Betrayal

SCENE 13, 14 & 15

Mila charges down on Jonas but Jonas rolls, on his shoulders, to the side and jumps on Mila who is on the ground. The fight is over and Jonas has won. He tries to relax and breathe properly. While leaving the arena through the same corridor, he's acclaimed by the crowd. Zander congratulates him

Zander
You did it Jonas, that's unbelievable.

Jonas
I see the faith you had in me!

Zander
Don't hear me wrong. It's just that I thought your chances to win were pretty slim.

They arrive in a bigger corridor and a guard advances towards them.

Guard
(Speaking to Jonas) Athena requests your presence immediately. Please follow me.

Jonas
(To Zander) Don't worry. I'll see you later.

Jonas follows the guard through the corridor.

Inside Athena's quarters. It is a big room with a huge bed along the middle of one of the walls. There are loads of pillows and drapes. There is a table filled with luxurious food and drinks. The guard opens the door and introduces Jonas. Then, he leaves with a bow.

Guard
Goddess, this is Jonas Quinn.

Athena
I am pleased to meet you, Jonas.

Jonas bows while Athena gets off her bed to join him.

Jonas
So am I, your highness.

Athena
You are the first in many years to have surprised me. No man from here would have chosen a Goddess for a tournament such as this one. Still, you did! (Keeping silent for a moment) Why? (Walking towards him)

Jonas
Highness, you are, after all, the goddess of wisdom and battle. This is everything a warrior should wish for in a fight. The courage to outsmart his adversary.

Athena
You speak very well for a warrior. And you fight very well for a stranger. I was truly impressed by your victory! (She walks to the table and takes a glass, fills it with water. Then, she puts some powder in the glass and gives it a stir slowly, carefully, turning her back to Jonas)

Jonas
Thank you! But I wouldn't have done it without the help of one of your subjects, a young boy working here. (While Jonas is talking, Athena walks towards him with the glass.)

Athena
Be sure to thank him for his lessons, (handing the glass to Jonas) you must be tired. Drink! You will feel better. (Jonas drinks the beverage and at once finds it impossible to take his eyes off Athena. He's fascinated by her, enchanted.)

Jonas
I am honoured to fight on your behalf, my goddess.

Athena
Very nice, but now that this is over, I have some news for you. While you were fighting, you friends were caught trying to free the blond girl and are now imprisoned with her. I am sorry.

Strangely, Jonas does not react to the news. He stands still.

Jonas
I think I should go and see them before the next battle. Isn't that the right thing to do in this kind of situation?

Athena
Indeed, go! And I will watch your next fight with care.

Jonas
Thank you!

He bows and then walks towards the door. He takes a last glance at Athena before leaving.