The sun had dipped lower in the sky by the time the arena attendants called for a pause to prepare the next stage. The sand had to be cleared of bodies and blood, the shattered weapons dragged off, and the terrain reset for whatever monstrosity the next team would face. Until then, the surviving gladiators were directed to a shaded terrace built into the inner wall of the colosseum, part viewing area, part holding pen. It was half open to the arena, with a good view of the field below.
Thorfinn and the Nubian were among the last to arrive.
Thorfinn didn't say a word as he stepped into the shaded enclosure, his arms folded across his chest, gaze fixed on the grounds below. He chose a stone pillar near the edge and leaned against it, watching silently as attendants dragged the corpses off the sand and tossed them into carts.
The Nubian, of course, didn't sit still.
"You'd think after so much killing, a man would be tired," he said, pacing beside Thorfinn. "But no, I feel good. This place has energy in it. You feel it?" He slapped his chest twice. "Boom. Like the drums. It's in the sand."
Thorfinn didn't answer.
The Nubian moved to the stone railing, leaned forward, then turned back and gestured at the arena with both hands.
"I wonder if they feed the beasts beforehand or let them stay hungry. If it's starving, I imagine the beasts will be very angry."
He turned back and looked at Thorfinn. "You've fought animals before, right? Bears? Wolves? Big things?"
Still no reply.
"Thought so. You look like a man who's hunted. I once helped kill a lion that dragged off three children from a village near the river back home. We didn't have iron. Just wooden spears and fire. It still took six men."
Thorfinn rolled his shoulders but didn't respond.
The Nubian continued pacing. "I wonder if we get weapons for this. Or is it just fists? That would be fun. Not for you, maybe, but I enjoy a good challenge."
He chuckled to himself, then crouched, balancing on the balls of his feet like a spring ready to go off. He looked around at the other fighters gathered, some whispering between themselves, others resting or tending wounds. One was praying. Another was vomiting into a corner.
Thorfinn remained stone-still, watching the workers below.
"Do you ever get the urge to scream before battle?" the Nubian asked. "Not out of fear. Just excitement. Like the blood builds up too high and has to get out somehow. I used to scream. Then I started laughing. It's better. Easier on the throat."
Thorfinn slowly turned his head and stared at him.
The Nubian grinned. "You're holding it in, aren't you? You want to kill me. I can feel it. But no, not yet. Let the beast try first. If it fails, you can take your turn."
Thorfinn returned his eyes to the arena.
He was tempted. There was no denying it. The man never stopped. From the moment they'd left the lot, to now, he had talked about everything—fighting, animals, women, wine, his past life, what food they might eat after this, what dreams he'd had the night before, and even a surprisingly detailed theory on whether or not the King of Gorillas had testicles.
If not for the looming presence of the colosseum guards and the memory of the mission that had brought him here, Thorfinn might've snapped his neck just for peace and quiet. Instead, he sighed and let his thoughts drift elsewhere. Below, the matches had resumed. The arena floor had been cleaned and reshaped. New hazards were introduced—broken trees dragged in from nearby forests, wooden spikes planted at angles, large mounds of stone or terrain. It gave the field variety. Or obstacles. Or cover. Depending on the fight.
One match after another played out, each more brutal than the last.
Thorfinn watched a duo fight a massive horned boar the size of a small horse. The beast gored one man early, sent his body flipping into a wall, but the other managed to blind it with sand and slit its throat after a long chase.
Another team was thrown into the pit with a group of armored hounds—dogs bred for war with metal plates strapped to their bodies and teeth filed to points. One fighter lost their hand. The other jammed a spear into a dog's throat before it could finish the job.
Then came Lambert.
Thorfinn leaned forward slightly. Lambert stood across from two massive Nile crocodiles, both easily fifteen feet long, their scales thick as iron plates. One snapped its jaws so fast it crushed a helmet that had been left on the field. The other slid low, its belly pressed to the sand as it stalked.
The woman with Lambert moved first, using her spear to bait them. Lambert circled around the side and used a pile of debris to get higher ground. When the crocs lunged, he dropped onto one from behind and stabbed into the side of its neck with a short sword, wrenching it in deep. The woman kept the second at bay with sharp strikes to its snout and eyes.
It was a good fight.
Thorfinn gave Lambert a silent nod.
The Nubian clapped. "Your friend fights well. You must've trained together."
Thorfinn didn't answer.
Finally, after the last match ended and the sand was cleared again, a horn sounded.
A gate opened near the bottom of the colosseum.
The announcer's voice boomed through the arena. "AND NOW—A MATCH WORTHY OF SONG! TWO WARRIORS! ONE LEGENDARY BEAST!"
Thorfinn stood.
The Nubian was already bouncing in place, rolling his shoulders and shaking out his legs like a runner before a sprint. He slapped Thorfinn's back and grabbed both his shoulders.
