Prince Adam

Doctor Johnston rested one palm against the door in front of him before looking over his shoulder at Demenik with a smile. Loud cheering could be heard beyond the thick wooden door.

"I still remember my first view of the Pit stadium, Demenik. I am envious of what you are about to experience."

He swung the door wide and they walked out onto a balcony of golden brown stone at the highest part of the enormous round stadium. Over a hundred rows of flat bench seats descended toward the ring. Near the bottom, directly above the flat fighting pits, were luxury box seats filled with the city's privileged who paid handsomely for the best view of the action.

"I did not expect it to be so large." Demenik's voice was almost a shout so that he could be heard over the roar of the crowd. "Nor so full of people."

The doctor laughed. "The Pit is always filled like this, my friend. This is the greatest form of entertainment in our city, which is why I was surprised to hear that you have never been here."

"I can assure you that I will not wait another twenty-two years to return."

The doctor laughed and slapped Demenik on the back. "Of that, I am certain. Now let's go down a bit closer so we can see the action, shall we?"

Demenik looked at him. "I thought our seats were up here."

"Heavens no. I brought you up here to see the grandness of it all, for a proper first impression." He pointed to the box seats far below. "I don't have special access to this place only to be forced to sit in the worst seats."

"That makes sense."

They descended to the lower level through the back stairways. The doctor led them down a long hall and opened an ornate set of doors.

Demenik looked over his shoulders toward the highest seats. "Yes, this is better."

The doctor chuckled and led the way past a half dozen of the luxury boxes, nodding to various people as he did so. Many of the patrons also smiled and called out to Demenik, who returned the greetings.

"You're a popular young man. It has taken me decades to do what you have in only a few short years."

"I have been fortunate."

The doctor snorted and entered a vacant box. "You have worked harder than anyone I have ever known."

"Thank you, Doctor."

The two men sat at the railing's edge. Demenik plucked a grape from a plate filled with fresh fruit and popped it into his mouth while a beautiful woman servant poured a glass of red wine. "These seats are marvellous, Doc. Are there better in the house?"

"These are the best."

"I am impressed. You are treated like royalty."

"That's because he is in the royal box," a voice said behind them.

Demenik turned to see the speaker and bolted up as he recognized the man entering the box with a beautiful young lady on his arm and two tall guards behind him.

Demenik lowered his eyes to the ground and tilted his head for effect as he executed a perfect court bow.

The prince lowered his hand and moved ahead of the young woman, leaving her to stand at the entrance to the private area while the guards each took up position on either side of the entrance and turned to face the crowd. His smile was warm and genuine as he shook hands with the doctor. "Doctor, it is so good to see you again. You honour me with your presence on this day."

"The honour is entirely mine, Your Royal Highness." The doctor half turned and raised one hand to indicate Demenik. "This is my friend and business partner, Demenik Wrathen. Demenik, I would like to formally introduce you to His Royal Highness, Prince Adam Rethnal."

The two men shook hands. "It is an honour, Your Royal Highness," Demenik said.

The prince's smile broadened into a grin. "I have heard much about you, Demenik. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

Demenik started to frown, but turned the expression into a smile. "Truly? I am surprised to hear that you know of me at all."

"I work hard to know the players who live in the kingdom which I will someday rule. Even at court, the young lion is known."

"I'm not certain that bodes well for me."

The prince shrugged. "The reviews are mixed. Some mutter and make dour faces when your name is mentioned, but the majority seem to think well of you."

"That is good to know, Your Grace."

The prince turned and looked at the woman and she approached them. "This is the Lady Sandra. She has graciously agreed to be my companion for the day."

The men greeted the lady and then took their seats, the prince and lady in the middle, Demenik to the prince's right.

"I hear that this is your first visit to the stadium, Demenik." The prince looked at the large pit below.

"Yes, Your Grace. It appears to be a well-attended event."

The prince laughed. "It is indeed. Who do you like in the lists today, Doctor?"

The doctor recited a few names and the prince nodded. "And what of the final match for the day?"

"Ricin will be victorious in the death match today, Your Grace."

"Truly? He faces three of the best fighters the land has to offer, and is but one man. The odds are overwhelmingly against Ricin, yet still you choose him?"

"I have watched fighters enter that deep pit for over twenty-five years, Your Grace. Ricin's skills are on par with the legends of the sport."

Prince Adam nodded and looked at Demenik. "Interesting perspective. What do you say, Demenik?"

"I placed my bet earlier, Your Grace. I know nothing of the Pits and so base my decision on the experience of my host."

The prince chuckled and peeled a small fruit, extending half of it towards Lady Sandra beside him. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth to accept the morsel. A faint smile curved her lips as she chewed. "It is polite to bet according to one's host," the prince's gaze drifted towards the Lady Sandra's ample bosom. "But the size of the bet is more telling. Of course, it is none of my concern, but would you be willing to share the amount you have bet on this warrior?"

"Five hundred gold."

Prince Adam's smile froze and he inclined his head towards the doctor. The doctor raised one eyebrow and nodded.

The prince raised one hand and, a moment later, a guard stood at his side. "I would like you to place a bet on my behalf."

"Of course, Your Grace." The man leaned closer to the prince.

The prince smiled, looked down at the golden sand of the pit below for a moment, and then nodded. "Bet one thousand gold on Ricin to win the death match."

The guard's eyes bulged. "I'm sorry, I did not hear you correctly."

"You did. One thousand gold."

The guard cleared his throat and his eyes darted to the doctor and then to Demenik. After a moment, he bowed. "As you say. One thousand gold on Ricin to win." He backed out of the booth and departed.

"Well, gentlemen. It seems that our fortunes are intertwined this day. Let us enjoy ourselves while we look forward to the final match, shall we?"

The massive gates to the Pits opened and the crowd roared. Two warriors emerged and stood at opposite points with their backs against the wall and weapons drawn.

"I am glad that we met today, Demenik."

"As am I."

"Perhaps this will be the start of an interesting friendship."

Demenik bowed his head, careful to conceal the smile on his face.