She had been slipping in and out of conciousness for days. Through the hazy veils she'd once seen a heavily bearded man, once felt as though her skin was flame. Once she thought she saw her father, but then that wasn't possible for he was long dead. Among all those dreams and realities she'd seen him again. She'd felt those eyes that plagued her dreams roam over her body in concern. She'd seen a sharp face with the cheekbones that looked sharp enough to cut her finger if dared to roam it over them.
But amidst all this confusion she woke up again. This time the world seemed bright but at the same time dull. The pain racking her body didn't feel like burns but a dull hum. The warmth on her face was like the rays of the sun but not.
She finally felt the weight on her legs. Removing her torn robe she saw they'd been shackled to the ground. That's when it hit her. The stone room, tiny window and the absence of another soul.
"Pleeeaaasssee!" She tried you scream but not a sound came.
"No!....No!" Her throat felt dry and she thought she was screaming with all her might but not came a word. It was as if someone had snuffed the life in her voice.
But in that folly of youth she tried again. She shoulder convulsing with silent tear of frustration but she did not stop.

Zachary stood on Palace Verandah. You could almost feel the ripples of wicked glee flowing from him. Beside him stood the fair side to his murky reflection.
Blaise asked, "Today's your day brother. A new batch of acolytes. Maybe, I could have one or two of the pretty words." She finished wicked a roguish grin.
Zachary turned, looking at his brother with barely concerned irritation.
His brother was standing against the wind almost as if it would blow his sunny locks if it weren't busy ruffling the leaves.
" You tough one of mine without their wish or disturb this holy rite..."
Blaise burst into a nervous chuckle. "Oh! Loosen up Zach. You think I'd want one of lambs up for slaughter."
"Also only twelve have taken their place. Mind telling me where's the runt?"
"None of your business!" He hissed.
Zack turned to look at his brother, wanting to plummet that beautiful face which he so loved.
" No need to hiss, baby brother. I'm just leaving."
Zachary could still here his brother's booming laughter as he walked into the parlour, sighing loudly.
'Time to meet this year's chattel. Even though they all knew who would be the champion.'