"This is it!" he shouted. "This is the moment! A king meets kings! Do you feel it? The blood, the air, the gods above watching with open mouths?!"
Thorfinn didn't even blink.
The Nubian tightened his grip and gave him a hard shake. "This is destiny! This is madness! This is—" He stopped himself, then grinned wider. "This is going to be fun."
Thorfinn sighed. He walked toward the gate without another word.
The Nubian danced behind him, fists clenched, eyes lit with fire.
The crowd roared as the announcer called out the name once again.
"THE KING OF GORILLAS! THE TITAN OF THE JUNGLE! THE UNBEATEN!"
"KING KONG!!"
"VS!!!!"
"THE NORTHMAN!!!!"
"AND!!!!"
"THE NUBIAN!!!!!!!!"
And the gates creaked open. They creaked open with the sound of metal grinding against itself, and the sun spilled in across the bloodstained sand as Thorfinn and the Nubian stepped into the arena.
The Nubian immediately raised both arms to the crowd, shouting in a booming voice as he jogged in wide circles around Thorfinn. "WITNESS US!" he called out. "THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH—UNITED UNDER THE EYE OF FATE!"
The crowd responded with whistles and cheers, stamping their feet in approval. The Nubian did a spin, then dropped into a backflip, landing clean on both feet before bowing low with one hand outstretched toward the stands.
Thorfinn ignored all of it.
His eyes moved slowly, scanning the terrain. The arena had been restructured again. This time it was more than just sand. They'd brought in sections of jungle—palm trees, roots, vines, moss-covered rocks, broken wooden platforms, and jagged stone outcroppings. It looked more like a dense clearing than a gladiator field.
Perfect for something large.
Perfect for something that could climb.
Thorfinn's eyes locked onto the far side of the arena where two weapons had been laid out as if by accident, or design. A long iron spear, its tip dark with dry blood, and a curved sword with a chipped edge. Both were placed well apart, one near the roots of a fallen tree, the other half-buried in a mound of stone.
They were too far from each other to retrieve both quickly.
Thorfinn made his choice.
Without a word, he broke into a light sprint, leaving the Nubian behind as he continued entertaining the crowd with flourishes and bows. Thorfinn darted past a low mound, then jumped, grabbing onto a branch with one hand before pulling himself up. The wood creaked but didn't snap. He used it to swing himself upward toward a tall boulder jutting out from the earth, one of the few pieces of high ground available. As he landed, he immediately dropped to a knee and reached for the spear that had been wedged between a gap in the stone. He tugged it loose, tested the weight in one hand, and then crouched low, his eyes fixed on the far gate. The one covered in reinforced iron, built thicker than all the others.
That would be where they brought out the beast.
The announcer's voice returned, echoing across the walls, louder than before. The crowd stilled to listen.
"FOR THE SAFETY OF THE NOBLE HOUSES, KING KONG WILL BE CHAINED AT THE ANKLES AND NECK TO PREVENT ESCAPE FROM THE PIT. HE WILL BE GRANTED FULL FREEDOM INSIDE THE ARENA!"
A chorus of excited gasps followed, mixed with wild applause and shouting.
Thorfinn stayed quiet, watching the far end with the patience of a hunter.
He gripped the spear tighter.
Then came the rattling.
Chains moved. Metal scraped. The far gate trembled as something struck it once. Then again. Dust shook free from the arch.
A third strike.
And the gate exploded outward.
Two handlers in full plate armor, armed with spears and chains, were sent flying before they could react. One crashed into a stone wall and collapsed in a heap, blood spilling from the edge of his helmet. The second was caught mid-air and slammed into the ground so hard his bones cracked under the impact. He didn't move again.
Then the beast stepped into the light.
Thorfinn's eyes narrowed.
Kong's body was enormous. His legs were thick as siege columns, his arms longer than his own body, dragging slightly against the ground. His fur was dark and matted with sweat and dirt, and his chest rose and fell like bellows. He wasn't just tall—he was massive. Three times taller than Thorfinn. Four times as wide. While he hadn't even come close to the size of the leviathan he was big enough.
Thorfinn leaned forward slightly.
The creature tugged once against the chains at his ankles and neck. The chains held, but just barely. The entire frame groaned under the strain.
Then Kong roared.
The sound hit like thunder.
Even from the rock, Thorfinn could feel the vibration in his bones. The audience roared back in excitement, standing now, some spilling wine from their cups, some climbing higher on the railings to get a better view.
Kong stomped forward, reached down, and picked up a stone the size of a barrel. With one hand he threw it. It flew across the arena in a blur and slammed into a stone wall on the far side, shattering it completely and sending shrapnel into the sky.
Thorfinn's eyes didn't leave the creature for a second.
So... this was real. Not just a lie conjured up to make things seem more exciting.
