and watched the redness begin to fade. After taking two large swigs, he tossed the pouch back to BJ and exited the arena.
With Sam clear of the fighting surface, Shalee turned and took a few steps toward the arena headmaster and addressed the snake. “Well ... it appears that settles it, doesn’t it Farogwain? Sam is your champion. I’m sure you don’t wish to dispute the result of the battle.”
The fear consumed Farogwain’s face as the serpent simply nodded.
“Wonderful.” Shalee grabbed Helga’s arm and just before she left the headmaster’s box, she called back over her shoulder, “I was hoping you wouldn’t agree. I really needed a new pair of shoes. Oh, well.”
The snake cringed at the thought.
Sam went to the arena the next Peak to collect his winnings, but before he could leave, BJ ran up and stopped him. “Someone of great importance is here. No one is allowed to leave until this person speaks. They have posted guards at every exit.”
“Who is it?” Sam snapped. “I have a headache and my ribs still hurt. The pain in my head has been getting worse all Peak. I want to go back to the inn and drink the rest of what Soresym gave me.”
“ You’ll have to wait. They’re not telling anyone who it is, but when someone is given this kind of privilege, it’s usually a member of the Royal Family.”
Sam rolled his eyes. “Whoever it is ... he puts on his pants just like you and I do. I’m not in the mood for dealing with some pompous jerk who wants to throw his weight around.”
A male voice from behind Sam spoke. “Pompous, he says. I heard you were a strong man, but I would not have imagined that you viewed royalty with such disregard.”
Sam turned to look. The figure was well-dressed, and he clearly heard everything he had said.
BJ knew who was speaking. The trainer backed against a wall, and dropped to one knee.
Sam did not care in the least and turned to defend his position. “It’s not that I view royalty with disregard, I’m not in the mood to kiss someone’s ass. I have a headache. I feel sick, and all I want right now is to get some sleep. Who are you anyway?”
BJ shouted to get Sam’s attention. “Sam, shut up! The man you’re talking to is Prince Aaron. He’s the king’s son.”
Sam whirled around. “So what! Like I said, he puts his pants on like you and I do, unless you know of some royal secret I don’t.”
The prince laughed, “Sam, Sam, my good man. You’re clearly out of sorts. I’m glad I came and not my father. He would’ve had you beaten for your words. I, on the other hand, would like to think that I understand the peoples’ frustrations. Perhaps we could have a respectful conversation. I have come a long way to see you, and I would appreciate your company.”
Sam studied the royal figure. Prince Aaron had sandy-blond hair, blue eyes, and although his frame was not a fighter’s frame, he was fit. His black robe was trimmed in gold. Embroidered at the center of his black cape, also trimmed in gold, was a shield of the same color, and at the center of this shield sat a scale, the crest of Brandor.
Aaron ordered the healer to fetch something for Sam’s headache. “Perhaps when the healers return, we could walk.”
Sam took a deep breath. “Sure, no problem. I’ll talk, but I need to piss first.”
While Sam was gone, BJ made an attempt at damage control. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. He’s hurting. His last few fights have been brutal.”
The prince assured the trainer it was unnecessary to apologize, but this did not make BJ feel better. “Everyone is allowed a bad Peak every now and then. Duke Barthom Brandor has assured me that Sam is a true gentleman. Our conversation will be pleasant.”
When Sam returned, he followed the prince through the cobblestone streets of the town. The prince’s personal guard cleared the way as they went, barring people from stepping outside their doors. Aaron smiled as he watched the children poke their heads above the watering troughs as they passed.
“The duke spoke highly of your character, Sam. I heard about what you did for the Smith family in Haven. I can think of no other fighter who has given his winnings to the family of his fallen opponent. After hearing of this generosity, I spoke with my father. He, too, was impressed.