>>5703458You think about perhaps offering a quick prayer to the Goddess, beseeching her to watch over your men in tomorrow’s fights. If recent events were anything to go by though, she doesn’t seem to hold the Blackwings in any particularly high regard. Instead, you decide to sate more carnal pleasures. After all, if tonight was to be the last night you were alive, at the very least you could try to enjoy yourself. You find Ashe and bring him back to your room under the cover of darkness. The Sreng raiders were still camping outside the tower, laughing, boasting, and keeping up that awful banging sound. Despite all the racket though, you’re able to drown out the noise as you lay down with your lover and embrace each other.
>(+4 DEX temporary to Blair)The next morning, you and the Blackwings exit Conand Tower and come across a sight that nearly makes your heart stop. It turns out Prince Leif wasn’t lying about backup arriving. There were far more raiders here today than yesterday, and their tents were encircling the tower. As for all that noise you’d heard yesterday, you quickly discover what the source was. Several feet in front of the tower was what looked to be a makeshift arena, constructed from the surrounding forest’s wood. The Sreng raiders had managed to build a raised wooden platform, cordoned off by fencing to keep bystanders out. At each end of the arena were what looked to be stands for onlookers, complete with benches. While one side was empty, the other was already full of raiders, each of them jeering and booing the Blackwings as they began pouring out of the tower. It was almost laughable how much they outnumbered you. You were certainly not the hometown favorite.
“Blair! I hope Ronan hasn’t been causing you any trouble.” Leif calls upon spotting you, arms open wide. On his right side is Sebastian, who looks completely unenthused to be here. On his left is Maeve, who silently stares at you with seething indignation. “We’ve been trying to treat your man here to some warm Sreng hospitality, but so far, he’s refused to eat or drink with us at all. Bit of a wet blanket, this one.”
“Commander.” Sebastian salutes you. “I look forward to celebrating our victory today.”
>“So, we’re in agreement?” You address the prince, flanked by both Ronan and Corrine. “If we win, you’ll leave us alone?”“But you won’t win!” Maeve interjects. “You and your band of cutthroats will meet your end here!”
“Aye, that’s the idea, Blair.” Leif says, ignoring Maeve with a roll of his eyes. “Have your first fighter ready to go in three minutes. They’ll both meet in the ring, dueling until one falls in battle. To the death or otherwise.”
>“Fine by me, I’m ready to start whenever you are.” 