He could see it now. The way the thing moved. It wasn't just strong, it was fast. Too fast for something its size. Its eyes scanned the terrain, and it sniffed the air. There was awareness in its movement. Rage, yes. But also intelligence.
Thorfinn shifted the spear in his grip, pressing it against the rock beside him as he leaned forward just enough to adjust his stance.
He'd fought monsters before. Wolves. Bears. Men twisted by magic, vampires, even minor gods. But this... this was different.
This thing was on the cusp of what Thorfinn would describe as his peak. If he didn't use magic and only used the skills he had built up and the body he had, all to the fullest of their ability, he still wasn't sure if he could win.
And that made him smile.
He might actually need to use his magic.
He felt the old current stir under his skin, the heat, the pressure in the air, the flicker of something deeper than muscle.
He hadn't felt this in months.
This fight might actually push him in a way he hasn't been pushed for years. And below, the Nubian stood in the open, arms wide, staring up at the beast with an expression that was either madness or delight.
"This," he shouted, pointing to the gorilla, "is what I was BORN for!"
The Nubian stood alone at the center of the arena, the heat pressing down on him as he rolled his shoulders once and then reached down to tear the remains of his shirt from his body. He grabbed it by the collar and yanked it away, letting the ragged cloth fall to the sand without a second thought. There was no tension in his muscles, no fear in his stance. He stood tall, his arms raised high as he called out to the crowd with a voice that carried easily.
"WILL FORTUNE FAVOUR ME TODAY?!"
He pulled the large coin from the band of leather tied around his waist and raised it over his head. One side held the image of a king seated on a throne, the other a serpent coiled in a circle. He kissed the king's face once and then tossed the coin high into the air. It spun, catching the light as it reached the peak of its arc before dropping back into his palm. He didn't look at it right away. He simply closed his hand and held it still, eyes locked on the crowd as the tension built.
Then he opened his hand.
King's side up.
The crowd let out a cheer. A few in the noble boxes began to clap. Then more followed. Then the stomping began. Feet hit the stone steps. Clap. Stomp. Clap. Stomp.
The Nubian threw his arms to the side, his head tilting back as he let out a loud laugh. He started to bounce on his feet, his chest moving with each breath. He turned once, slowly, and pointed up at the nobles.
"FORTUNE LOVES ME!"
He stepped to the left, then to the right, his feet landing flat before lifting again in rhythm. His shoulders dipped low and then rose as he moved, one side rolling forward while the other pulled back. His knees bent, straightened, bent again, timing each movement to the crowd's claps. He circled his arms at the elbows, right hand forward, left hand backward, then reversed it without pausing. He turned on the ball of his foot, his other leg extended wide as he spun once, twice, then stopped with both feet planted firm and his chest square to the gate.
"COME ON THEN, BIG BOY!" he shouted.
He waved one hand in a slow beckoning motion while stepping back, then another forward. He danced across the sand, keeping the gorilla locked onto him. Kong lowered his head and let out a sound that made the air vibrate again. His mouth opened wide, showing yellow teeth and a tongue thicker than a man's leg. He slammed one fist into the sand and then began to move forward.
His walk turned into a run.
The Nubian didn't move from his spot.
Thorfinn watched from above, still crouched on the high rock. His hand gripped the spear tighter as he narrowed his eyes.
"Fool," he muttered.
He kept his gaze locked on the Nubian's position and the beast's path. If the gorilla tore the man apart, so be it. But if it created an opening, that would be worth it.
The Nubian raised the coin again and flipped it without hesitation. It spun once, twice, three times, and then landed cleanly in his palm. He slapped it against his other hand and paused.
King's side up.
Again.
Thorfinn's eyebrows lifted. He could feel it now, even from this distance. The energy around the Nubian swelled. It was like a pressure building in the air, it was at least twice that of what it was after the first flip, so that meant at least four times as much magic as he normally had. An incredible ability given to an insufferable man.
The Nubian let out a shout. "OH YEAH!"
He bent his knees and thrust his hips forward again and again, as the crowd erupted into louder cheers and heavier stomping. He turned once in place, then pointed at the gorilla charging him.
"YOU'RE MINE!"
He bent down quickly, grabbed two large rocks—one in each hand—and turned with a quick movement of his hips, launching both stones in fast succession with an overhand throw. The rocks weren't shaped evenly. They weren't aimed with any clear technique. And yet somehow, they flew straight. The gorilla's head was tilted slightly to the left. One rock struck its right eye with a loud impact and bounced away. Kong roared in pain, head snapping toward the blow just in time to meet the second rock full in the left eye.
For a moment, Kong reeled.
His steps slowed. His arms came up.
The Nubian was already moving.
He broke into a sprint, feet hammering the sand as he ran toward one of the large trees positioned near the center of the field. He leapt forward and grabbed a low branch, swung once, then pushed off the trunk with both feet to launch himself through the air. His body flipped forward as he raised one leg.
