Book 2 - Chapter 34

Chapter 34 – The Queen’s First Opponent

A low, monotonous sound of one wind instrument stopped the noise of the audience. It reverberated all over the renovated arena, riding with the chill of the wind... Riding with the wind of death.

There could never be a more fitting sound to herald the massacre they soon would witness, Solene thought. It mocked her ears, making her feel as if the tone was also playing her death.

Once the sound stopped, it was followed by the same rhythmic thumping of drums she heard during the first round. The lower land in Solene’s front raised and leveled with her footing. It instantly created a pathway for her towards a megalithic wall entrance. With no doors to cover it, the opening boasted a chasm that flipped Solene’s stomach and threatened to spill her dinner.

Another sound of trumpets filled the air, and the audience growled and cheered in unison. This was Solene’s cue. Thi