \u201cI made an appointment with one of your assistants nearly three months ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miller rose from his seat and pushed out the chair.\u00a0 \u201cI should get going.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to impose on any business meetings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Allan could say anything, Rynathor lifted his hand to stay the other man.\u00a0 \u201cYou should remain here with us.\u00a0 Everything is about to change here in Atalatha.\u00a0 There are not many people who get to stand on the precipice of greatness and watch it rise before them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coliseum owner chortled as Miller sank back into his seat.\u00a0 \u201cMy, well you do have a knack for overselling whatever ideas you may have in that head of yours.\u201d\u00a0 He hummed to himself.\u00a0 \u201cYou mentioned that you made this appointment three months ago.\u00a0 As much as I like to swell up my own ego, I know that my calendar is not that busy.\u00a0 So, you either chose this date hoping that I would forget about it long before I needed to indefinitely postpone it, or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

As he let his words linger, Rynathor tilted his head and arched an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cOr?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr you needed this much time to prepare for something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps I was the one who was busy,\u201d Rynathor ribbed.<\/p>\n

Allan chortled again and waved his hands.\u00a0 \u201cIn any case, you\u2019re here now.\u00a0 And I can\u2019t help but admit that I\u2019m a little intrigued.\u00a0 Out with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rynathor offered a subtle bow, crossing his dominant arm over his abdomen.\u00a0 \u201cLet me begin by praising you on all that you\u2019ve accomplished, Sir Allan,\u201d the nobleman said, referencing the honorary title the storied warrior had received for his part in the downfall of King Roark of Blacklehn.\u00a0 \u201cEven before Atalatha was a concept fluttered out from the mind of you and your fellow heroes, you had earned much praise and renown, and since then you\u2019ve only seen it extend beyond that what most could dream.\u00a0 The coliseum is perhaps the most impressive arena in the world, and in many ways is what people think of when they think of Atalatha.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned then, walking to one of the walls where he had wanted to glance at before.\u00a0 So much closer to the treasures of old contestants who had earned their celebrity in the sands of Allan\u2019s battlefield, he couldn\u2019t help but smile.\u00a0 He forced that smile to steady into a more solemn look then as he turned to regard his host once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve created champions here.\u00a0 They may have been soldiers, even heroes before, but the coliseum made them champions<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 He paused, allowing the compliment to land before he took a step forward.\u00a0 \u201cIf most of those champions hadn\u2019t been injured due to the battles here in the coliseum, it\u2019s possible that Blacklehn\u2019s invasion, minor though it was, wouldn\u2019t have occurred.\u00a0 Or, at the very least, perhaps it would have been culled quicker.\u00a0 Eager, foolish troops would have thought better than to assault the city, and your companion Randall would not have been hurt.\u00a0 He would not be learning how to walk again after having his soul walking the bridge into the Nexus before it was pulled back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d Allan said, slamming his fists to his desk as he rose from his seat.\u00a0 \u201cDid you come here just to spit in my face while you placed blame on me for my friend\u2019s grievous injuries?\u00a0 Do you think a day goes by when I don\u2019t wish that I might have wished for any other outcome than what happened?\u00a0 I can\u2019t even bear to look into the eyes of Randall or his children after what occurred.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rynathor steadied himself, fighting against every instinct to cower before the powerful old knight.\u00a0 Instead, he swept his hands behind his back, and clasped them together, lending himself more poise.\u00a0 \u201cNo, sir, I did not come here to have you burdened by an unfortunate past.\u00a0 I\u2019ve come here today to help you look to your future.\u00a0 I\u2019m here to aid you in ensuring that Atalatha\u2019s champions are forever safe and sound, and ready to do battle against invading forces, or to be called upon by the king himself, if need be.\u00a0 Word has spread that you have grown quiet in the months since the assault.\u00a0 I believe you, Allan Mayheyre, have every right to be loud and boisterous.\u00a0 If you\u2019ll allow me, I\u2019ll help you make your coliseum more popular than ever, with a new event the likes of which no one has ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Allan still stood with eyebrows furrowed, his hands fixed on his desk.\u00a0 \u201cYou come here before me today with no ledger, no book, nothing except the outfit on your back, and you claim to be able to show me a new future.\u00a0 How do you expect me to believe such a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I may?\u201d Rynathor replied, turning about and gesturing toward the door.\u00a0 \u201cThe arena awaits.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the trio emerged into the hallway once more, the guest took some time to appreciate Allan\u2019s office.\u00a0 As he had arrived, he committed to the powerful image he wished to evoke, and with that partly behind him, he wanted to consider all the things that made the famed knight the envy of Atalatha.<\/p>\n

The walls outside of his office were made of a brown, tan, and white marble, which faded into a sandstone as it went off in either direction.\u00a0 A rhomboid space of the floor in front of the office was made of marble as well, and as Rynathor followed Miller away from the room, he listened to the difference in his footsteps.\u00a0 It was almost like a reminder that if you were to go to speak with Allan, you would be faced with greatness.<\/p>\n

Rynathor blew out an anxious sigh through thinly pursed lips, trying to reign in his awe.\u00a0 He also tried to manage his gait and stride, not to race out ahead of Allan, behind him, but not to hold him up too long either.<\/p>\n

As the made their way through the tunnel, curving along toward the western side of the massive building, Rynathor spotted a companion whose presence left him feeling a little more at ease.<\/p>\n

Allan knew him as well and hummed when he noticed his presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cAndrakidus,\u201d the knight and coliseum owner said.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is one of Atalatha\u2019s great wizards doing here in the arena?\u00a0 It\u2019s not often we find someone of your\u2026stature, here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wizard, who likened himself a dracosage\u2014one who researched the magic of those fantastic beasts and all manner of enchantments with those sort of flourishes\u2014nodded to the trio but met Rynathor\u2019s gaze a little firmer than the rest.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not often that my talents are needed, so to speak, but our mutual friend here is persuasive to say the least.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave all the necessary arrangements been made?\u201d Rynathor asked the wizard in a quiet, soft voice.<\/p>\n

