Slice. A sword swings in the air attempting to slice into a mythological beast-like creature. The young man gripped his weapon so tightly that his nails dug into its palms. Heavy panting echoed. "Growl! Sneer! Growl!" The sword's sharp edge managed to cut into the large-creature thick hide but only superficially. The bear sized animal stood up on his hind legs before making a loud "ROAR!". Two raged eyes. Spiked claws. Nasty Breath. The weighted thump of the beasts body echoed across the stone arena as it readied for yet another attack. Sweat dripped from over his eyes draping his face in exhaustion.
"I think it likes him!" laughed one guard to the next. Both guards stood over a stone arena. The arena was dug into the ground by a 5-6 feet. The guards shadows' stretched and clawed over the thief. Dark blurred slithering fingers curled around his neck, sly and silky.
Both guards was clad in leather armour with metal shoulder pads. They wore vests with intricate engravings of a black raven laced into its frame. Worn lacing. Rugged boots. A spear which perfectly reflected the sun. It was the only light which reached the thief.
Before the guard could take their eyes off the thief another loud slice brings their attention back to the arena. The thief stumbles. Unlike atlas which was able to hold the weight of the world he could barely hold his sword, frantically swinging the weapon without clear intent.
The beast gave chase quickly launching its tendril arms to ensnare the thief. The monster grazed his body but it's long claws pierced right through his rugged clothing. The monster drew him into its clutches millimetre by centimeter. Luckily, the stitching which held his shirt together came undone allowing the thief to escape.
"I don't care if the creature likes him or not. Any dirty thief deserves this." the other guard exclaimed nonchalantly. His eyes wandered. "This is the third one today he won't last too much longer." he said while yawning.
"I suppose your right..." Jack the smaller of the two guards responded somberly.
AHHH! Screamed the young thief he held his arm tightly. Deep red blood splattered onto the stone floor. Drip. Drip. Drip. He Held onto his body tighter than his sword. The thief's teeth was tight with tension. As his eyes locked onto the creatures claws painted with the same deep red which filled the floor. His hand stayed strong holding his wounded arm while his was body violently shacking with adrenaline.
The two guards carried on their conversation heeding the young man's situation no mind only momentarily checking on the fights progress. "Morgan you've been here longer than anyone else. May I ask you something?" queried Jack his face looked up to Morgan. Jack was shorter in stature comparatively to Morgan and while not any means short for a man standing next to Morgan who was taller than most made him out to be dwarf. Morgen didn't answer only glared at Jack with indifference. "Why don't they simply put them to the sword behead all of them and be done with it. What's the point of the arena pits when us two are the only audience?" Jack argued his voice had hints of a plea.
Morgan sighed "Yeah." he said in a monotone voice. "I have asked that same question. According to Lord Barton if the thief is..." stopping mid-sentence to make air quotes "blessed by God" he exclaimed theatrically "then they are apparently free to go."
"So, it's a test of strength, that or skill?" asked the smaller guard. Morgan simply nodded his head before yawning again. The setting sun's evening glare started to seep across the paved floor like a gentle wave. It's yellowing hue highlighted the blood which smothered the thief. The monsters claws bored right through his body. Three spiked proturans invaded the thief's thorax. The monster has met his mark. The thief has met his end.
The monster growled in elated satisfaction a menagerie of pointed teeth was on full display. Morgen cautiously took a step back the smaller guard even further so behind him.
Silence. Silence was all that was left.