The kick connected clean with Kong's lower jaw.
It wasn't enough to do a lot of damage. But it caught the beast off guard. The head jerked slightly, the eyes squinted further, and Kong turned his body in full toward the Nubian as he landed back on the ground and rolled once to a stop.
The Nubian raised both arms toward the crowd again and spun in another tight circle, feet sliding in the sand.
"FATE IS WATCHING!" he shouted. "AND FATE LOVES ME!"
Thorfinn didn't hesitate.
The moment Kong turned fully toward the Nubian, distracted and off-balance, Thorfinn launched himself from the stone outcropping. His boots scraped against the rock before he leapt across the air, his hands catching a thick tree branch. The branch bent under his weight but held. He used the momentum to swing forward, bending his knees, and then kicked off again, launching himself straight onto the ape's back. His hands tightened on the spear. He brought it down with both arms extended. The weapon pierced flesh just beneath the massive shoulder blade, sinking several inches into thick muscle. There was resistance. The hide was dense and layered with wet fur and muscle tissue. Thorfinn drove it in deeper with his weight, but it wasn't enough to reach anything vital. He could feel the spear slow, the point grinding against bone.
Kong reacted instantly.
The beast roared and reared back, twisting its torso aggressively. Thorfinn held on for a breath longer, then was ripped free as the muscles beneath him shifted violently. The spear remained lodged in the ape's back as Thorfinn was thrown. He twisted in the air and landed hard on the ground, his back sliding in the sand before he rolled upright. Kong's head turned. The blood had begun to pour from the shallow wound, but not enough to slow the creature. It turned toward Thorfinn with its mouth wide open, a snarl ripping through its teeth. One fist slammed into the ground beside it, cracking the terrain. The other arm reached back to swat at its spine, fingers brushing the embedded weapon.
It charged.
Thorfinn stepped back once, but slipped on a loose rock.
And then the Nubian sprinted in from the side and threw a rock that struck Kong in the side of the face. He then reach up and lifted Thorfinn up and moved him further back. "Did you see that?" the Nubian shouted. "I saved your life! That makes us best friends now!"
Thorfinn didn't reply.
"Say it! Say we're friends!"
"Shut up!" Thorfinn yelled as he broke into a sprint. Kong followed behind with both fists pounding against the sand, the chains at its limbs dragging like iron snakes behind it.
The two men ran across the broken arena. Kong's feet slammed into the ground behind them with every step. Each impact kicked dust into the air. Trees bent and snapped from the pressure. The beast gained speed. Its rage grew with every second. As Thorfinn ran, his eyes locked on the sword lying ahead. He adjusted his pace, stepped forward, and kicked it up from the dirt with the side of his foot. It spun in the air. Thorfinn caught it by the handle without slowing.
He veered left, ran around a tree, used the trunk to pivot, and slingshot himself forward. Kong's fist came down. Thorfinn ducked and rolled under it, bringing the sword up with both hands. He slashed underneath the ape's arm. The blade tore through the thick hide, cutting a long, shallow line along the underside of the limb. Blood poured out in a steady stream. Kong howled and swung again. Thorfinn jumped, barely clearing the backhand swipe. But as he spun in the air, the sword slipped from his grip. He twisted his body mid-air, brought his right foot up, and kicked the hilt of the sword mid-spin, sending it flying in a straight line forward.
The blade arced just over the ape's shoulder and missed the eye by a hand's width.
Behind the beast, the Nubian shouted, "GOT IT!" and snatched the sword from the air with both hands. He leapt forward without hesitation and jammed the blade into the side of Kong's face. The sword sank just below the brow. The beast roared again, blood spraying out in a long stream. The Nubian held on for a moment, still gripping the handle, his feet planted against Kong's neck.
Kong thrashed wildly.
He reached up, grabbed the Nubian by the arm, and flung him sideways.
The Nubian's body flew across the arena. He smashed through the upper branches of a tree and crashed into a patch of mossy earth. The impact tore through the undergrowth, but the softness of the terrain broke his fall. He rolled twice before coming to a stop, groaning loudly.
Kong turned back to Thorfinn.
Thorfinn was still moving, still dodging. He weaved between the tree trunks, used the terrain to keep distance, but it wasn't enough. Kong picked up speed again. A massive arm swung out and clipped him across the side.
Thorfinn flew backward.
He smashed through the side of a wooden structure, splinters digging into his skin. His body flipped through the air and crashed through two trees before he landed hard, bouncing against the ground and tumbling over broken roots.
He came to a stop just beside the Nubian, dirt caked in his hair, one arm braced against the earth.
The Nubian coughed and pushed himself onto his elbows.
"This," he gasped, "has got your blood boiling now, right?"
Thorfinn didn't answer. He stood slowly, pain shooting through his ribs.
