17. To Each Their Own

Richard was taken to a huge library, illuminated by torches and the moon, the roof was transparent. The shelves were white and it was hard to see at a distance, it seemed like there was fog inside the library. Left alone, he was quick to start browsing the shelves thirsting for knowledge. 'The Era of The Metals 3484-3501' by Cire Bohs, 'The Odd One' by Saumc, 'The Goliath' by Mot Sehbbo, 'The Kingdom' by Otalp, he couldn't ignore all the philosophy and history books he saw. 'The Spirals of the Stars' by Laucoin, 'The Principles' by Isaton, 'Letters of the Towns' by Easter, Math and Science also caught his eye. Richard simply had to stop when he had more books than he could carry. He brought them to the nearest chair and table and started reading. Unfortunately, as he started the preface to the Spirals of The Stars, he was growing drowsy and despite fighting it, fell asleep in a matter of minutes.

Mazanlold was taken to a small fighting ring, organized with seats like a theater: the ring was in the north wall and the seats were around it. The place was crowded and people shouted, cheering at the fights. Mazanlold was given a seat and something to drink. He relaxed on his seat, and watched as two men fought using leather armor and sparring swords. Moninose sat next to him and said:
- "I do enjoy a fight you know."
- "Yes, me too." - Mazanlold was talking slowly - "I like to watch some fights, see some technique and see if I can learn a thing or two..." - Moninose smiled at him:
- "But I guess you would prefer fighting, ain't I right?" - Mazanlold looked at him:
- "Hmpf" - he paused - "you are right. I do prefer being part of the action."
- "That can be arranged."
- "Really? That's interesting" - Mazanlold crossed his arms - "but I am a guest and I am too tired. Maybe on another day..."
- "You may feel refreshed after watching some fights" - Moninose laughed - "a good warrior like you cannot resist the urge to fight" - Mazanlold simply kept his arms crossed.

As the fights and drinks went on, Mazanlold was sitting in good posture and started moving his feet and fingers around. Moninose noticed that, and waited a bit, until he said:
- "Well, what do you think of my proposal?" - Mazanlold quickly replied:
- "I'm in! But for just one fight."
- "That's what I like to hear! Today will be a great night!" - both got up and Moninose took him to the backstage.

Caoilainn and Isabella were taken to a dimly lit room that smelt like flowers. There they received a calming massage and then were taken to a hot pool, with water that came from the local thermals. There they breathed and rested deeply. Maybe they slept, maybe they didn't, they couldn't be sure. Eventually, Caoilainn said:
- "Hey Isa, are you awake?" - Isabella replied very slowly:
- "Yes" - she opened her eyes wide - "yes, Caoi, awake, but calm."
- "Yes, this has been really nice" - Isabella touched her face and said:
- "Indeed. I do hope there are no catches."
- "Yes, it does feel a bit strange." - as she said that Caoilainn looked at her right hand. She was wearing a silver ring with a red solitary jewel. Isa replied:
- "Well, this is relaxing and we have not been drugged. At least, for the time being we can stay relaxed." - Isabella stopped to think a bit - "I just hope Mazanlold and Richard start getting along better."
- "Yes, indeed." - Caoilainn washed her face - "we all make mistakes and we all can get along better" - she looked and saw Isabella seemed bothered - "but please Isa, take a rest today. Let's enjoy this and take our steps tomorrow"
- "Yes, you are right, Caoi. I will try to take it easy" - with that, Isabella and Caoilainn sank in a bit in the water.

Mazanlold entered the ring with a full leather armor, a mask, and a training mace, to fight a warrior with the same equipment. Mazanlold started slow, he defended a handful of hits from his foe, sensing he was dragging a bit. However, Mazanlold started using his experience, he was defending every attack and at each of those, he did a small counterattack which chipped his foe's defenses. It wasn't long before Mazanlold was able to defend a fast flurry of attacks frontal attacks, parry the last one and unleash two strong hits to his foe's stomach, knocking him down.
Clang the battle was finished with the sound of the bell, Mazanlold went to his side of the ring, to leave. However he was interrupted by one of the organizers, an older men, with the same eyes of the Duke, who said:
- "Come on, Mazanlold! The people liked you, here, have a drink, try another one!"
- "No way! This was enough" - Mazanlold replied, but accepted the drink and sat down. Quite quickly, Mazanlold felt refreshed, his muscles renovated and most importantly, he said: - "well, why not? I feel I can take on another foe" - and he got up to fight.

Another warrior entered the ring, using a training spear. This time Mazanlold was with a training mace and jumped at him, attacking, even with a smaller range weapon. The other warrior was able to defend his hits and even strike Mazanlold twice, but he didn't flinch. Determinate, he was able to attack on the right, and then on the left faster than his foe could defend both sides. It took only a few hits for Mazanlold to open his foe's defenses and knock him down. Victorious and listening to the cheers of the people, he approached his corner and said to his organizer:
- "I want another drink and another fight!"
- "At your service" - the organizer replied, giving him his drink. Mazanlold felt even more energized and returned to the ring to fight the next warrior. This time it was not a fight, but a massacre that took twenty seconds and needn't be narrated. As he won, Mazanlold celebrated with the fired up crowd. Filled with energy, all he knew is that he wanted more, another fight and another drink.