Page 42 of Gladiator Moon

His family has always helped the royals. He is just the latest in a long line.

But why do they help them?

The power offered is hard to resist.

Is he being extorted?

This I do not know. If so, I am unaware. I only trained there briefly in my early studies, as do all wizards of my class.

It makes a certain kind of sense. Assuming, of course, J.R. Rain is somehow keeping track of all this. You’re really making this one up as you go along, aren’t you? Well, whatever. Just help me get home... and while you’re at it, help me put an end to these Games. I can’t bear the thought of someone as tiny and fierce as Salt Creek being thrown back into that arena of blood.

Why wouldn’t the Dark One oversee the games? Cut out the middle man?

Why, if he doesn’t have to? In the right hands, delegation is a beautiful thing.

Okay, I see the shimmery magic surrounding the arena.

I see no such magic.

But you are a wizard.

But I was never a fighter in the games. The binding spell has been placed on you and all who are fighting in this season’s Games.

Okay, I see that it extends out over the outer walls of the arena. We are about to enter through it.

I adjust my grip on the prince as another thought occurs to me. Is there an empty room where I can stash Prince Pickles to keep him safe?

Yes, of course. I have a fairly intimate knowledge of the structure. Do you see that open door on the second floor?

I see a lot of open doors...

Look for the one with the massive orange arch over it. It is the true open door. The others are an illusion.

Why an illusion?

To confuse invaders.

There are invaders?

Not all are in love with our King.

I see. And what if I should fly through the wrong open door?

Instant vaporization.

As I aim for the orange arch, I once again plunge through the magic dome with a pop.

It sends a shudder through me. The sensation on this side of the barrier is heavy, soupy even. My wings don’t want to work at first, and so I alight on a causeway, which runs in both directions around the arena on this second floor. Tons of open doors invite the unwary attacker. Azul directs me to the right.

We are looking for a heavy wooden door.

Got it. I’m looking. Okay, I see something farther ahead.

Watch out for the guards on your left, Samantha. If they see you, they will sound the alarm, though they will not risk an attack because you hold the prince.

Chapter Sixteen

Welp, that settles it.