Chapter 9

Two forms tucked into a darkened corner looked on as Panter charged out of the back heading for the front door. They chuckled when Tera raced to keep up. People scattered to let them pass, the door slamming shut in their wake. Anyone bothering to look at the watching pair recognized the menace on their faces. The ones who did hurriedly turned their attention somewhere else not wanting to get involved. What they had seen bode ill for someone else.

"It looks as if our little ruse has worked, now remember I want you to pull the man in charge of the fight to the side. Get him to have his fighter take care of our problem for us" The voice softly ordered. The information given to them had been sketchy but the order was clear. The pair was a problem that needed taken care of. Why not take care of what seemed to be the strongest first; it would further weaken the other to be easily disposed of at a later date.

"What if he doesn't want to do it?" the other voice rejoined. The low growl to it made it clear that they were close to the breaking point of patience.

"Do what you have to. Make it worth their while. Besides I heard that the big brute likes to inflict pain, this would be just a little more fun for him."

A bag clinked onto the table heavy with funds. " Here, this will help things along, our mutual friends have generously provided it for us" a twisted smirk accompanied the remark.

Picking it up the other form stood, tucking it in a pouch they turned and left following the same route the others had taken. They would need to hurry to catch up.

The remaining figure laughed as they picked up a mug of ale. A quick drink and they would have to return to their duties before questions arose about their absence. Controlling a revolt was such a full time job.

Tera panted as she struggled to keep Panter in sight. She was no slouch when in came to running but this was pushing close to the limit of her stamina. Dodging a group of people standing in the middle of the road she wished she were able to weave through crowds as easily as Panter. She slipped passed moving people as if they were stationary rocks and she was water. Knowing where Panter was going to end up helped of course, but she wanted to get there before anything happened. This was definitely a time her official status would have come in handy. Too bad she was unable to put it in use at the moment.

Panter scanned the sheaf of stained parchment the harried man had pushed toward her, waving away any forthcoming questions. Broken down, it simply read that they were not responsible for any injuries whether it be small or as final as your accidental death. Typical for games like this. Panter took the offered quill and signed off. After giving it back, she turned to see Tera leaning over breathing hard with her hands resting on her knees. Sweat glistened on her face. Panter frowned. She didn't want Tera here but knew that it would be pointless to ask her to go back to the inn. Turning to a nearby vender she purchased a cool fruit drink. Taking it over she silently offered it. Tera pressed it against her forehead for a brief moment before taking a deep drink. A pause for another breath then she finished the drink off, setting the cup down on an available surface.

" Are you alright?" Panter asked concerned

"Yes" Tera paused to draw in a deep breath " I'll be fine" She scowled at Panter. Seeing Panter glance down then to the side, Tera knew she was being unfair. She more then likely would have done the same. But taking off like that had concerned her. " I'm sorry Panter, I just wish you hadn't taken off like that"

Panter drew Tera to her. She felt her relax against her body. " I know, I was reacting, not thinking"

Pressing a kiss against Panter's collarbone Tera smiled when she felt her breathing halt for a moment then raggedly resume. Resting her cheek on her chest she felt a hard surface beneath her shirt but said nothing. " Did you sign up?' Tera heard the answer as a soft rumble.

"Yes, it's already done"

Tera bit her lip. " When are you up?"

" Two people are ahead of me, want to go watch my opponent in action?"

Tera bent her head back to see Panter's face. Aureate eyes drew her in. A finger gently traced the planes of her face. Sunlight faded to dark as a head bent, soft lips caressed hers. Tera's fingers clenched, tangling the ties in the neck of Panter's tunic. She moaned in disappointment as the kiss ended.

" Don't stop yet," Tera pleaded. She slid her hand behind Panter's neck trying to pull in back down to her. She moistened her lips in anticipation. The action drew Panter's eyes, tempting her to give in. She struggled against the raging want to claim Tera as fully hers. This wasn't the place to give into that need. Not yet.

"Amare, I can't, this must wait for a later time. Then I promise I will not stop you…. or myself"

Tera wanted to argue the point but words failed her as their eyes met. Panter's eyes had changed. Lips parted, allowing Tera to glimpse her canines. A reminder that with Panter crossing that line from loves to lovers would come with a whole new array of mysteries. She couldn't wait. But she would…. For now.

"Your right, so how about we check out your competition instead."

