“That is fine, Mefus. Leave me.”
Expressionless, he walked out of the room.
Above Oreus were screens of Timothy and Audrey practicing. Their faces contorting as they gave maximum effort at all times.
They have cunning, guile and intelligence but is it too soon?
Oreus thought back to all the hundreds of warriors he had seen over the innumerable time cycles. Most died quickly, roaring in agony long before he tried remembering their names. Some though, he had grown fond of, even admired. It had made it all the more difficult to watch them being ripped apart in the various arenas. And mostly, by the Fionn.
He recalled his first meeting with what was then a young Brigid. Back then, the Fionn feared the Fianna, but not her. She stared right back at him, no fear. Then the results began to change. The stream of bloody bodies became a flood, that still continues.
Maybe, this time would be different. There was something about this latest crop.
Oreus bellowed, “Sean, call Brigid.”
The woman reappeared scowling. “So, are you a go?”
Oreus spoke with defiance. “Yes, we are a go.”
“Oh, the Governor will be happy. And my warriors even more so.”
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