Andrakidus nodded again.\u00a0 \u201cEverything is in position, including my fellow magi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Rynathor said, reaching out to squeeze his companion\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t dawdle.\u00a0 There\u2019s a spectacle to behold.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once more, Miller drew to the front of the group, leading the group up the sandstone steps that led to the open air up above.\u00a0 The scent of the city in that area was intoxicating, with all sorts of shops surrounding the arena coalescing into a mixing pot of different delights and delectable foodstuffs.<\/p>\n

Miller took a sharp turn at the top of the steps, leading the other three men along the back wall of the section.\u00a0 A gentle incline had the group rising, but not higher than the stadium-style seats that were situated before them.\u00a0 An awning of sorts shaded their approach until they reached another set of steps, that one a bit narrower and steeper than their last.\u00a0 As they climbed them, with Allan struggling a bit more than he cared to admit, they reached the marble cube that sat atop the section\u2014arguably one of the best views in the coliseum.<\/p>\n

But when Allan caught his breath, and stepped forth, his eyebrows knitted together as his eyes went wide.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ruined my arena!\u201d he shouted, throwing his arm forth to point down at the coliseum floor.\u00a0 There, on the battlefield, jutting up from the sand, was a sextet of towers, with three on each side.\u00a0 The towers stood roughly fifteen feet high, and Allan was surprised that he hadn\u2019t heard their construction.\u00a0 He grew angrier still when he considered that one of his many employees must have seen such a thing and thought better of it, but none had cared to come find him.<\/p>\n

When he turned about, he was surprised to see Rynathor still standing firm, emphatically shaking his head while he lifted his hands to placate the irate coliseum owner.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir Allan, I assure you, what you\u2019re seeing is only temporary\u2014they\u2019re structures that Andrakidus was able to conjure for us.\u00a0 His magic alone is what keeps them stable and present in your arena.\u00a0 But, at a whim,\u201d he said, snapping his fingers, \u201che could have them removed.\u00a0 While they may be temporary, I believe you will find that we will have changed everything about entertainment forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing the lad speak with such confidence, Allan settled just a bit.\u00a0 He realized he\u2019d let his guard down, and when he heard music play out from the area nearby, he couldn\u2019t hide his surprise.\u00a0 Rynathor walked forth, urging the coliseum owner to the edge of the box.\u00a0 Together, they looked down at the bottom of the section, where a band seemed to make merry, playing lutes and drums and shawms. \u00a0Their music seemed more powerful and energetic than Allan was used to in his arena, and it somehow left him feeling more intrigued and excited than he would usually dare to admit.<\/p>\n

When one of the bards below turned about, Allan\u2019s eyes went wide again.\u00a0 There, gazing up at him, was Anson Fysis, one of Atalatha\u2019s newer generation of heroes, a bard that was present during the rediscovery of the Ruins of Kathka\u2014a friend to the duke\u2019s own daughter.\u00a0 To be graced with his presence was not to be expected, and yet, there he was, sweeping low with his arm as he bowed to the lord of the arena.<\/p>\n

They played on, and Allan felt himself swell with emotion, tears making their way to his eyes.\u00a0 He nearly lost himself, then, when Miller was there beside him, taking his hand in his own.<\/p>\n

The music rolled over into a different flurry of notes and drumbeats, and Allan watched as the two sets of doors on the east and west sides of the arena flung open, a trio of fights on each end marching forth toward the sets of towers.<\/p>\n

It took some time for Allan to realize just how much Rynathor had set in place.\u00a0 He was surprised to see the man\u2019s familiarity with Andrakidus, a wizard that had just as much renown in the great city.\u00a0 But to see Anson who, of late had been almost as reclusive as the old knight\u2014well now that was a sight to see.<\/p>\n

And Allan Mayheyre was still not done with surprises that day.\u00a0 Miller squeezed his hand and pointed, for the contestants approaching the center of the arena on both sides were familiar to them.\u00a0 They had, each of them, been contenders in some of the coliseum\u2019s greatest matches, and Allan knew them to be great heroes.<\/p>\n

From the east side, David Garus, the mighty paladin of Atalatha, and perhaps one of the city\u2019s most popular heroes, led the march, his tremendous shield and sword in hand.\u00a0 He lifted both high as he met the coliseum owner\u2019s distant gaze.\u00a0 Behind David, though, were two more champions that Allan knew well.\u00a0 Luca Kreegan and Dirk Camdy had earned their fame as well.\u00a0 Kreegan was acknowledged as the man who had found Kathka in recent years, with the werewolf Dirk by his side.\u00a0 Indeed, it was David and Anson, and several other heroes who came to be known as \u201cthe Nine\u201d who had scoured the depths of the ancient citadel, unlocking many of its secrets.<\/p>\n

On the opposite side of the field were yet more of the combatants that Allan had come to know.\u00a0 They were a little more obscure, but after searching his thoughts for a moment, Allan recognized two of them.\u00a0 A husband and wife, Peter, and Calypso, they had never been champions of the arena, but they had come close on countless attempts.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t recognize the fellow behind them, a tall gnoll who wielded a taller halberd. \u00a0But a treaty\u2014not quite an alliance\u2014with the tribes of Warus meant that things were changing in Atalatha.\u00a0 That he stood beside the two human fighters was interesting indeed, and Allan had to admit to himself that he was beyond intrigued.<\/p>\n

As he looked to the battlefield below, finally wrenching himself from the talented combatants bringing their weapons to bear, he wondered what the point was of the towers.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they just set pieces?\u201d Allan muttered.\u00a0 \u201cAre we playing at some act instead of a real battle?\u201d<\/p>\n

