Change of Plans

"How much prey is left?" Derek asked the guard as they walked, "Are they making this request because they already killed off everybody?"

The guard continued walking, with his head lowered. He did not make any attempt at responding.

"Say something! Don’t pretend to be mute." Derek frowned and demanded.

The guard kept his head lowered but replied, "...Only four left."

"Just four?" Derek’s voice was full of surprise, "How can that be? Some of the prey were the top three warriors in the arena, how did they die so fast this year?"

The guard stopped in his tracks.

Derek’s eyes widened. He watched as the guard turned around and take off his helmet. He wore a wide grin, without any trace of his earlier meekness.

Derek was stunned.

But, before he could realize what was going on, tens of silhouettes appeared from every direction.

The men that surrounded Derek and the guards well large and well built. Their eyes glowed with killing intent as they waved their swords around menacingly.