"It's incredible," the Nubian said, grinning despite the bruise forming along his jaw. "Never have I felt so outmatched by a simple creature."
Then he stood.
He wiped blood from his mouth and took a deep breath. "Time for round two."
He ran toward the ape again.
Kong was standing in the open now, one hand still pressed against the side of its head. The wound bled heavily, but it hadn't slowed. It saw the Nubian coming and raised both fists. The Nubian dropped low and slid under one of the strikes, his hand brushing the sand. He came up fast and slammed his fist into Kong's wrist. The bones in the Nubian's arm should've broken—but they didn't. The magic in his body was enhancing him in almost every aspect. He kicked off a rock and struck Kong across the cheek again.
The beast tried to grab him.
The Nubian flipped backward. Kong's fingers missed his leg by inches. He landed near a log, kicked it up, and launched it toward the beast's chest. The log slammed into the ribs with a thud. The Nubian then jumped on the log before it fell to the ground and delievered a solid punch to the beasts nose which snapped it backwards. Kong managed to slap The Nubian away though as luck would have it he was slapped into a nice big pile of leaves.
Kong turned just in time for Thorfinn to re-enter the fight.
He sprinted across the arena, and spotted the bloodied spear from earlier lodged in Kong's back, and tore it free. As Kong swung at him, Thorfinn ducked and ran beneath the arm. He then grabbed his arm as Kong drew it back which lifted him up, he kicked his legs out flipping up onto the top of his arm; he dodged the slap of Kongs other hand and vaulted over his head. He landed on Kong's back again and grabbed the spear and put his entire body wait into it.
The point sank deeper than before.
Kong howled and reared back. His arms flailed wildly. He spun in place, twisting to reach behind him.
Thorfinn let go and jumped, but not before grabbing the sword stuck in his face; he landed hard on the ground. Kong turned, his face twisted in pain, blood pouring from his wounds. The Nubian came in from the side again and struck him in the stomach with both fists, using all the strength he had. The blow didn't drop the beast, but it made him stagger.
Kong's roar filled the arena, deafening in its intensity, as he stumbled backward from the Nubian's blow. The gorilla's massive frame swayed slightly, his balance disrupted by the sudden strike to his stomach. His eyes narrowed with pure hatred as they flickered between his two assailants. Blood streamed freely from his wounds, dripping into the sand and forming dark pools beneath him. He breathed heavily, chest expanding and contracting with visible effort, but he was far from done.
The Nubian stepped back quickly, his feet shuffling across the sand, his hands raised defensively. His chest rose and fell in rapid breaths, sweat mixing with the blood from cuts on his torso, but his grin widened with excitement. He glanced quickly toward Thorfinn, eyes bright, shouting loud enough to be heard clearly over the screams of the crowd and the ragged growls of the injured gorilla. "We need to work together, Northman!" the Nubian called, shifting his weight from foot to foot, readying himself for another attack. "He's big, he's strong, but he's not smart! We split his attention, trap him with the chains!"
Thorfinn rolled his eyes, annoyed at having to rely on someone else's plan. Yet he could see the logic in it. The chains attached to Kong's ankles and neck were still firmly anchored to heavy iron posts embedded deep into the ground. The gorilla had ripped them partially loose, but their length and position made it possible to entangle him, restrict his movement. Even Thorfinn had to admit it wasn't a bad idea.
"Fine," Thorfinn responded shortly, adjusting his grip on the sword, its blade slick with blood.
Without another word, Thorfinn broke into a full sprint toward the massive gorilla. Kong immediately turned to meet his charge, raising both colossal arms and bringing them crashing down toward him. Thorfinn anticipated the blow perfectly, diving forward into a controlled roll beneath the descending fists. He came up swiftly on the other side, immediately slicing upward with the sword, carving a deep, clean wound into Kong's lower leg.
Kong howled again, spinning to swipe at Thorfinn, but the Nubian was already there, leaping through the air and delivering a powerful kick directly into the open wound Thorfinn had just inflicted. The gorilla's leg buckled slightly, and he stumbled forward, almost dropping to one knee. The Nubian laughed aloud, adrenaline surging through him, clearly invigorated by the chaos of battle.
"COME, YOU UGLY THING!" the Nubian shouted, slapping his chest as he danced backward out of Kong's immediate reach. "FATE IS CALLING FOR YOUR BLOOD!"
The gorilla lunged after him in rage, arms outstretched, massive fingers grasping at empty air. Thorfinn took advantage instantly, leaping onto Kong's back, gripping the fur tightly with one hand, and plunging the sword repeatedly into the beast's shoulder. Blood spurted forth in sharp arcs with each brutal stab, coating Thorfinn's face and arms. Kong twisted violently, flinging Thorfinn off and sending him tumbling through the sand. Thorfinn quickly rolled to his feet, breathing deeply, the sword still clutched firmly in his hand.
