Chapter 3a

“Enough!” Faust said in irritation. “I know all that lad, I know.” The old General said wearily. “Even if they have to beg on the streets of the Pit, at least they'll stay in Azoria and un-abused. In any other part of the city, they'd be picked off as vagrants and sold before they reached an orphanage. Ben can you honestly say that the not knowing wouldn't drive you insane? You know what they'd be sold into and for what purpose, and you'd pray every night that they'd perished before they'd reached their destination, but you'd never know for certain. Even in the slums of the Pit that sort of practice would meet with hostility and would you like to meet hostility from a whole sector of gladiators? I bloody wouldn't. I know it sounds warped but the safest place for those kids is the only place where there are no other kids and where the lifestyle is harsh and brutal because it has to be for the adults and their occupations. Adults Ben. No kids. We have no idea what their reaction to those children is going to be but we do know what the rest of Azoria's reaction will be. The people in the Pit are, or were, ordinary people Ben, people who were forced there through slavery. They aren't criminals in the strict definition of the word. Gladiator doesn't mean barbarian and it doesn't mean bad person.” Faust got off his horse and tethered it outside the Third Quarter barracks, a mere ten minute walk from the Pit.

“The government have forgotten to power the lights there again.” Ben said miserably, looking at the outline of the slum that was the Pit.

“Hardly surprising. Parliament are in session, they need the power supplies for the Parliament building. Hand me the one that's asleep.” Faust took Kore from the horse and lowered her to the ground while Ben helped Leo dismount. “Blacklock's meeting us at the side gate.” This gate was the one used by the overseers. Blacklock was one of the most prestigious gladiator trainers in Azoria. He was himself, an Athulan sympathiser who had earned his freedom within a remarkably short space of eight months. Perhaps 'earning his freedom' wasn't quite accurate seeing as the only job as a free man was instructing gladiators, rather than actually being one. He was still living in the Pit and probably always would.

“Leo where are we going?” Kore whispered, clutching her brother's hand.

“It's OK Kore don't be scared. I think General Cooter is taking us to a school.” Leo whispered back. “We'll be OK Captain Soldier, we're used to being OK.” He turned to look at Ben.

“I know you are Leo, there's none better. Take care of your sister and always, always, be there for each other. Never let anyone split you up, that's very important.” Ben wanted to run all the way to Tibrae and not come back at all. What was their survival chance in this place? Ben simply couldn't bring himself to think about it.

“Well no guarantees but I can assure you the government won't find them.” Blacklock was talking to Faust. “They're on my own property Faust, I can't do any fairer than that.”

“No, no you can't. I know you can't offer certainties either Blacklock but at least you've given them a chance to reach their teens. I owe you and never be afraid to claim on it at any time.” Faust turned and nodded at Ben and the twins.

“Are we going to the Broth Hall?” Kore asked Ben.

“The where?” Blacklock roared a laugh. “Not in here young missy, we're all prim and proper.” Blacklock took both soldiers completely by surprise by hoisting Kore off her feet and smiling at Leo. “Something wrong?” He asked the gaping men who shook their heads. “Good. Say goodnight to the officers kids.” Blacklock soon disappeared into the shadows of the Pit leaving Ben and Faust outside the gate.

“Blacklock had kids?” Ben asked in shock.

“I'd say so judging by the way he handled that. Shit I didn't know. I hope I wasn't tactless in any way.” Faust chewed his lip.

“I think if you had been, you'd have a dent somewhere. You tend to know about it if you've offended a gladiator. They'll be alright Sir, they have to be.” Ben said, more for his own benefit than the General's. “It's a strong possibility that those damned arenas will be abolished soon anyway, they should be the first on the reform list, in my opinion.”

“Mine too but I'm privy to income lists and the revenue they produce is extraordinary. Greedy whores.” Faust cursed the government. “Come on, the ale house awaits us and we aren't on duty tomorrow, I've just decided.”