the things stars are made of

Vost released Parit and used his uninjured hand to steady his grip on his axe. His eyes gleamed, and Thara knew he had been expecting her to call Sisk. Still, the only chance she had against a well-formed plan was to beat Vost with skill. He prowled to her right, where her reach was shortest when calling Sisk. She spun on her toes, raising her sword to meet his axe, but he did not swing at her. Instead, he dropped to the ground and rolled, then leapt to his feet behind her. His hand clamped around her forehead, wrenching her head back. She felt the sharp edge of his axe against her neck. Thara froze and released her mark. “I am sorry for your death, Thara. But when you die, I am free. That is my choice.” Thara laughed. At her side, she pressed her thumb against the rune on her first finger, calling Nikit. “You believe Valeske? You think that killing me will make you free?” she mocked, sliding one foot back between his legs. Although Nikit gave the gift of soundless movement, she took Thara’s speed as payment. Thara felt like she was dragging her foot through thick mud, instead of the familiar sand of the arena. “Do you know how much your master gave Valeske to put you in the arena today? If I die, he will find a new Chainbreaker. If you kill me, he will choose you.” It was a lot of words to say such a simple truth, but she had to keep Vost distracted until she was ready to act. Vost stiffened. “He cannot force a free man into the arena.” He sounded unsure. “He will give you a choice,” she agreed. “You can become the Chainbreaker, or he will kill you. You think the nobility will care if a freed slave dies? You think they will seek justice? You are a fool.” She felt the edge of his axe bite into the skin of her neck, drawing a small amount of blood. Her foot was almost in position. “I will be free,” he said, still sounding uncertain. Thara laughed. “There are no freed slaves in Havir.” “Then I’ll kill you and then myself. No more slaves will die.” “Slaves will always die, as long at it’s profitable. I’ve killed more obedient slaves than rebellious ones. Their masters bring them here for the pleasure of ignoring the law. Whether it’s me, or you, or someone else, Olethi Arena will always have a Chainbreaker. You called me legendary, but I’m not. I’m only the first.”

I dunno. Any potential interest in hearing about the book I’m working on? I guess I could post the blurb from my NaNoWriMo page. I have the main plot written and am working on the B and C story scenes now. Probably at least 60% through draft 1.