Miller, beside him, looked his way.\u00a0 \u201cDid you say something, dear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Allan waved him off, too rapt by the thought of the heroes doing battle below.\u00a0 But if what Rynathor said was true, then a battle of that caliber could not be quite what was in mind\u2026<\/p>\n

The nobleman looked to the dracosage, indicating that they were ready for the next phase of their presentation.\u00a0 Andrakidus nodded and thrust his hand up toward the canopy and then down, until it was just perpendicular to his shoulder.<\/p>\n

At once, the quartet in the box heard a screech enter the air.\u00a0 Allan gasped and hopped back when he saw the dragon soar out from above before it dove toward the center of the arena.<\/p>\n

Those below seemed not to care for its presence, and at once, the coliseum owner realized his folly.\u00a0 The dragon had been summoned by Andrakidus, and all the contestants below had been prepared for its appearance.\u00a0 Allan felt a little foolish, but he was too swept up by the pageantry of the event to care.<\/p>\n

Below, Anson and the rest of the musicians played a quicker version of the song they had already played, the tempo increasing and the pitch rising as the dragon drew closer to the arena floor.<\/p>\n

As it struck the sand, it dissipated with a flash, but there, centered perfectly between the east and west, was an orb that seemed to be about the size of a smaller crystal ball, perhaps just under eight inches in diameter.\u00a0 It shone as though an unnatural light struck it from the heavens, but Allan could see the clouds in the sky.\u00a0 Moreover, the light that reflected out from it was a bold purple.<\/p>\n

Allan noticed, too, that magical flags seemed to appear atop the towers on both sides of the arena.\u00a0 On the side which David, Luca, and Dirk represented, those flags were blue.\u00a0 On the opposite side, it seemed as though Peter, Calypso, and the gnoll guarded towers that were topped with red flags.\u00a0 A closer inspection of those flags had Allan realized that they were conjured just as the dragon had been, and they flickered as though they were made of flames.<\/p>\n

The old knight stepped closer to the railing of the box, and gripped his hands against it, too excited to try and reign in his sense of wonder.<\/p>\n

Below, the music hit a crescendo, and at once, the slow march of the two teams turned into a sprint toward the sphere.<\/p>\n

\u201cGone are the gladiator fights of the past,\u201d Rynathor assured as he pointed toward the arena.\u00a0 \u201cIn our event, defeating your opponents is still possible, but not by traditional means.\u00a0 Well, I shouldn\u2019t quite say that.\u201d\u00a0 He waved his hand and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get to that.\u00a0 The thing that you should know is that there are two important parts of this new game: the towers and the spheres.\u00a0 But the more important thing is this: they only work together.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the topic of working together, down below, the two teams converged on one another.\u00a0 David, with his immense gear, was quickly outpaced by his two allies, with Dirk\u2019s innate gifts giving him the upper hand.\u00a0 It certainly looked as though he was even holding back and pacing himself to allow Luca to near their foes at the same time.<\/p>\n

The other team moved quickly as well.\u00a0 That trio wore mostly leather armor, and were not burdened by such large weapons, except for the gnoll\u2019s mighty halberd.\u00a0 Still, it didn\u2019t seem to slow the fellow.\u00a0 Peter and Calypso sprinted forth, their swords not even leaving their scabbards.\u00a0 Before long they reached the center line.<\/p>\n

Up above, Allan watched with eager eyes, interested in what part the sphere would play in the match.\u00a0 Peter, who arrived there first, hopped right over the small purple globe, and he pulled his twin rapiers from their sheathes, daring anyone from the other team to come close.<\/p>\n

Before the coliseum owner could express any disappointment in the sphere being ignored, his wife dropped to a knee beside it, scooping it up and seeming to bounce back into a sprint at once.\u00a0 Allan was impressed by her agility, but his attention was drawn to the orb in her possession instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce one of the teams takes control of the sphere, it changes color to reflect its ownership,\u201d Rynathor said.\u00a0 \u201cSince Calypso now holds it, it\u2019s turned red, just like the colors of her tower flags.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the nobleman narrated the actions below, Allan watched as the woman broke off to the side, avoiding a fight with Dirk as best she could.\u00a0 The werewolf charged forth, his shield leading, yet Calypso still had her weapons sheathed.\u00a0 Doubling back, the warrior woman seemed ready to avoid her foe at all costs.<\/p>\n

Allan was equally surprised when Luca and David seemed ready to put distance between themselves and Peter, instead attempting to box the man\u2019s wife into a corner of the arena.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy aren\u2019t they fighting?\u201d the coliseum owner asked.\u00a0 \u201cIf you present something like this to the crowds of Atalathans who yearn for the song of steel on steel, you\u2019ll lose them before long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA melee is inevitable,\u201d Rynathor said, understanding the arena master\u2019s concerns.\u00a0 \u201cBut that isn\u2019t how this game is won.\u201d<\/p>\n

As though the combatants below heard the nobleman\u2019s explanation, a towering halberd slammed into the sand, cutting Dirk off from the woman with the sphere.\u00a0 The gnoll growled at the werewolf, who thought better of keeping up his pursuit, especially when the fellow\u2019s muzzle scrunched up, displayed rows of sharp teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Griz,\u201d Calypso said, spinning about around the gnoll to put some distance between her and the diligent werewolf.<\/p>\n

Dirk would not relent though, it seemed.\u00a0 He only adjusted his focus.\u00a0 If he couldn\u2019t reach the woman without going through the gnoll, then that was what he intended to do.<\/p>\n

With another sweep of Griz\u2019s halberd, the werewolf could feel his fur waver in the gust it created.\u00a0 The gnoll\u2019s weapon was just out of reach, but it was a feigned attack anyway, and both combatants knew it.<\/p>\n

Dirk had studied the other fighter enough to know what was coming next, and he brought his shield to bear.\u00a0 Just as he expected, Griz kept his arm rotating, sending the mighty halberd twirling around.\u00a0 With a lunge, he cut the distance down between the two warriors, and the hefty metal head of the gnoll\u2019s weapon crashed against Dirk\u2019s shield.<\/p>\n