The Nubian charged again, shouting wildly while making a weird tongue noise with his mouth, weaving unpredictably toward Kong. His footsteps each were lined up perfectly with the ape's attempts to strike. Kong swung furiously, narrowly missing each time; it was always a small thing that made him miss—the sun light in his eyes, the shifting of the ground—bud miss he did. The Nubian dipped and weaved expertly, ducking low beneath one swing, then springing upward to punch Kong directly in the jaw, snapping the ape's head backward with a loud crack.
Kong staggered again, blood spraying from his lips. He swung another wild fist, but his movements were growing slower and clumsier with each passing second. Thorfinn quickly moved forward once more, ducking low beneath the swipe, then slicing the sword viciously along Kong's ribs. Flesh opened wide, revealing raw muscle beneath. Kong roared with pain and swung his arm back again, catching Thorfinn's shoulder. The force of the blow sent Thorfinn skidding backward, but he managed to stay on his feet, breathing hard and eyes narrowed in fury.
"KEEP MOVING!" the Nubian shouted, circling around Kong again, deliberately drawing the ape's attention. "GET HIM TANGLED!"
Thorfinn quickly adjusted, running parallel to the Nubian but in the opposite direction. Kong turned rapidly, swinging at each of them, but they stayed just beyond his reach, alternating quick jabs and slashes to keep him frustrated and confused. The chains rattled loudly with every twist and turn of the beast's movements, beginning to overlap and catch against one another, limiting his range of motion.
"NOW, NORTHMAN!" shouted the Nubian, ducking swiftly beneath one of Kong's swings. "TIGHTEN THE NOOSE!"
Thorfinn moved instantly, cutting inward and sliding beneath the ape's legs, dragging the chains further around Kong's ankles. The Nubian sprinted around the other side, grabbing another chain and pulling it taut. Kong struggled, roaring desperately, tugging at the chains with frantic strength. But each wild attempt to free himself only tightened them further.
The Nubian laughed loudly, clearly exhilarated, his energy seemingly endless as he continued to dart around Kong, delivering rapid blows with with his enhanced strength. An elbow strike to the back of Kong's knee, a quick jab into his bleeding ribs, another fist hammering into his already injured jaw. Each blow landed cleanly, driving Kong further into a frenzy of pain and confusion. Thorfinn moved fluidly beside him, delivering devastating cuts and stabs. Blood poured from a dozen wounds, each strike expertly placed to weaken and cripple the enormous ape. They continued to move together, weaving seamlessly through each other's attacks, alternating between offensive strikes and defensive dodges, leaving no opportunity for Kong to regain balance.
The Nubian's luck continued to manifest, guiding him perfectly through impossible openings. Kong swung heavily toward him, and the Nubian effortlessly sidestepped, sending the ape's fist smashing against one of the iron pillars, cracking the bones in Kong's knuckles. The Nubian laughed again, eyes wild with excitement. "FATE GUIDES ME, BEAST!" he shouted, dancing further around Kong's side. "YOU WILL FALL TODAY!"
Thorfinn swiftly leaped upward again, plunging the sword deep into Kong's side. Kong howled, twisting violently, trying desperately to shake off his relentless attackers. The Nubian capitalized immediately, jumping onto Kong's arm and scrambling upward, grabbing a thick chain dangling from the gorilla's neck, and pulling it sharply around the creature's throat.
"PULL HIM DOWN!" the Nubian roared to Thorfinn, bracing himself as he tightened the chain. "NOW!"
Thorfinn gripped another chain and pulled fiercely, muscles straining, veins bulging. Kong thrashed wildly, choking, staggering forward and finally collapsing heavily onto one knee. His breathing became ragged, desperate. The Nubian kept the chain tight, screaming with exertion and triumph.
Thorfinn took the sword again, running forward and driving it brutally upward beneath Kong's jaw. The blade pierced deeply, emerging from the other side of Kong's mouth, drenched in blood. Kong's eyes widened briefly, his struggles becoming weaker as blood poured from his mouth in thick gushes. The Nubian released the chain and leaped away, landing lightly beside Thorfinn, breathing heavily and grinning widely. Kong's huge body trembled violently, blood pooling rapidly around him. The ape's arms weakly clawed at the ground, eyes glazing over as he slowly collapsed forward onto the sand.
Thorfinn stood silently, sword dripping in his hand, chest heaving, covered in blood and dirt. The Nubian placed both hands on his hips, breathing deeply, chest rising and falling in exhaustion and triumph. He turned to Thorfinn, his face lit with adrenaline and pride, clapping a heavy hand onto the Northman's shoulder.
"Fate chose wisely today when it led me to you," the Nubian said with satisfaction, glancing once more at the fallen beast. "You're strong, but together we are unstoppable!"
