Lawrence p.o.v

I ate, alone as usual, around me people laughed and joked with their siblings. But I had no one, a table all to myself. Then, as always, everyone got up to give offerings to the gods, everyone but me.

I'd had enough of the gods, thanks to them my life had been nothing but shit, I didn't see how all these people worshipped them. My sitting was quickly noticed, people started murmuring. After what seemed like ages Chiron spoke.

"Lawrence, why are you still seated."

"Why should I stand, what did these all powerful gods ever do that they deserve my worship." The grumblings grew louder, but Chiron silenced them.

"It is tradition." He was calm but I could hear the strain his voice. I started to eat, a clear message. The campers erupted into anger, the pavilion shook with thunder.

"That's it," I heard Geoffrey's voice, "you've gone too far this time!" Metal rasped against leather, I yanked my lighter from my pocket, spun on my bench and blocked his swing with a newly formed short sword. He sprang back, then swung again, I parried, then Chiron roared.

"Stop this madness at once!" we both froze, glaring at one another. "Lawrence, will you apologize for your disrespect?" I shook my head and heard him sigh. "Then the duel will be held tomorrow, sunrise, in the arena."

*

Sunrise came, I stood in the arena, smoking to calm my nerves, I was sure I could beat him, but good luck telling my brain that. Crowds were gathering in the stands, the whole camp would be watching a spectacle like this.

Then my opponent appeared, clanking in from the other end of the arena, head to toe in heavy armour.

"Coward" I muttered under my breath, and flicked my cigarette butt into the sand. I took my lighter from my pocket and twirled it between my fingers. Chiron stepped out on a raised platform in the stands, the crowd fell silent, awaiting his words.

"Fighters," he bellowed in a voice much more somber than normal, "may the gods be with you." I chuckled, my lighter growing into a thin scottish broadsword. "Let the duel, commence!"

I charged, and aimed a slashed at his shoulder, he blocked with his shield and I danced backward out of reach of his shortsword. He pushed forward slashing down at my head, I sidestepped, parried, then lunged and punched him in the nose with the basket hilt of my sword.

Geoffrey reeled back, so I pressed my advantage, aiming an upward slice at his forearm which he barely managed to block. I aimed a faint left, he moved his shield left, then I changed directions and stabbed at his right arm. He managed to parry, but crossed his arms in the process.

I took this opportunity and kicked his shield trapping his arms, I dance around behind him while he stumbled and slashed up along the back of his thigh. He screamed in pain and fell to one knee. I slashed at his shoulder but he twisted and just got his shield in the way.

Contorted like this I kicked his shield again and he fell right on his ass in the sand. I jumped over him and kicked his sword out of his hand and leveled my blade at his face.

The crowd erupted, some cheering, some booing, I swiped once quickly across Geoffrey's cheek, leaving a long cut from his left ear to the corner of his mouth. Then I stepped back, images of battle flashing through my mind. I tried to ignore them and smiled raising my arms over my head in victory and marching out of the arena, as the crowd continued its mixed cacophony of noise.

*

I was awoken by a slam. I looked around my cabin, bewildered, no one was there, however, my leather armour and lighter were placed on my pillow next to my head. I stood and dressed, tucking my lighter into my jacket pocket, and walked out the door.

Across the courtyard I saw the shadowy figure of a man looking at me, he turned and walked away. I followed him for awhile until I became clear just where he was leading me, the arena. I walked under the entrance arch and saw the figure standing in the center of the stadium.

"I thought you'd learned your lesson?' I called… No reply, I stepped closer and heard movement behind me. I turned but it was too late, someone grabbed my arms, and another knocked out my knees from behind forcing me to the ground. Then he came into view, Geoffrey's smug face staring down at me, I grinned when I saw the bandage on his cheek, and his pronounced lip.

"Feeling a little sore darling?" I moked, "Aw, sorry I know I'm rough. Hope you enjoyed the fucking though!" He kicked me in the gut, but it was worth it. "Ooooh that all you got? No wonder Emilee won't love you!" He slapped me in the face. "You learn that one from your ma?" He punched me, hard. My vision blurred but quickly returned. "Getting there" I clicked my jaw back into place. I opened my mouth to hurl another insult but instead a gag was forced into it. Geoffrey kicked me again, and again, then i was thrown to the ground and the other person started kicking me as well.

They kept kicking me until my vision started to fade, pain engulfing my mind, not even able to call out.