Twilight of the Gods

"I'd rather not, but they seem to want to."

Bran moves closer to Amilee, and she can see the muscles bunched under the skin. "I will do what I can to shield you, I swear."

"They want you to fight in the arena, not to fight them. They wish to take you prisoner and make you fight for their gods and amusement."

Amilee pales, looking horrified.

"Oh, not you, Dear. You would undoubtedly end up a slave. They can already see your inability to fight."

At this, Bran grits his teeth even more, and pulls the hilt of his broken sword out of the carrying case, clenching it tightly in one hand.

"Look at that! The big one is going to fight with a broken blade," the leader cries, causing his men to roar with laughter.

Laryn attempts to suppress a look of surprise as she musters up some of her shadow magic as well, attempting to create a veil around them. "Well what do you want me to do if I can't use blood magic then you fool?"

Amilee pales further, shaking, eyes wide. She grips her blade tightly.

"That's not much better."

All of Laryn's magic vanishes back into her, and her wound seals. "Fine, then what do you suggest we do to prevent us from dying?"

Laryn feels that she can trust this man, and although against what she really wants to do, she surrenders. "Okay, I'll go."

"If this messes up..." She lowers her spear slightly.

Amilee lowers her sword, still shaking.

Xalmyst sheathes his blade, then nods as a sign of approval to the plan.

Bran lets out a long breath, his hands shaking a little as he puts his blade away. He puts a reassuring hand on Amilee in an attempt to steady her.

"Laying down your arms? You are either very smart or very cowardly. Either way, you shall make excellent sacrifices. I accept your surrender."

With this, his men move in, grabbing the members by the arms and steering them into two groups. Sera, Bran and Xalmyst are put into one group whilst Laryn and Amilee are put into another. His men begin leading them through the jungle, taking a surprising amount of care to treat them gently.

Amilee looks like she wants to protest when she's pulled away from the others, but stays silent, shaking more.

Laryn attempts to comfort her, although is very inexperienced at it.

Xalmyst looks over at the mages "If I may ask, whom are you sacrificing us to?"

"Capable of killing someone you've never met, tricky to make assumptions."

Xalmyst smirks at the mage's comment, then proceeds to follow the others in his group.

Laryn speaks up, and with just a hint of arrogance says, "So, just wondering, where are you taking us and why?"

"I-I'm n-n-not a sl-slave... W-we're n-not slaves."

The leader gives them both a cruel smile, before replying: "You will be."

At this point, the path splits, and the warriors are led to a large stone building, with some highly disturbing stains. The healer and the blood mage are led to a much cleaner abode, but just as large if not larger. They are led up a long flight of stairs while the warriors are led underground to a large communal cell with simple, filthy cots and a metallic taste to the air. There they see others like them, who look terrified and who do their best to avoid them. Laryn and Amilee are given room assignments and have their own adjoining quarters. There are other servants around, but for the most part, they are left completely alone.