Thorfinn stared at the fallen ape, his breathing slowly steadying. He gave the Nubian a flat look, wiping blood from his face with his arm.
"Fuck off" Thorfinn said finally, though there was little real anger left in his voice.
The Nubian laughed loudly, shaking his head, utterly undeterred by Thorfinn's coldness.
"You can't fool me, Northman," the Nubian replied with another grin. "You enjoyed every second of that. I saw it in your eyes. Admit it."
Thorfinn sighed heavily but offered no further objection. He turned silently back toward the enormous corpse, feeling a strange respect for the man who stood beside him. He had a good plan and he was a good warrior, while could've ended the fight quickly using his quake energy he would never improve that way.
Kong finally seemed to still.
A silence hung over the arena for a single heartbeat before it shattered like glass. The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, rising as one from their seats and shaking the stands with their stomping and shouting. The sound was deafening, reverberating across the sands as the audience celebrated the warriors who had toppled the giant beast. The announcer rushed forward, arms flailing wildly in excitement, his voice booming over the crowd. "INCREDIBLE! UNBELIEVABLE! THESE TWO WARRIORS HAVE BROUGHT DOWN THE KING OF GORILLAS! HAS THERE EVER BEEN SUCH A DISPLAY OF SKILL, STRENGTH, AND STRATEGY IN THIS ARENA?!"
The excitement rippled outward, spreading quickly even to the noble boxes. High above the sands, Niketas rose eagerly to his feet, eyes bright and hands clapping enthusiastically. Beside him, the other nobles exchanged glances and nodded approvingly, applauding with genuine admiration. "Astonishing fighters," Niketas declared loudly, raising his goblet in salute. "They'll serve the Order exceptionally well. We should keep an eye on these two, they've the hearts of champions."
Arwyn sat quietly, her hands moving slowly together in restrained applause, her eyes locked thoughtfully onto the figure standing over the beast. She felt her chest tighten slightly as she studied him, a mixture of confusion and curiosity swirling in her mind. The resemblance to Thorfinn was too striking to dismiss. Yet this man fought differently—more agile, more fluid, less reliant on brute strength and heavy blows. It unsettled her to think Thorfinn might've grown this much without her knowing. But was it even him? She'd seen none of his powerful magic, none of the devastating quake energy she knew he preferred. Could he really have changed his fighting style so drastically?
"I need to see him closer," Arwyn whispered under her breath, unaware she had spoken aloud.
Beside her, Thea leaned in slightly, a gentle curiosity in her voice. "Did you say something, my lady?"
Arwyn quickly shook her head. "No. Just thinking aloud."
The announcer's voice rang out again, drawing attention back to the sands below, his tone brimming with excitement as he paced dramatically in front of the crowd.
"THIS CONCLUDES ROUND TWO OF THE GAMES!" he shouted, punctuating his words with wide, sweeping gestures. "BUT OUR NEXT ROUND WILL BE DIFFERENT! AN UNEVEN NUMBER REMAINS—EIGHT GLADIATORS STAND READY, AND ONLY ONE WILL CLAIM FINAL VICTORY!"
The crowd grew quiet again, anticipation thickening in the air as everyone waited to hear the details.
The announcer continued, his voice rising even louder, full of theatrical drama and excitement. "ROUND THREE WILL BE A FREE-FOR-ALL! EIGHT WARRIORS, EACH CHOOSING THEIR OWN WEAPONS! NOTHING WILL BE FORBIDDEN—NO WEAPON, NO TECHNIQUE! LET THEM UNLEASH THEIR TRUE STRENGTH AND SKILL!"
The response was immediate. Cheers exploded again, louder than before. Shouts and whistles echoed around the stands, spectators eager to see the pure chaos of skilled warriors fighting without restrictions. Bets were quickly shouted and exchanged between the nobles and commoners alike. The excitement reached a fever pitch.
On the sand below, Thorfinn hummed thoughtfully, showing little outward reaction to the announcement. The idea intrigued him. A free-for-all without limitations suited him perfectly, giving him a chance to use his own sword and maybe go full out. Though he doubted it would be necessary, it was still an opportunity he could appreciate; plus he could finally kill the annoyance next to him. He started moving toward the exit, leaving the giant corpse of Kong behind.
The Nubian quickly followed, still grinning broadly, his energy seemingly undiminished despite the grueling fight. He fell into step alongside Thorfinn, immediately launching back into cheerful chatter. "This will be magnificent!" the Nubian declared, his eyes bright with anticipation as he walked beside Thorfinn. "No restrictions! We could even fight each other—though, of course, I'd prefer we remain brothers in battle. After what we just did, surely you see fate herself has chosen us as comrades!"
Thorfinn ignored him, continuing silently forward, though he rolled his eyes again at the constant noise coming from his companion.
