#35 The Rules of Fight Pit

 "You do not talk about Fight Pit," rumbled Khah-Zeer, "you simply fight!"

Pe'Pah Khah-Zeer, Master of the Pits of Moh'sheh

The Spire Tyrants fell silent as the ogroid myrmidon prowled through their mess. Every gladiator there was a formidable veteran of the Everchosen's arenas but not one of them would pick a fight with Pe'Pah Khah-Zeer, Master of the Pits of Moh'sheh. 

"So, who's the newbie?" he asked, glaring at the pale, lithe form sitting silently in the shadows at the far end of the table.

"They're calling him 'the Matador', o Master", answered Ednor-Ton, their pit champion, "because he bested Brad."

The Matador & Brad the Impala

"He beat the Impala eh?" Pe'Pah Khah-Zeer seemed grudgingly impressed, "I presume that means he saw the rest of you off too?"

"Ha!" The ogroid's snorting laugh broke the sullen silence. "Well, I think it must be my turn next."

As the mighty contenders entered the Fight Pit, the roar of the crowd echoed across the bruised sky and shook the herdstones of Barfun Moor. Mortals quailed and crows took flight, but one creature inclined his ear in sluggish interest. Slowly, the noise of violence and of joy in carnage stirred his monstrous heart. The ground shuddered with a dreadful rhythm as Milus Kowrek turned his horned head toward Barfun Moor...

#36 AN ILLUSION OF ECUMENISM