I shook my head, afraid if I spoke my voice would give away my nervousness. Weren’t they scared too? Weren’t they afraid we could die in there? I supposed Aric wouldn’t since he was harder to kill now and faster and stronger.
“I’ve never even seen one. But if I had to choose anyone to face them with, it would be you two,” Aric said, touching the sword at his waist.
“I’ve only ever read about them.” Zyacus took his sword from between his shoulder blades. I wondered when and why he’d moved his weapon from his hip holster.
I’d seen them in previous years. I’d seen them rip a boy apart. I’d seen them laugh as they drove a rusted sword through a girl. I’d seen their huge yellow tusks, and hideous green skin, thick enough to be armor. A putrid smell that lingered about them like a dead rotting corpse. Stringy black hair that looked like it had been soaked in oil. Oh, and they’re at least eight feet tall.
With a scraping sound, Professor Tessam opened each tall metal door.
“It appears as if we’ll be going in separately,” Aric said.
I pulled my sword and took several long breaths.
“You seem nervous,” Zyacus said quietly.
“That’s because I am. And you should be,” I hissed.
Aric put a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve fought vampires and won. You’ll do fine. Trolls are slow and they have no magic.”
“I’ve seen them fight good magic-born students and kill them.” I watched Tessam walk back toward us. Each step haunting. “Don’t underestimate them.”
Tessam stepped up onto the platform. “All students except for the contenders, follow Professor Gilfor to find seating.”
She glided down the steps and gave us a sympathetic smile. “You three are some of our best. Get in there and do what needs to be done. You’ll each need to go in a separate entrance. I suggest you find each other once inside. There are nine trolls.”
“Nine!” I bellowed.
Tessam put a finger to her lips. “Yes. And you have a crowd. Nearly the entire academy is in the stands. And some—some possible wealthy benefactors.”
“Is this entertainment for the rich? To get more donors?” Zyacus growled. “I am not a court jester or a prisoner who fights to entertain.”
“No, but you’ll earn your place here or you’ll go home.” Tessam pursed her lips. “Besides you seemed plenty happy to entertain during the tournaments last year.”
“Who set this up?” I demanded.
“It was an agreement of all kingdoms’ leaders.”
“My mother?” I asked in disbelief. She hated that seventh-year students fought at the end as a final test. For her to allow sixth years on day one was unbelievable. I’d at least thought she would have told me if she’d been outvoted by the warlords.
“She’s aware of the tradition of fighting Wargon Trolls,” Tessam said.
Aric stepped toward the arena. “Fine, let us go and put on a show for your wealthybenefactors.” Aric looked over his shoulder. “I don’t mind killing some trolls. Might be fun.”
As I walked toward the center door, I wished I had his attitude. Maybe I would if I were practically immortal. Aric could use all the benefits of being a vampire and not get caught because he was magic-born. Any extra strength or speed could be attributed to magic. The only thing he couldn’t hide was his rapid healing ability.
Before we stepped in, the crowd suddenly roared. Perhaps they’d announced our pending entrance. “I’ll find you,” Zyacus said and then stepped through his door.
Aric nodded to me and went inside. Tightening my grip on my sword and letting my magic surge beneath my skin, I jogged through the entrance.
Chapter 9
It was pure blackness for several long moments, not even an inkling of light as to where I should go. “Illuminate,” I whispered and a white orb floated above my free hand. At the end of this impossibly long, winding hallway was a wooden door.
When I reached it I lifted the metal latch. As soon as I pushed it open a warm, humid gust of air washed over me. Filled with ferns, shrubs, massive trees and hanging vines, the arena floor was a jungle. Tentatively, I stepped onto the moss-covered ground, eyes darting for danger. Birds called and wings flapped as they scattered to the air. Either my presence scared them or something is nearby…
Snap. I whipped around at the sound of a breaking branch, magic flaring. A whistle cut through the air, a sound I knew well. I dove to my left. An arrow embedded into the tree that had been behind me. From a crouch, I searched all around me but no enemy presented itself. If I stood to my full height another arrow would come then I could see the direction of the shooter. Magical shield up, I rose, the whistle came slightly from the right. The arrow hit my shield and bounced off. I smiled at the Wargon Troll. There you are.
I thought about using fire or lightning but both could set the forest on fire and that would be more of a danger than the trolls. I conjured magical bands that wrapped around the beast’s body until it fell over. I appeared at its side, raised my sword to deliver the killing blow, but a crunch made my hairs stand on end. I turned right as a huge fist holding a jagged sword sliced down at me. My shield deflected the blow but the power behind it flung me to the ground. I rolled as I clung to my sword like my life depended on it, which it did.
The troll loomed toward me with malice in its eyes. Crouched, I swung my weapon at its ankles. The troll hopped back and laughed. The other troll thrashed on the ground, trying to escape the bonds.
My eyes darted around for others. I couldn’t be caught off guard a second time. Fortunately I didn’t see any more at the moment. I knew I couldn’t
