Chapter 12

The formation they were to take was a simple one, but the real question was what was the enemy's formation? If Calus had decided to go with the same type of formation, then it would boil down to which side had the quickest and best archers, if he went with a melee first formation the advantage should swing in their favor. The only way it would is if they had someone monstrously powerful that could nullify all their ranged attacks, and although that was unlikely it wasn't impossible to imagine.

For additional safety, Lycurgus divided up his team into four sections each led by himself, Hana, Kaji, and Taezu. This was to cut down confusion throughout the battle and keep all fighters productive. The only one upset about the selection was Skorri but Lycurgus managed to calm him down by telling him that he was his personal vice commander, even though his squad only consisted of four men total. Lycurgus didn't necessarily think Skorri was dumb, but he wasn't the sharpest knife in the draw.

After making sure the plan was understood the team headed to the stadium. When the teams made their way to the stadium, they each took to their perspective side.

The arena was full of guests from all five islands. Every titan, or chieftain, of each village, was present along with their wife or wives. Lycurgus spied his father who was staring directly at him, stoic and steady.

"I wonder what he is thinking?" he said loud enough for Hana to hear. She looked up to see his father Taryu.

"He doesn't look that old, but he has to be at least late 40s, right?"

Lycurgus had to think for a moment to do the math. "I think my mom and dad are about the same age. But I'm not the oldest Loka is and she's twenty-one. If I remember correctly my dad was twenty when she was born so he's gotta be forty-one?"

Hana looked at Lycurgus stunned before saying, "He was barely older than you!"

Lycurgus laughed "Yea only two years older, but he was already deemed the strongest in the village at the time."

Hana looked back at Taryu who was now frowning, "Do you think he's upset you're here?" Lycurgus no longer looking at his father said blankly "I never know what my father is thinking."

The announcer came towards Lycurgus' team before starting the event. "Look there are only a few rules. Avoid killing and maiming if possible. If one goes down to the ground, they are out. Other than that, everything is fair game." He jogged away toward the other team before to deliver the same rules before going to the center of the arena. Once in the center he cleared his voice and began the start of the battle.

"Welcome all spectators to the Digya Pit. The first event will be a mock battle between half of the contestants. The winning team gets to participate in the tournament, while the losing team goes home. Divided into teams Black and Red let's see who will win and advance to the tournament!!!"

The crowd erupted with cheers and chanting. From Lycurgus' knowledge, this was the first time an event like this would happen.

The growing population of the islands and families had forced the need for an event like this to happen to keep the tournament manageable. Though he figured many would be upset due to certain people being on losing teams.

To Lycurgus, it was a flawed way to do the Great Hunt festival. The tournament should be recommended participants only to prevent weak and uninteresting matches from occurring. Then again there wasn't a determined system of strength. Most of the members of his team alone were simply hunters and fishermen, not dedicated warriors.

The opposing team was no different. After getting a good look there were only two noticeable people in their group, Calus from Soren and Akka a skilled young woman from Taezu's island, Sokou. Other than that, it was simply sons of hunters and fishermen. His group was fairly better having a clear advantage, and though most of the strong young men of Tiziano were on the opposing team he doubted any were spectacular.

His eyes studied his opposing force as they lined up in their formation. They seemed to have an uneven balance having more melee specialists than archers. Being that they had almost everyone from Tiziano it made sense. The young men here idolized his father for his great strength and exploits on the sea. So as such they tried to mimic him, though they probably all lacked the training in tarmata. Noticing this he leaned in toward Hana who was stationed in front of him.

"It's up to you guys, we can end this quickly and show the power of the bow."