“It’s true,” Virgil said. “I’m going to give you some space. I’ll watch with Calvin until you’re safely through the entrance.”
Seth took his place at the end of the line, trying not to look over his shoulder too much. He half expected to see Celebrant or Kerzian shoving their way through the crowd, but neither of them materialized. Seth scanned the area with his shadow-charming senses and soon perceived Reggie drifting his way.
They gave up, Reggie communicated once he drew near.
“Stay vigilant,” Seth murmured.
I am, Reggie assured him. They are heading off in a whole different direction.
“They may be back,” Seth whispered.
I’ll remain alert, Reggie promised.
Seth tried to relax as the line inched forward. He felt like he was doing a horrible job of hurrying away from danger. At least Reggie was keeping watch. Finally, Seth reached the front of the line, and a minotaur waved him through the entrance. If the guards noticed Reggie, they gave no sign.
“Still with me?” Seth whispered as he walked along the corridor to the arena.
I’m here, Reggie conveyed.
Seth went through the coral archway at the end of the corridor. The clear day felt warmer than in Humburgh, and the air was placid. Seth entered the coliseum and headed for the ramp down to the underground barracks.
I feel something, Reggie expressed excitedly. Someone. A familiar energy.
“Good,” Seth said. “Let’s follow that feeling.”
This way, Reggie expressed.
Seth ignored the crowd and the enticing aromas wafting from food stands. The cheering of the fans faded into the background as he focused on perceiving and following Reggie. They soon reached a gate guarded by a minotaur with a black head and gray fur dappled with dark spots.
The minotaur barred his way with a poleax. “Where are you going?”
Want me to knock him flat? Reggie asked.
“Diplomacy,” Seth whispered.
“What was that?” the minotaur asked.
“I’m visiting some of the gladiators,” Seth said.
The minotaur snorted. “We know about you. Last time you poked around where you didn’t belong. Stick to the common areas.”
“That’s my plan,” Seth said.
The minotaur stepped aside. Staying focused on Reggie’s unseen presence, Seth followed him down a long, gently curving ramp, then to the bottom of some grimy stairs. He traversed cramped halls and descended more stairs to an unfamiliar passageway lined with doors.
We’re near, Reggie communicated.
“Lead on,” Seth said.
Before long, Seth sensed Reggie stop in front of a certain door. In here.
Seth knocked. He was about to knock again when the door opened.
“Seth?” Fenrick asked. “This is a surprise. How did you find me?” He looked freshly bathed, a towel hanging around his neck, his damp hair newly combed.
“I’m surprised too,” Seth said. “You need to hear the story behind it. Can I come in?”
“Only for a minute,” Fenrick said, stepping back. “Two of my trainees face off in the arena shortly. I’m guaranteed a win and a loss today.”
He feels familiar, Reggie enthused.
“He’s part of you,” Seth whispered. “You’re part of him.”
“What was that?” Fenrick asked, tossing his towel beside a laving basin and grabbing a pair of sandals.
“How would you like your memories back?” Seth asked.
“Sure, who wouldn’t?” Fenrick replied. “I know you would.”
“It’s a risk,” Seth said. “Some of it could be heavy.”
Fenrick regarded him more seriously. “I would want to remember.”
“What if I said I had found your memories and brought them here?”
I belong here? Reggie verified.
“I have to admit I wouldn’t believe you,” Fenrick said, strapping on his sandals. “Are they in your pocket?”
“I named your memories Reggie,” Seth said. “They got lost without you. I think it will make sense once you’re reunited.”
“Are you serious?” Fenrick asked.
“Reggie, you wanted me to tell you who you are,” Seth said. “You’re not dirt. You’re Fenrick. You’re an important part of him.”
Seth felt Reggie surge at Fenrick, who fell to his knees, waving his hands as if he were being attacked by bats. “What’s happening?” Fenrick cried.
I . . . can’t . . . become him, Reggie conveyed with frustration.
Seth could sense Reggie pressing against an unseen barrier. Apparently Fenrick could feel it as well.
“Stop pushing, Reggie,” Seth said. “Fenrick, I think you have to invite your memories in.”
“That force is my memories?” Fenrick asked. “What’s your game? I felt under attack.” He rose and retrieved a short sword, pointing it at Seth.
“Your memories exist separately from you right now,” Seth explained. “Like a phantom. I found them on my way here. I’m helping you the way I wish somebody would help me.”
“You really believe this?” Fenrick asked.
“It was confirmed by the Diviner,” Seth said.
“I don’t know who that is,” Fenrick said. “But, all right, phantom, if you really are my memories, I invite you to return.” He spread his arms wide.
Seth sensed Reggie dissolving into Fenrick.
Fenrick swayed, his sword clattering to the floor. He closed his eyes, fingers pressed against his temples, then dropped to one knee, head bowed. After a moment, he looked up at Seth.
“No,” he whispered, eyes darting. “I don’t believe it. All this time.”
“What?” Seth asked.
Fenrick closed his eyes tightly, sweat beading on his brow. “Please . . . allow me a moment. This isn’t happening. How could . . . ? Wait, of course.” He laughed nervously. “No. No, no, no. I can hardly . . . it’s like waking from a long sleep. From a coma. No, it’s like nothing else. Master, I mean Seth, I need a moment.”
Fenrick arose, then walked into a neighboring room, muttering to himself. Seth heard him pounding a mattress.
Seth waited, hoping Fenrick was okay.
“I can’t believe it,” Fenrick mumbled in astonishment, apparently to himself. “This is too much to absorb.” Seth was pretty sure Fenrick started weeping.
Seth remained respectfully quiet.
After splashing water on his face, Fenrick returned to the room and paused, a new energy about him. He clutched a wooden stake in one hand. “Fenrick was a false name.”
“Were you aware?” Seth asked.
“I had no idea,” he said. “My name is Merek. And I have lived for a long time.”
“You were in the Games?” Seth asked.
Merek grinned. “Not on the arena floor. Not ever. Any