Gnashing his teeth together, the werewolf steadied himself.\u00a0 Though he had turned into the attack, expecting his arm to feel as though he had just shoulder-charged a sturdy tree, he was surprised to find himself holding strong.\u00a0 Still, the reverberations coursed through him.<\/p>\n

Instead of allowing the pain to linger, Dirk channeled it into momentum.\u00a0 As though it spun him about, the werewolf twisted on his heel, swinging out with his own weapon in retaliation.<\/p>\n

Griz lifted his halberd again, but it was too late.\u00a0 Dirk had anticipated the motion and danced under the polearm.\u00a0 With his pirouette completing, he struck out with a powerful slash, his sword catching the gnoll under his lifted arms, straight across his unguarded abdomen.<\/p>\n

Up above, Allan\u2019s eyes went wide.\u00a0 Griz, a strong and steady contestant, fell to his back, a brief flash of light seeming to announce his fall.\u00a0 The coliseum owner looked to Rynathor, who lifted his hand to stay any emotions that might have been swirling in the host.<\/p>\n

\u201cA defeated gladiator without an audience?\u201d the nobleman suspected Allan was thinking.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, I couldn\u2019t think of anything worse.\u00a0 But fret not, Sir Allan.\u00a0 As you\u2019ll see, our friend from Warus is unharmed\u2014well, uninjured, we\u2019ll say.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed out a row of clerics, on the other side of the arena, some who looked on from combatant to combatant, and others who quietly channeled with their eyes closed.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve worked with some powerful clerics to ensure that weapons are dulled, and other magic is muted to some extent.\u00a0 With their enchantments in play, not one of your contestants will be maimed or killed in the arena again.\u00a0 None of Atalatha\u2019s champions need to die for this spectacle, although it will still be a sight to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed to Griz again, who gasped to catch his breath, even as Dirk charged past him and toward the gnoll\u2019s ally.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s still a bit of pain involved.\u00a0 Griz isn\u2019t going to welcome a blow like that any time soon, but he can rise up and get back into the action once he shakes off the blow.\u00a0 We\u2019re still fine-tuning the rules: do we allow five combatants on each team at a time, or stick with three?\u00a0 Are there alternates waiting in line to take their ally\u2019s place when they fall?\u00a0 There are certain things still to consider, but the foundation of the game is set.\u201d<\/p>\n

That foundation was put to the test, it seemed, for all three combatants on the other team looked to one person on the battlefield.\u00a0 Calypso still held fast to the glowing red sphere, exerting herself as she charged across the sand.<\/p>\n

Her beloved, Peter, stood faced against two of Atalatha\u2019s most illustrious heroes, knowing that it was only he that could protect her against the risk of defeat.\u00a0 He held fast against both as they began moving in.\u00a0 But he only held onto that bravery for a moment.\u00a0 David\u2019s massive shield was as tall as Peter, and the lone warrior felt safer backing away from him, especially considering the paladin clung to a greatsword that was just as large.<\/p>\n

His other would-be foe, Luca Kreegan, was eager to show him that he chose the wrong opponent then.\u00a0 The other fellow wore a bit less armor than either of his companions, and only wielded a single sword, with no shield to speak of.\u00a0 While both Peter and Calypso moved quickly upon the battlefield, Luca matched their speed.\u00a0 It was his pace that brought him against Peter in a moment, one sword meeting another pair then.<\/p>\n

The three blades sang out, a chorus of steel upon steel.\u00a0 While Luca\u2019s weapons were outnumbered, he kept to the dance, avoiding any wayward stabs or slashes.\u00a0 And when he watched Peter glance to his side, wary of the burly paladin, Luca made his move.<\/p>\n

The adventurer stepped forward, slicing out with his sword, hard enough that the spectators in the box above were not certain that the strike would not cleave off the other man\u2019s head, even with the clerics channeling their magic on the sideline.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t anything that Peter had to worry about, however.\u00a0 Distracted as he was, he would not be caught off guard, and he ducked underneath the slash.<\/p>\n

Luca anticipated it and slapped the broad side of his blade against the man\u2019s rump as he skittered forward.<\/p>\n

Peter was never the target.\u00a0 Luca\u2019s only concern was the sphere.<\/p>\n

\u201cBattle is inevitable, but it isn\u2019t the most important part of the game,\u201d Rynathor said as those beside him watched on.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll see Kreegan making his way toward Calypso, because if he gets his hands on the sphere, his team has the advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat sort of advantage?\u201d Allan wondered aloud.<\/p>\n

As Luca ran forth, he locked eyes with the woman who held the sphere. \u00a0She stopped in her tracks and jerked upright, knowing that all three of the other team\u2019s combatants rushed in toward her.<\/p>\n

Calypso\u2019s eyes were wide for a second, but she couldn\u2019t keep up the ruse for long.\u00a0 A smile crossed her face as she lifted the sphere and reared back her shoulder.\u00a0 A whistle was the only warning she gave her foes before she cast her arm forward, tossing the sphere across the battlefield.<\/p>\n

Luca\u2019s eyes were the ones flashing then.\u00a0 He turned about to see that Peter had not doubled back to protect his wife.\u00a0 Instead, he had put distance between himself and every other fighter on the battlefield.\u00a0 The attack that he had dodged earlier had been carefully planned, a brilliant strategy enacted in an instant.<\/p>\n

Allan and the other spectators watched as the sphere flew across the battlefield, still retaining the red color.\u00a0 A collective gasp rang out as David leapt as high as his hefty armor and equipment would allow, swinging his greatsword overhead.\u00a0 He missed striking the sphere, however, and it passed by him, landing in the waiting hands of Calypso\u2019s husband.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would have happened if he struck the sphere?\u201d Allan asked.<\/p>\n

