It was as if everyone was waiting on that first blow before jumping into action. Marcus lunges for the closest of Elena's men, his sword slicing through his shoulder leaving a bloody gash. He spun out of the way of the spiked chain as it flew towards him, only to be grazed by the spikes of another. Jacous's blade connected with the neck of the man, the blood marring the pristine sand.
From the royal stands, Elena shifts in her seat her eyes darting over to her father. On the kings command pits open up in the ring from which two massive lions spring. The nearest lion pounced on one of Jacous' men, his teeth ripping through the man's neck. A rasping cry ripped through Jacous chest as he plunged his sword into the back of the lion's neck, the blood adding another layer to the blade.
From behind him he heard the slice of chains through the air, before he could react he felt the fire of spikes ripping through leather and into his back. His knees connected with the sand, the sickening trickle of warm blood spilling down his back. He heard the sandals crunching through the sand as his attacker approached. Jacous' hand slipped to the belt around his waist, grasping the hilt of the short knife hidden there. His ears were ringing and black spots were dancing in front of his eyes. Just as he heard the slide of metal from a sheath he spun plunging the knife into the man's jugular.
His body gave out on him and he collapsed only to be caught by the arm of Marcus around his back.
"We shall not die today." Marcus shouted fighting off the advancing man with his sword.
Jacous hoisted his blade from the sand and joined in the fray. The helmet of the man came off as he fell to the bloodied sand. Jacous froze for a moment, it was the same man who killed his brothers. His boot connected with the man's windpipe, making him sputter and writhe underneath him.
"This is for my brothers." He gripped the hilt of the small blade in his hand and held back the man's head, the thrum of his jugular clear underneath the marred skin.
"STOP! The match is won." the shout of King Seasar broke through the hush that settled over the ring.
Jacous did not move, the blade drew a spot of blood from the man's throat.
"Not like this Jacous. You will have your day." Marcus gripped his shoulder and he released the blade and the man.
"People of Angusa. I introduce today's winners. The men of Vartus." Seasar announced, an uproar of cheers flowing through the crowd.
Jacous turned, his eyes meeting with Irina's and then darkness.