Chapter 321
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Seeing Nadia like this, Eve was filled with great anger. She'd never liked Amanda, but this really hit home. Nadia saw Eve, but tried to turn away. Maybe she was ashamed, maybe she just didn't want Eve to get involved. It was probably both. Eve wondered if she could kill Amanda right here. Mayb strangle her to death before anyone could stop her. But even if Amanda's own guards didn't care enough to avenge her death, the house would have to execute her. If they didn't enforce their own rules, people would have no reason to come here. It seemed like a fair shake, but then Nadia was screwed. Eve knew she had to free her friend, no matter what it cost her.
Jamal and Eve tried to make Amanda an offer for Nadia. Jamal feared he was contributing to the slave system by doing this, but he understood why his wife had to do this. Nadia saved Eve's life, her soul. Jamal was grateful, he'd protect this woman if he could. Jamal and Eve had their clothes, hair, teeth, were willing to work for Amanda for free. But, even combined, Amanda wouldn't take their offer. She seemed to realize that they really wanted this girl, that gave Amanda a distinct advantage. Amanda did suggest a bet. Her guy would fight Jamal. If Jamal won, Amanda would free Nadia. If Amanda's guy won, Jamal would belong to her. Eve looked at Amanda's men. If she chose one of them, Jamal would clearly be the underdog. From Amanda's smile, she clearly expected to own a new slave very soon.
Jamal considered Amanda' offer. He looked around, though about the other games here. People thought he was trying to avoid saying yes. Noone here could blame him for this fear, not even Eve or Nadia. Nadia was even signaling for him and his new wife to just walk away, leave her to her miserable fate. But then, he made Amanda a counter-offer. Jamal agreed to fight any of Amanda's enforcers, provided he could choose which set of rules they would follow. Amanda agreed, she brought her most muscular enforcer, whom she called "Rocky" to an area set aside for these fights. People had seen this agreement, some followed, quickly began making bets. Most bet on how long before Rocky beat Jamal. A few bet on Jamal winning, they seemed to like longshots. Eve feared her husband would be killed, or enslaved. But Jamal assurred his wife that he had a plan.
Eve wondered exactly what Jamal's plan was. He said he couldn't take the chance that Amanda's informants were listening. Eve feared he was bluffing, hadn't she lost enough people recently? The rules were set up. Jamal and Rocky woud fight in an arena. An hour-glass would signify how much time was left. Whoever was still standing when this hour class was done would be the victor. Judges were brought over to observe. They didn't care how violent this fight became, they mostly just wanted to make sure all bets were paid. Eve couldn't help but notice a few people with on hand in the crowd. Clearly the rules were enforced. Jamal's only advantage seemed to be that Amanda might not want him hurt too badly. He'd fetch a higher price if he looked strong. The fight began. Rocky hurt Jamal early. Things didn't look good. Eve prayed this was rope-a-dope, but he was running out of time. The hour glass had maybe a minute left. Jamal got up, taunted Rocky. Rocky ran towards Jamal. At the last possible second Jamal stepped aside and tripped Rocky. Rocky not only fell down, he knocked over the hour glass, completely shattering it. This suprised the crowd, made some happy, others uneasy. Jamal turned to the judges and said "I'm the one still standing, and the hour glass has stopped. Am I not the victor?" The three judges taled briefly. After one minute they declared Jamal the winner. His plan might've been un-orthodox, but he'd followed the rules and won. Amanda didn't look pleased. But she needed to obey these judges, or people would have no incentive to gamble wih her. She gave Jamal his prize, Nadia was a free woman.