Creating a path to the ring was difficult. Even Panter's greater height barely made a difference. Suddenly people peeled off to the side creating space, the cause of which soon came into sight. Two men carried the latest fighter away from the ring. The form failed to move. Glances met, one filling with worry, the other with anger and determination. They cut through the opening before it closed back up, securing them a decent view of the fighter clad in worn leather armor standing in the middle of the arena with folded arms, a smug look on his battered face. He was a large heavily muscled man, which meant part of the tale proved to be true. By the look of the body that had been carried away the other part seemed to prove true also.

" The next competitor may now enter the ring" rang out from the sideline.

A portly man dressed in flowing robes bright with color stepped into the ring urging a slight man in padded leather armor to the center of the arena.
He then waddled over to the towering behemoth motioning for him to lean down. A fast whispered conversation ensued resulting in a wide smile revealing stained teeth, a few which were missing. The fat man returned to the sidelines as the big fighter scanned the crowd stopping then lingering on Panter's form. He stared at her for a moment then turned his attention to the nervous sweating man facing him.

"What was that all about?" Tera pressed closer to Panter as the crowd shoved each other to get a better look at the action.

" I'm not sure, but I did notice that fat one talking to someone when I arrived. I couldn't see the other's face; his back was toward me. Something is wrong but I don't know what it is" Panter didn't want to reveal what she had heard in the fast exchange between the two in the ring. This was going to be a fight to the death. Whose was unknown.

The crowd shouted in excitement when with a roar accompanied by a fist to the face the fight began. The small man hit the ground hard, dust rising around him from the force of the fall. Pulled up, he screamed grabbing at the fingers entwined in his hair. Thrashing around frantically he tried to regain his footing. A sudden movement and he was airborne. Once again he met the earth forcefully. Unable to move for a brief moment cost him dearly when a kick slammed into his ribs. The force of the kick picked him up, moving him a full foot away from where he started. An audible crunch signaled the collapsing of his ribcage.

The crowd hushed in shock at the viciousness of the act. Blood was spit up, as the man laid facedown gasping for breath. His outstretched hand pounded for attention showing the symbol of forfeit. A simple hand face down called for mercy. A mercy requested that was callously denied when a foot came smashing down onto the back of his neck. A horrible snap filled the air cutting off a cry of pain in mid-scream. His hand twitched once then stilled forever. The other fighter shouted in triumph, clearly heard over the shroud of silence that enclosed the arena. He stood arms upraised over his opponents' body like an animal over a fresh kill.

The short vicious fight left Panter wordless but even more enraged at the worthless waste of life. Killing for pleasure was one of the lowest things someone could do. Anyone that did was something less then human. One more reason she had to stop this farce. Even she made sure there was no other choice before killing someone. Sensing a look directed at her she glanced down. Tera's eyes met hers; a growing silence encompassed them. Words were unnecessary. Worry and comfort passed between them in a circle of quiet communication. Panter sank into warm pools of blue.

" The next fighter make ready, Gronoth awaits you in the ring" was called out.

Panter pulled free of Tera's gaze. For a moment the outside world had ceased to exist. She bent down leaving a light kiss on Tera's lips before moving toward the arena. Stopping at the edge, Panter pulled her top off leaving her clad only in a dark red leather breastplate. It was fashioned to leave her mobility unhampered. It covered her chest then wrapped around to protect her kidneys but left most of her upper back bare. Two thick straps came up then buckled holding it in place. It was only basic protection but good enough for unarmed combat. Panter gave her tunic to a silent Tera.

Two men came out; each grabbed a leg of the dead fighter then dragged him out of the playing field. Handing over her belt knife with her money purse Panter stepped into the ring. Walking to the center she stopped, crossed her arms and waited. Whispers ran throughout the crowd as they wondered whom this stranger might be. Her opponent stamped into the center to face her. Panter shifted into a fighter's ready stance. He was taller then almost all the others, but he was still a tad shorter then her. He seemed to smirk, as he looked her over, flexing his bulky muscles as if to make a point.

" Are you sure you want to do this?" Alcohol fumes made her eyes water as he breathed in her face while asking his inane question.

