Flames of Awakening: Faemoch Cycle Book 1 Read Online Free PDF

continued, "Then I saw
the challenger. Harol of Dantus stepped boldly out from the pit gate carrying a
chakram, the sharpened, circular throwing blade favored in the forests of
Chanua, and a viciously hooked sword. I had seen enough of the world to realize
that, because of his choice of these two complicated weapons, Harol must have
trained for quite some time in distant Chanua. Harol's taut, oiled muscles
glistened and gleamed in the flickering torchlight. The massive animal skull
helm doubled Harol's already impressive size. He flexed several times, showing
off his compact frame to the waiting crowd. Finally, he performed three rapid,
spinning kicks to round out his splendid entrance.
    "The crowd cheered,
unenthusiastically, almost absently. I mean, don't get me wrong. He was quite
remarkable, and so very fast. But the mob had but one fighter they clamored to
see that night. Men, women and children alike tensed in agonizing anticipation,
coiled like a serpent about to strike.
    "The announcer stood, ready to
call the people's champion, and the arena shook to its very foundations. The
multitudes completely drowned out the overmatched herald's booming voice. If
one didn't know the champion's name by that time, one likely never would. The
pedestal gate slowly, ponderously slid open, and out stepped this man,"
Tolian pointed dramatically to Jaxius. "He wore an arm guard of linked
black metal plates, called a manica, on his left arm. He wielded his tremendous
curved blade in the other. His long raven hair flowed in the scant breeze like
a flag unfurled. His bared chest showed the myriad scars of far too many
battles fought and won in the towering stone walls of this unforgiving arena.
He carried himself with a natural noble bearing that made him seem as one of the
aristocracy, a king, perhaps, viewing and addressing his loyal subjects. He
slowly, proudly, raised his viortassi above his regal head and froze, a
statue for all to marvel.
    "The crowd exploded with cheers!
It was truly amazing. The fight began quickly after the gladiators' entrance,
and I stood and watched for the very first time, one of the great mysteries of
life: how one solitary man could be so incredibly endowed by the gods that he
could captivate the hearts and minds of thousands. This man," Tolian
gestured again, "at severe risk of a lightning bolt for blasphemy, is the
god of battle incarnate."
    "That good, huh?" Chlora
asked, grinning her toothy grin. "Looks to me like he would be free right
now, if he was that good."
    "Oh, he is very much that good,"
Tolian continued, unabated.
    "Harol of Dantus came rushing at
our hero with blinding speed. His hooked sword spun decisively and grabbed at
the viortassi in the champion's hand, only to find there was nothing but
air. Harol had recklessly wasted his one chance to gain the upper hand.
    "The champion came overhead with
his wicked curved blade. Harol valiantly attempted to parry the blow.
    "The sword smashed through
Harol's defenses with so much force, it launched Harol backward and down,
across the sand-strewn arena. The champion twirled his heavy blade around to
the ready and calmly watched Harol stagger to his feet.
    "The crowd hushed, knowing, much
as our champion did, that the battle was all but finished.
    "Harol, again on his feet,
brought his sword up to attack. He quickly closed the distance between them and
began his ardent assault on the champion's defenses. His hooked sword darted in
and out, right and left. Each frantic thrust was met by an impenetrable wall of
parries. Harol found no breach. For quite some time Harol maintained his
attack. He advanced time and again until his arms hung heavy with the effort.
    "Knowing Harol could not fight
further, the champion struck. His sword suddenly arced up from a parry. It
connected decidedly with Harol's heaving chest and ripped up, into his drooping
chin. The champion immediately followed with a powerful roundhouse kick to the
challenger's torso.
    "Again, Harol