Rynathor flashed a smile, pleased that the coliseum owner had such an interest in the game.\u00a0 \u201cWell, first and foremost, the same magic that protects our players protects the sphere.\u00a0 That thing is well-protected and can certainly stand the strikes of even a powerful warrior like David Garus.\u00a0 It would have changed color, of course, reflecting the other team, as they would have been the last to touch it.\u00a0 Though, you\u2019ll see that color only matters for one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he spoke, Peter, down below, spun about and ran from the fight.\u00a0 As he was safely behind enemy lines, he was free to turn his attention toward the trio of towers that stood on the opposing side of the battlefield.\u00a0 He sprinted toward the center tower, even as his foes gave chase toward him once more.<\/p>\n

Though Peter could hear David barking orders at his companions, the warrior with the sphere never ceased his sprint.\u00a0 Before long, Peter neared the tower, and bowed his head, running through the aperture that led to the other side.<\/p>\n

Rynathor nodded with enthusiasm, for above the tower, the flag that wavered magically changed color, showing the crimson of Peter\u2019s team, rather than the blue of his opponents.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there you have the real goal of the game,\u201d Rynathor explained to Allan and the other spectators then.\u00a0 \u201cThe carrier of the sphere changes the color of the tower flags.\u00a0 Once all the flags display the same color, the team that represents that color wins the match.\u201d<\/p>\n

Allan nodded then as well, not just in agreement, but as if it made too much sense for the explanation to mean anything else.\u00a0 \u201cInteresting,\u201d was all that Allan could find himself saying, for his attention was still drawn to the battlefield.\u00a0 With the tower colors uneven, it looked like the match was in full swing.<\/p>\n

Peter circled around the tower again, only to see his trio of opponents charging forth like angry bulls.\u00a0 David was closest, despite all his heft, and Peter gasped, spinning back around the tower.\u00a0 None could see him show on the other side, and Miller, up above, speculated that he had taken up respite inside the tower instead to collect his thoughts once more.<\/p>\n

David stepped to the side, thinking he was heading in that direction.\u00a0 Luca, on the other hand, sheathed his sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he doing?\u201d Allan wondered. \u00a0The coliseum owner\u2019s enthusiasm was palpable, and he grew even more excited when he watched as Luca pulled the grappling hook from his hip.\u00a0 Allan had learned long ago that it was no mundane thing, the magic implement called Sky Talon.\u00a0 Even if there were no towers upon the field, Luca would have been able to steady the hook into the air and launch himself forward or higher up as needed.<\/p>\n

Allan looked to the man who devised the game.<\/p>\n

Rynathor knew that there were questions about in the coliseum owner\u2019s mind.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re considering multiple leagues,\u201d the nobleman said.\u00a0 \u201cIn one, things would be a bit more mundane.\u00a0 No artifacts or treasures to speak of.\u00a0 But in the premiere league?\u00a0 That\u2019s where anything goes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luca looked to take advantage of that freedom.\u00a0 While his opponent was distracted by the incoming rush of David and Dirk, the other adventurer threw his grappling hook toward the sky.\u00a0 Sure enough, the Sky Talon steadied itself in the air, and Luca swung upon it with all his strength.\u00a0 At the end of his arc, he was still far from northernmost tower on his team\u2019s side.\u00a0 The spectators above looked on in awe as he pulled the grappling hook from its rooted spot, and swung it again, even as he began falling back toward the battlefield.<\/p>\n

He’d grown used to the Sky Talon over the years, using it to great effect, and impressing anyone into believing it had become an extension of him throughout his adventures.\u00a0 Those closest to him considered it a foregone conclusion that he could, in effect, fly across the battlefield, but those folks watching from above couldn\u2019t hide their surprise as the grappling hook delivered the man right to the top of the tower, Luca landing atop two merlons there with ease.<\/p>\n

Once there, he crouched down, understanding that reaching that point was only the start of his plan.\u00a0 He needed Peter to play his part as well.<\/p>\n

While he waited, David cut across the battlefield, drawing near to where he had last spotted the opponent who held fast to the sphere.\u00a0 Before he could peer into the shadow within the tower though, he heard a companion call out his name.<\/p>\n

David spun about, just in time to see Calypso arrive there behind him.\u00a0 She no longer appeared unarmed, at that point wielding her two thin scimitars.\u00a0 Against the mighty mountain of a man, it didn\u2019t appear that her twin blades would amount to much, but those who knew Calypso knew her weapons were well-forged, and that a pair of deft hands brandished them.<\/p>\n

At first, her swords merely landed a beat atop David\u2019s towering shield.\u00a0 The sound played a tempo to the battle, as though it called out the thump of the contestants\u2019 hearts in unison.\u00a0 But that melody hit a crescendo when David swept out his shield, casting the woman\u2019s weapons to the side as though they were nothing.\u00a0 He came down with his greatsword as though he intended to split her in half.<\/p>\n

He may have been powerful, but she was quick, and as the sword smashed into the sand, she was already at his exposed side, poking through with her small blades.\u00a0 David grunted and groaned, certainly feeling something against those strikes, but no lasting wounds had been made.<\/p>\n

Sure enough, Allan saw some sort of glowing enchantments taking shape on the opposite side of the arena.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose clerics are talented, indeed,\u201d the coliseum owner said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, between the spells they had prepared ahead of time, and the ones they cast on the fly, we should have everything covered,\u201d Rynathor speculated. \u00a0\u201cWith all that said, talent may be an understatement.\u00a0 I believe you may even know one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Allan looked to the nobleman with some curiosity before he felt an object prod him in his side.\u00a0 When he turned his attention the other way, he saw that Miller held a spyglass out to him.<\/p>\n