Panter narrowed her eyes. " More than sure. You might say I can't wait"

Gronoth grinned giving her a good view of his discolored teeth. The look in his eyes warned her right before a sharp left looped toward her face. Panter slid into a crouch allowing the punch to flow harmlessly overhead. She punched forward with both arms, hands palm out impacting his solar plexus hard, driving the air from his lungs. Gronoth automatically bent over from the blow as Panter was rising giving her an opening to slam her right elbow into his jaw driving his head to the side. She moved away giving herself room to react to any move he might make.

Gronoth coughed then spat blood. It covered his bottom lip running down to his chin. He glared at Panter " You made me loose a tooth, I'm going to kill you for that"

Panter snorted " And for no other reason right?"

He looked startled for a moment. " None that matter now" Rushing forward he swung out once again. Panter moved to the left evading his strike. As his momentum caused him to pass her she tripped him. He collided with the ground with a resounding thud. Clouds of dust rose. The people watching laughed at the sight out of reflex. By the way Gronoths face turned red as he pulled himself up he didn't find it funny. He moved faster then his bulk would seem to allow. He returned the favor by hammering a right fist into her stomach. Panter winced as her body reacted to the punch by leaning over. Gronoth took that opportunity to try to apply a headlock. Panter reacted quickly to the danger by hitting him hard in the groin repeatedly till he let go. She moved out of range as soon as he did. She rubbed her neck to relive the feeling of the chokehold. That had been way too close.

" You bitch, you made your last mistake" The stakes increased as he pulled a dagger from his right boot.

As Gronoth lunged, time seemed to slow, giving Panter plenty of time to grab the wrist holding the knife. Stepping into his body she applied pressure to his elbow joint forcing him to go up on his toes. Flipping him over her shoulder she stripped the knife from his hand as it was automatically released. A sickening pop accompanied the scream of pain as he hit the ground. He laid still for a moment then dragged himself back to his feet. The angle of his right arm made it clear what had happened. Gronoth made sure to retreat as far away from Panter as he could, whimpering every time his arm moved.

Panter got a small measure of satisfaction that she had caused him pain instead of him hurting others. The crowd rumbled angrily at this change of events. Panter wondered what would be done to the people who arranged this event since a weapon had been pulled. A look to the side answered that question. Seeing a small group of Tera's people in an official capacity Akil at it head. Akil made a small motion saying the matter would be taken care of. Panter turned her attention back to the arena.

The fat man hurried into the ring as fast as he could. " We have a winner, we have a winner" he shouted as loud as possible to make sure the crowd heard it.

The crowd started cheering as what he was yelling sank in.

Coming over, he pushed a large leather bag into her hands along with a wrapped parcel. " Here, now go"

Panter accepted the items but snagged his wrist as he tried to turn away.
" I think we need to talk"

He tried to pull away from her but stopped as the pressure increased on his wrist to painful proportions. " What about?" he whined. Panters concealed her distaste at his cowering.

" A certain arrangement made that was harmful to myself. I want to know who facilitated it"

He paled as he realized she knew all about it. " I don't know who he was, he just gave me a purse of money after I agreed then left. He was just an ordinary person. One you might see but never really pay attention to"

Panter grinned, " I believe you should hand that money over since it was my neck that was being paid for" If she had the purse there was a chance it could lead her to the person who had arranged this.

" But I …" A longer look past the smile into her eyes stopped him. Wordlessly he dug into one of the many pouches hanging on his belt.
After he handed the money over Panter released him to retreat over to his hurt fighter. She let him get halfway over before speaking.

"Wait, I have something for you"

He came back toward her hesitantly " What do you want?"

" I thought your fighter might want his knife back, give him a message for me will you?"

The fat man nodded as he wiped sweat off his upper lip. He took the knife gingerly between two fingers.

Panter's face went rigid. " Tell him he tries that again with anyone, I'll make sure he goes to Hades with extreme prejudice. Got that?" She bared her teeth in a vicious grin. " Because the people he fought knowingly took that chance, is the only reason I didn't tear him apart"

He blanched before hastily nodding. Offering a quick bow he then scurried away holding the knife away from him like it was a contagious disease.

She walked over and rejoined Tera. A crushing hug said more then words ever could. Wrapping an arm around Tera's shoulder they made their way through the crowd. It was made easier as they parted to let them past, a few bravely reaching out to pat her shoulders and arms in congratulations.

"That scared me Panter" Tera whispered.