The Nubian pressed on, undeterred by Thorfinn's silence. "Think of it, Northman! A free-for-all! The chaos, the bloodshed—our names will echo forever through this city. Legends will speak of the day we brought down a king among beasts and then conquered our fellow warriors in single combat!"
"Quiet," Thorfinn finally muttered, hoping to silence him, though it was clear from the Nubian's continued enthusiasm that such a task was impossible.
The Nubian laughed heartily, placing a hand momentarily on Thorfinn's shoulder before it was shrugged off. "Oh, you're impossible! You love it, though, don't deny it! The roar of the crowd, the blood on your blade, it fuels you as much as it fuels me. Admit it, friend."
Thorfinn grumbled quietly under his breath but offered no further argument. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed forward, moving swiftly through the archway that led off the field, eager to finally escape the relentless commentary of the man beside him. Though he found him infuriating, Thorfinn had to admit to himself that the Nubian had skill, luck, and an irritating but effective ability to rally both crowd and warriors alike.
They passed through the stone archway, shadows swallowing them briefly as they stepped into the holding area beneath the stands. Torches flickered softly along the walls, illuminating the faces of the other surviving gladiators who waited there—each warrior quiet, tense, preparing themselves mentally for the coming battle. Lambert stood leaning casually against the far wall, his eyes meeting Thorfinn's briefly in acknowledgment. Thorfinn gave him a small nod but no words passed between them.
The Nubian strode confidently into the room, greeting the others loudly, drawing several annoyed glances from the quieter fighters. He quickly turned back to Thorfinn, speaking just as energetically as before.
"You know," he began, his voice slightly more conspiratorial, "I think fate wants us to reach the final two. Imagine that... a final showdown between brothers-in-arms! It would be legendary."
Thorfinn sighed deeply, shaking his head slightly, finally forced to respond. "I'm not your brother."
The Nubian smiled warmly, shrugging off Thorfinn's dismissive tone. "Yet fate has made us so."
Lambert appeared suddenly, a broad, irritating grin on his face as he approached Thorfinn and the Nubian. He slapped Thorfinn roughly on the shoulder, earning himself a fierce glare from the Northman.
"Didn't know you'd made a friend, Thorfinn," Lambert said, chuckling loudly as he sized up the Nubian. "Who's your new buddy?"
Thorfinn exhaled sharply, irritation clear on his face. "Fuck off, Lambert," he muttered, sitting down heavily on the stone bench.
Lambert laughed again, completely undeterred by Thorfinn's annoyance, and turned to the Nubian. "Lambert," he said, extending a hand. "Nice moves out there. Youre a contract magician right?"
The Nubian shook Lambert's hand firmly, smiling warmly. "Indeed, friend. Fate has blessed me."
Lambert raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident. "How does that work exactly?"
The Nubian withdrew his coin, flipping it deftly between his fingers. "Simple enough," he explained. "I flip this coin. If it lands king-side up, my fortune, and thus my magic grows."
"It makes you stronger too?" Lambert asked, clearly fascinated.
"Exactly," the Nubian confirmed.
Lambert eyed the coin thoughtfully. "How many times can you flip it?"
The Nubian's grin widened dangerously. "There's no limit," he said, "but the risk grows each time. A single wrong flip weakens me significantly, robbing my strength and luck. Flip it many times, and a single failure might even kill me."
Lambert shook his head slowly, a low whistle escaping his lips. "Harsh conditions," he commented.
"Fortune favours the brave," the Nubian replied with a confident smile.
Lambert glanced at Thorfinn, smirking mischievously. "What do you think, Thorfinn? Up for a little risk like our new friend here?"
Thorfinn stood abruptly, clearly annoyed. "Both of you, fuck off," he growled, walking briskly away from them, deeper into the quieter corners of the preparation chamber.
He paused near an archway, leaning against the cool stone as he scanned the crowded chamber. There were plenty of faces he recognized, hidden assassins mixed discreetly among the spectators, undoubtedly Geralt watching from some hidden spot as well. He hoped the plan would go off without a hitch, he wanted to be done with this city. It was funny in a way. A year ago coming to this city was his dream, and now it's become nothing more than a nightmare.
"Thorfinn." A familiar voice cut through the noise, sending an unexpected jolt through his chest. He turned slowly, his heart beating quicker.
Arwyn stood there, dressed in fine garments befitting royalty. Her long blonde hair was woven intricately, framing a face that had grown even more beautiful with time. Her blue eyes watched him closely, and the soft fabric of her clothing clung gracefully to her slender, athletic frame, accentuating her body to an incredible degree.
"Arwyn," Thorfinn said, fighting to keep his voice steady.
(AN: So Thorfinn and his friends have beaten Kong, and now he has seen Arwyn again for the first time in months. I wonder how this will go. Hope you enjoyed it.)
Support if ya can.
Patreon.com/captainalfie78works