The coliseum owner hummed as he considered the timing of the offering, but he wasted no time lifting the spyglass to his face, to witness the talents of the clerics in action.\u00a0 He assumed that many of them had been sourced from the temple district of the city\u2014a place he didn\u2019t venture to that often.\u00a0 But he was caught between a gasp and a sound of curiosity when he spotted a familiar face among the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that Robert Lener?\u201d he asked, though he already knew the answer.<\/p>\n

Rynathor shrugged, playing off the question as though he did not truly know.\u00a0 \u201cI believe it may be.\u00a0 Oh yes, he would be the son of one of your good friends, right?\u00a0 Robert, son of Richard, one of the other Knights of Virtue, as you lot are known.\u201d\u00a0 He let a confident smile show then before he looked back to the battle unfolding below.<\/p>\n

Allan, as interested as he was in the match, turned to Miller for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cWho is this man who makes such inroads with wizards and clerics and the most well-known adventures of the land?\u201d<\/p>\n

The question went unanswered, for Miller insisted his beloved continue to watch as everything unfolded below.<\/p>\n

Despite being prodded by Calypso\u2019s blades and feeling some sort of stunted pain, thanks to the work of the clerics on the sideline, David caught himself, balanced on his sword and his shield.\u00a0 With a mighty war cry, he lifted a boot and shoved the woman away.<\/p>\n

Just as before though, David found himself concerned with the wrong target.\u00a0 Distracted as he was, he didn\u2019t realize as Peter snuck away from the back of the tower, toward the northernmost tower.<\/p>\n

The huge paladin didn\u2019t need to have eyes on him, however, for his ally had everything under control.<\/p>\n

\u201cDavid,\u201d Dirk called out, lifting his shield up so that it was parallel to the ground. \u00a0He didn\u2019t wait to see if his companion understood the request.\u00a0 As he sprinted forth, the werewolf could feel his leg muscles twitching, aching with every stomp into the sand.<\/p>\n

As Dirk leapt into the air, David brought his shield overhead.\u00a0 Despite the werewolf\u2019s heft, David kept steady, giving his friend a platform to bounce from.<\/p>\n

Even though he knew better, the paladin looked to his side, watching as Dirk plummeted from the sky.\u00a0 A whistle caught Peter\u2019s attention\u2014but not soon enough to stop the attack.<\/p>\n

With his shield leading, Dirk pounced upon the man with the sphere, striking him in the chest.\u00a0 A bright light pulsed from the blow, indicating to the spectators just how deadly it would have been in a real fight.<\/p>\n

Peter survived the attack, but sprawled out on the ground as he was, everyone\u2014 onlookers and combatants alike\u2014could see that pain had been inflicted.\u00a0 The fallen warrior clutched his chest and writhed on the ground, grimacing through his agony.<\/p>\n

Dirk scooped up the sphere, and for the first time in the match, the onlookers watched as the glow changed from crimson to cobalt.\u00a0 Holding the sphere and the shield close to his chest, the werewolf bounded back toward the tower, slipping through the turret, and coming out the other side, just in front of David.\u00a0 The flag at the top changed color again as well, returning to the blue tint that it had presented as before.<\/p>\n

Once more it was three towers on each side flying the colors of the respective teams, but Dirk meant to gain some momentum.\u00a0 He sprinted toward the eastern tower, but could not travel far, for Griz had found his way back into the fray.<\/p>\n

The gnoll slowed and lifted his halberd then.<\/p>\n

Dirk knew better than to believe he was safe, but he still didn\u2019t know what to expect as the Griz reached for his hip instead, and grasped at a small silver disc.\u00a0 With a mighty thump, the gnoll stuck his halberd in the sand, and switched the disc to his dominant hand.\u00a0 Dirk switched directions, crossing back the other way in the hopes that he would confuse his foe.<\/p>\n

Griz didn\u2019t hesitate in the slightest.\u00a0 With a sweeping motion, he tossed the disc across the battlefield then.\u00a0 It was well-aimed and soared in toward Dirk.<\/p>\n

The werewolf refused to take the strike, and he lifted his shield to block it.\u00a0 As the silver object collided with his shield, the device activated, its cover receding, and a net bursting out of it.<\/p>\n

All at once, the werewolf had been caught in the gnoll\u2019s trap, losing the momentum he once hoped to score for his team.\u00a0 The sphere rolled away from him, coming to a stop in the sand once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo, Calypso,\u201d Griz snarled as he took her place before David.\u00a0 With a hop, the gnoll struck down with his hefty halberd, thumping it against the paladin\u2019s massive shield.<\/p>\n

His ally did as her companion instructed then, skittering past the bout between the two massive warriors.\u00a0 Calypso scooped up the glowing orb then but kept one sword at the ready that time.\u00a0 She flashed a smile at Dirk and then went on her way, back toward the tower that her husband had gained and lost for her team.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, David and Griz traded blows back and forth, with the gnoll\u2019s halberd to unwieldy to pass beyond the paladin\u2019s broad defenses.\u00a0 Instead, Griz grew increasingly violent, slamming his weapon harder and harder.\u00a0 If it hadn\u2019t been magically reinforced, there would have been a good chance it would have already shattered into pieces.<\/p>\n

Eventually, even with the burly man\u2019s shield in place, David began stumbling back, a step here, another there.<\/p>\n

And then, he fell to his knee beneath the onslaught of the attacks, balancing on the lower end of his shield to keep from falling.<\/p>\n

Griz saw his opening and charged forth.<\/p>\n

But David was not as weak and weary as he feigned to be.<\/p>\n

The stoic paladin rose to his feet and darted forward.\u00a0 Before Griz could react, David lifted his shield, carrying the tall gnoll up and over, flipping him unceremoniously.\u00a0 Griz landed with a thud, even with sand beneath him.\u00a0 But David wasn\u2019t content to just leave him catching his breath on his back then.\u00a0 The hulking fellow followed up with his sword, cleaving it overhead.<\/p>\n

