CHAPTER 149

  I will not cower, I will not submit, I will not go down without a fight. I vow right here and now; Vargr, Jack, and Oliver will wish they had never set eyes on me. Their deaths will be a service to the realm.

  “Today we learn to fight! Tomorrow we survive! The days after that we conquer and become Gladiators of legend! ARE YOU WITH ME”

  “ARGHOOH, ARGHOOH, ARGHOOH. LIVE OR DIE WE FIGHT! ” They chorused, chanting the warrior code from my kingdom.

  I could see the smile on Teal's face, pleased with the turn in my approach and pride shining in his eyes and I knew he had a hand in this.

  “Will you fight for the man who stands next to you! Will you fight alongside me! Will you take back your freedom! Again, ARE YOU WITH ME”

  “ARGHOOH, ARGHOOH, ARGHOOH. LIVE OR DIE WE FIGHT!” They recited again, louder and clearer.

  “Now pair up and begin defense!” They turned, finding the first person, and began to spar; starting with the basic movements Teal and I had been teaching them.