Prompt#13: "Losing was his only hope."

Word Count: 744 of 750 MAX
DAY 13 Prompt: "Losing was his only hope"

         “Remember, You can’t make it obvious. If they even suspect something is off they’ll likely just kill both of you.”

         Marisaílle’s warning came back to him as he dodged another thrust from his opponent’s blade. The crowd roared all around, cheering and taunting the two fighters as they clashed across the arena floor.

         Thallus’ swing had left him exposed on the right and Arthur instinctively thrust his spear at the unprotected flesh. Again, his beloved's words filled his mind and he turned his wrist at the last second, the tip of his weapon slashing open a wide cut instead of burying deep between the ribs.

         Thallus grunted and stepped back, knocking the spear away from him with a quick strike of his sword. Arthur moved to the left, slowly circling his adversary. Both men were bleeding from minor nicks and cuts but as of yet, neither had sustained a substantial wound.

         The sun was almost overhead and no cloud hung in the sky. The air inside the arena was thick, the humidity making their breathing laborious.

         “Come on, Thallus, you’re going to have to step up your game if you want the title.”

         Thallus spit at Arthur’s feet. “Don’t worry about me, little man. I’ve got more than enough left in me to drive you into the earth.”

         “Then come, my friend, let us end this foolish dance and see once and for all who the master really is.”

         Thallus smiled, his teeth outlined in crimson. He lunged forward, his sword flashing in quick small arcs. Arthur twisted his spear back and forth, easily parrying each attack but realizing he was slowly being forced back. If he got up against the wall half of his attacks would become useless. His only option was going to hurt.

         Arthur slowed his spin, allowing Thallus’ sword to sneak through his defenses and jab into his shoulder. It didn’t penetrate deep but it hurt like hell. He spun to his left, his spear pointed low in a wide arc. Thallus’s momentum had been interrupted when he struck, his blade still held high. There was no time to react and Arthur’s blade sliced across his right calf cutting deep into the meat.

         Thallus lost his balance and dropped to one knee just as Arthur had predicted. He spun back in the opposite direction, redirecting the spear so the bottom end whipped around and cracked against Thallus’ chest. The blow sent him toppling backwards where he landed on the sand in a huff. With speed that actually surprised Arthur, Thallus pushed himself up off the ground and with a terrifying howl leaped at Arthur, his sword swing down in a powerful overhead blow.

         Arthur lifted his spear and held it horizontal to block the attack. The two weapons came together with an explosive clang. The ferocity of the swing was so strong it shattered the tip of the blade upon contact. Arthur’s spear was split in half by the force and Thallus’ broken blade cut into his face, a bright red opening running from his forehead down to his chin. Blood poured from the wound, running down his neck and over his chest. Shocked, Arthur stumbled back until he hit the arena wall and slid down into a sitting position. The crowd erupted in deafening appreciation.

         A shadow passed over him and Arthur tilted his head up to see Thallus looming over him, the broken blade hanging by his side.

         “I yield!” screamed Arthur, his voice drowned in the raging applause around them.

         Thallus stepped back and held his arms stretched out in a display of victory. His audience again erupting in applause and shouts. Behind him, the portcullis lifted, four men rushed out and over to Arthur.

         “It looks a helluva lot worse that it is.” The lead man pressed a cloth to Arthur’s wound. “Hold that here and keep pressure on it. Alright men, get him to his feet.”

         He was helped up and half dragged towards the exit. Arthur took the opportunity to look over at Thallus who stared back before offering an almost imperceivable nod. Their bargain was now concluded.

         The truth was Arthur could have ended Thallus’ life at any time; he would never be Arthur’s equal in battle. Thallus also knew this, thus an agreement had been struck. Thallus was now the undisputed master of the arena and Arthur was on his way to the infirmary where Marisaílle and his freedom awaited in secret.