If the blow that Dirk had landed upon Peter had stolen away the vision from the onlookers, then the massive strike that David inflicted could only be described as a supernova.<\/p>\n

As the bright flash faded, Rynathor blinked and shook his head.\u00a0 Once he felt comfortable describing the action once more, he pointed toward the battlefield.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere you go,\u201d the nobleman said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll see that Calypso is once again trying to take the sphere through the middle tower.\u00a0 She could have tried for the northern or southern towers, but I suppose she\u2019s trying to win back some favor for her husband and regain the tower he lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

As David moved into position though, everyone could see that he was moving toward the center tower as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow here\u2019s an important distinction to the rules,\u201d Rynathor said.\u00a0 \u201cIt isn\u2019t enough to simply enter the tower and leave the same way you entered.\u00a0 You need to pass through it, on both sides.\u00a0 That\u2019s challenging for Calypso in this case because you can see that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Before he could finish his thought, the group of spectators heard the woman\u2019s sword bang against David\u2019s shield.\u00a0 The paladin kept his towering shield locked in place, refusing to let the woman push through to the other side.<\/p>\n

David looked over his shoulder then, spotting the woman\u2019s allies, both on his left.\u00a0 Both struggled to climb to their feet, with Peter finding a little bit more luck in doing so.<\/p>\n

It was only then that David realized that the melody that played against his shield had ceased.\u00a0 He took a step back and understood that Calypso had given up on trying to make her way through the center tower.\u00a0 Instead, she passed by her husband, offering him some words of support as he went.<\/p>\n

David passed beyond Griz, but there was no possibility of him cutting the distance between himself and Calypso.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you can see, the momentum changes back and forth throughout the match,\u201d Rynathor said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s very rare for a combatant to be taken out completely\u2014it\u2019s illegal in the rules of this game to go on attacking someone after they\u2019ve been downed.\u00a0 In David\u2019s case, a single strike to the fallen opponent was all that was acceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned his attention to Calypso again, a grin appearing on his face.\u00a0 \u201cThe lone standing member of her team, she thinks that the northern tower is free of danger.\u00a0 But she either missed what we had seen earlier, or she has forgotten it completely.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed to Luca atop the tower, who once again had the Sky Talon in his hands.<\/p>\n

The man peered over the tower\u2019s edge, noting where Calypso was.\u00a0 Then, counting down silently, he tossed his magically enchanted grappling hook into the air just west of the tower.<\/p>\n

Then, he leapt off his parapet, careening toward the ground.<\/p>\n

Calypso didn\u2019t know any better.\u00a0 With excitement and enthusiasm fueling her, she charged through the tower, once again gaining an advantage for her team as the flag above turned red.<\/p>\n

But as she stood upon the sand on the opposite side of the tower, she realized that she had been deceived.<\/p>\n

Luca swung on the end of the grappling hook, his feet leading.\u00a0 Perfectly angled, he collided with the woman, sending her flying back through the tower, and spilling her to her back.\u00a0 In a moment, Luca was there before her, quickly looping the rope of the Sky Talon around his hand before hooking it upon his belt once more.\u00a0 Then, wasting no further time, he reached down and plucked the sphere away from the woman.<\/p>\n

Once more, the towers were even, for Luca sped back the way he came, ensuring the towers on his side were all displaying the blue flags they had started with.\u00a0 The warrior didn\u2019t slow either, keeping up his sprint even after he passed through the northern tower that flew his flag.<\/p>\n

In moments, he was on the opposite side of the battlefield, for the first time, carrying possession of the cobalt-hued sphere on his opponents\u2019 end of the arena.<\/p>\n

Rynathor once again turned back to his captivated audience.\u00a0 \u201cI would like to host a tournament heralding the arrival of this new game,\u201d he said, sounding more insistent than speculative.\u00a0 He stood up a bit straighter then and cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cThat is, if you should allow it.\u00a0 Any proceeds made from its induction into these fine walls would go straight into your pocket.\u00a0 But, if you like you see after that event, I will receive fair compensation from all events in the future\u2014in perpetuity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Allan said nothing for a time, his sight still drawn to the match carrying out below.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t seem as though anything could stop the team represented by the blue flags.\u00a0 Luca had not been struck a single time, and David had weathered any attacks that had come his way.\u00a0 Even Dirk worked his way out from under the net and headed west to reinforce his ally.<\/p>\n

The paladin, meanwhile, worked against his typical mindset.\u00a0 While he would be the first to pick someone up and dust them off, he treated the match like a war, waiting for any opportunity to exploit the rules.\u00a0 He stomped about, daring any of his three opponents to climb to their feet.\u00a0 For once they were there, he would be quick to knock them down again.<\/p>\n

Though they were battered and beaten, the trio were still able to work together.\u00a0 Calypso, Peter, and Griz traded glances to one another, nodding as they pushed past their weariness.<\/p>\n

Peter was the first to make the ascent, blowing out a huge sigh as he backpedaled a few steps.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t outpace the paladin, who charged forth at him like a raging bull.\u00a0 Instead, he braced himself for the attack.<\/p>\n

To David\u2019s credit, he didn\u2019t strike out with his sword.\u00a0 Almost as if sensing his foe was beyond recovery for the duration of the match, he opted to smash into him with his shield instead.\u00a0 Peter flew out toward the eastern wall of the arena, and after the flash of light wore off, David could see that he didn\u2019t intend on climbing to his feet again any time soon after.<\/p>\n

David soon learned that the man had already played his role.\u00a0 As the paladin turned about, he spotted Peter\u2019s allies rushing to their feet.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t plan on avenging their fallen companion though, knowing that a loss or a victory would be carved out on the opposite side of the battlefield.\u00a0 Calypso and Griz sprinted in that direction.<\/p>\n

They watched as the tide turned, for their northernmost tower\u2019s flag changed from red to blue as Luca passed through the entryways.<\/p>\n