Panter pulled her closer. " For a moment there, it scared me too."
" Here, take these" She handed the heavy bags of money over. " I want to see these gauntlets everyone was willing to die for"

They both slowed to a crawling walk as Panter unwrapped the bundle. Panter whistled in admiration as the glint of metal appeared. Exposed to their sight were wrist guards made from the finest quality leather available. Buttery tan in color and supple to the touch even with the thickness needed to offer the wearer some protection. They had been padded on the inside with a light layer of wool to help absorb moisture. An oval of metal had been inlayed onto the top of both. They were blank awaiting the whims of the winner if they were so inclined. A glyph of a hawk in flight was etched into the leather where the top rested against the forearm. A broken arrow was grasped in each claw. They were beautiful.

" What does the etching mean?"

Tera briefly traced one with a finger. " It's the mark of the regents champion" Her brow furrowed. " See how the hawk only carries the fletched part of the arrows?"

Looking closer Panter did. " Yes"

" I don't know how or why but this is my personal mark, every one in my family has a variation"

" So I'm your champion?" Panter smiled at this quirk of fate.

"In more ways then one. But this concerns me. You wearing these marks lets others know who you stand with and against."

" Let them, it saves me from needing to say it aloud."

They stopped walking, their eyes meeting for a quiet moment. The love for each other shined brightly within. Tera almost cried at what she saw. She would never question Panters commitment to her again

" Here let me" Tera picked up one, wordlessly requesting Panter to extend one of her arms.

Panter held an arm out. Tera slid the guard on using the lacing on the back to snug them up till Panter nodded her approval at the fit. She repeated the same actions with the second. Tera rested her hand on the wrist guard after adjusting it.

" To think people were willing to get badly hurt for these and a sack of money." She shook her head in bewilderment. " Have things gotten this bad since I've been gone?"

Panter rested her hand on Tera's. " We'll make it better"

" Will we?"

" I promise you, we will"

Continuing toward Raven's Claw. Panter kept eye out for trouble. It seemed that anyone thinking about doing anything caught a glimpse of the gauntlets and reconsidered. They were making a statement already.


Upon entering the inn, conversing patrons stopped in mid sentence at their appearance. Silence draped itself over the room. It ended as someone finally spoke.

" About damn time that lummox got what was coming to him. You hurt one of us, you hurt family. We won't tolerate that laying down."

Shouts of agreement echoed around the room. It took that announcement to realize that they all knew whom Tera really was. It said in plain words that they were HER people. The support shocked her. Tera's raked the room with a look. All the people present had kept coming back since she had first arrived at Raven's Claw. All she could do was accept that they were going to help whether she wanted it or not. With a nod Tera accepted their terms.

Together they retreated to the back, leaving an air of celebration behind them.

The opening of the office door made the group within glance up. Zeva, Solaris and the rest were ranged about the desk discussing what had happened. Rena and her buddies looked as if decorated with the abundance of bandages that had been applied. Rena arm had been strapped to her chest to allow her abused shoulder a chance to heal.

" I was wondering if you both would be coming back anytime soon, after leaving in such a rush," Zeva stated. " So what have you been doing?"

" Panter decided to make her own bid for the gauntlets" Tera answered slyly. She wanted them to figure it out themselves. After all Panter was standing right next to her in said gauntlets. Lets see if they were observant enough to catch it.

" So did she change her mind when she saw who she had to fight" Solaris queried.

" No"

"But there's not a mark on her surely she didn't fight"

" Not only did I fight him but I won" Panter had to fight down a want to brag a little. It would cheapen the accomplishment. She raised her arms to show the gauntlets.

Surprise then delight appeared on their friends' faces. They all tried talking at once. All the questions thrown toward her blurred into a hum of inconsistent noise that became undecipherable.

" Quiet please, one at a time" she roared.

Questions cut off in mid word. Breathing was the only audible sound until Rena spoke.

" Why did you fight him, for the prize?"

Panter turned to face her squarely. Looking her straight in the eye she replied. " No, I did it because he was hurting my friends, my family"

After a brief pause Rena smiled at her warmly. " That's what I thought"
Something in what had happened made Rena alter her personal opinion about Panter. If she would give her another chance maybe they could become friends. Stranger things had already happened she thought wryly.

The door opened again startling them. Swiftly as possible they swung around to see who was framed in the doorway.

Continued...