Apparently, my reference went right over the Braxthar warrior’s heads. No one understood. Not even Rexnor. Something needed to be done about their ignorance.
“Never mind,” I mumbled at their looks of confusion. Maybe I’d host a movie night and make them sit through the entire series from start to finish. The thought amused me more than a little.
“He’s over there,” Valtus pointed out and we settled down at the table as the negotiation began.
Chapter 12 – Motok
“We need a way to earncredits.” I turned to Orion and Rexnor, squaring my shoulders back. “I must fight. The smuggler will only take the agreed amount. It’s an exorbitant fee but there’s no other choice. We must pay for safe passage. Kerra must not remain at risk any longer than necessary.”
Valtus grabbed my arm. “Commander, after last time, is that wise?”
“You know the answer to that question.” My gaze turned pointedly to my female. “This is a dangerous and wild entertainment. Many of the spectators fight one another in the crowd. There are drugs, weapons, slavers . . . the danger is endless. You must stay firmly between my brothers Orion and Rexnor. Don’t let go of them for any reason. Neither will allow anyone to come near or harm you. Do you understand,hoy’nva?”
I heard a sharp intake of breath from Valtus, but I didn’t acknowledge his obvious disapproval. Calling her my precious one was a liberty I would allow myself to have until the moment I was forced to let her go. For now, I would latch onto the moments and memories that were my only solace in the long, lonely future that lie ahead.
“I’ll stay close,” she promised.
“Good. There is all manner of depravity on this forsaken planet,” I explained. “Entertainment of every form for any price. Some seek sexual gratification, others like to torture or maim, and even more come for the gladiator cages.”
Kerra’s eyes widened. “Gladiator cages?”
“Yes, medieval matches to the death. The sport is derived from Earth’s archives.”
“And they put you in acage?” she asked incredulously.
“Yes, high up in the air so when the blood starts to flow it can be bottled, drank, sold, whatever the buyers want.”
She paled. “How much blood is there?”
“Plenty. These games are vicious and brutal. There are no rules.”
She was instantly alarmed and frightened. “No, Tok, please don’t do this.”
“There’s no other way.”
She shook her head and even with the hood up I could see the brightness in her eyes. “It’s too dangerous.”