Up above, Allan began to nod.\u00a0 \u201cThere are still a few items to talk about in order to see that you have what it takes,\u201d the old knight said.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t bother to look at Rynathor, instead keeping his focus on Luca, who made his way toward the central tower.\u00a0 \u201cYou certainly have an interesting setup here.\u00a0 But just as important as an bringing entertainment to the masses is bringing the masses to your new entertainment.\u00a0 Tell me, what are you going to call your new game?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s called Wicket,\u201d Rynathor insisted then.<\/p>\n

It grew silent again, for Allan brought his attention back toward the playing field.<\/p>\n

Luca spotted his opponents on their quick approach, and he reached for the pouch fashioned onto his belt.\u00a0 He pulled out another sphere altogether, that one only noticeably different because of the swirls of black in its coloring.\u00a0 He pitched it forward, until it smacked against the side of the tower.\u00a0 A moment later, it landed upon the sand, and began emitting a cloud of dark smoke.<\/p>\n

Calypso and Griz sprinted forth as fast as they could, but they knew that they wouldn\u2019t be able to stop their opponent from making their way into the tower.\u00a0 The best they could hope to accomplish was to make him regret entering it.<\/p>\n

Still, Luca didn\u2019t hesitate, passing through into the growing plume of smoke that surrounded the fortification.<\/p>\n

\u201cWicket,\u201d Allan said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a play on your last name, isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 Chatwick?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d Rynathor said.<\/p>\n

Allan hummed, but his focus was drawn yet again to the battlefield, for he spotted Luca\u2019s grappling hook rise out of the smoke in the shadow of the tower\u2019s western side.\u00a0 As the adventurer scaled the tower, the spectators could see that the game sphere glowed from inside the pouch that his smoke marble once sat.<\/p>\n

Calypso entered the dark mist on the eastern side of the tower, but Luca watched as Griz practically dove into the plume on the western side, the gnoll completely unaware of the man\u2019s presence above him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThough I understand the desire to name something so bold after oneself, you mustn\u2019t allow a name to hold back something that can grow bigger yet.\u00a0 What do you think of TowerSphere?\u201d Allan suggested, glancing at the nobleman out of the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n

For a flash of a second, Rynathor was dejected.\u00a0 But as the name echoed in his mind, he could see the possibilities there.<\/p>\n

Below, Luca watched as his ally reached the southern tower.\u00a0 Dirk cast his sword into the ground and raised his arm high.<\/p>\n

From his perch, Luca heaved the sphere forward.<\/p>\n

It landed in the werewolf\u2019s waiting hand, and Dirk quickly brought it against his chest before he grabbed it in his other hand, protected from sight by his shield.\u00a0 Grabbing up his sword again, he spun about, and raced into the southern tower, changing the color of the flag above.<\/p>\n

Free to use both hands again, Luca tossed the Sky Talon up a few more feet and scrambled up the side of the tower, coming into view of the last red flag upon the battlefield.\u00a0 When he looked past it, he spotted David coming to reinforce their side of the skirmish as well.<\/p>\n

Luca looked to his side then, watching as Dirk came out of the other tower.\u00a0 He still protected the sphere with his shield, not allowing his foes to cast a glance toward it.\u00a0 As Luca looked on, he could hear the telltale sound of the smoke withdrawing back into the magic marble, and he knew that Calypso and Griz would realize that he was not in the tower.<\/p>\n

It took a moment more for them to realize that the flag of a different tower had changed color, though.\u00a0 Their confusion was cleared when Dirk smiled, swinging his shield out wide, and displaying the sphere in his possession.<\/p>\n

When the werewolf thrust his sword into the sand once more, Calypso pointed to David, and encouraged Griz to head off the paladin while she rushed toward the werewolf.\u00a0 It seemed like a sound bit of advice, especially as Dirk brought back his hand to toss the sphere.<\/p>\n

Across the battlefield, one more voice rang out, as Peter hollered as loud as he could.<\/p>\n

Calypso realized too late that she had steered her team wrong, and as she looked behind her, she could see the Sky Talon once again locking into the air.\u00a0 Luca brought two fingers to the edge of his eyebrow, saluting his opponents as he leapt off the tower.<\/p>\n

As though she was punishing herself for her loss, Calypso turned just in time to see Dirk toss the sphere forward.\u00a0 His friend caught the sparkling orb as he descended, and the arc from the magical grappling hook had him once again landing upon the ground just in front of the tower.<\/p>\n

Luca jogged into the last turret, and a series of explosions rang out from the center of the arena, announcing his team\u2019s victory.\u00a0 As he returned from the shadows of the tower, he raised his hand in cheer.<\/p>\n

All pretenses of anger or violence were gone from the contenders, as Luca\u2019s allies and his opponents alike gave an extended applause, excited by the prospect of the new and exciting event.\u00a0 They looked to the premium seats then, where Allan and Rynathor watched on with contentment.<\/p>\n

The applause, then, was for the game master, who had come up with the concept.<\/p>\n

Allan offered a small ovation as well, demonstrating some light clapping before he turned toward Rynathor to present a bow.\u00a0 \u201cYou said everything was about to change in Atalatha,\u201d the coliseum owner said.\u00a0 \u201cI think things are about to change for the world.\u201d\u00a0 He extended his hand to the nobleman, no longer willing to hide his enthusiasm.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s see what you can do.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

TowerSphere A Tale by Michael DeAngelo   A glimmer of morning sunlight shone to the man\u2019s side, and he turned to regard it.\u00a0 The clouds parted, allowing the light to pass down over the tops of the buildings toward the east\u2014even the large one that he would soon be visiting.\u00a0 But in that moment, the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":22130,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[146],"tags":[2987,1833,1566,760,229,2986,1927,1567,591,1917,149,73,2985],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Featured-Gaston-Short-Story.png","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1UVey-7gl","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27921"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27921"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27921\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27922,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27921\/revisions\/27922"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}