Chapter 25

The combat ring was sparsely occupied, and those that were present, sat in the tiered seats, talking between themselves as much as they watched the battle, their behaviour lacking its normal volatility. Nadyr appeared to watch the battle but scrutinized the Arken when he thought he was unobserved, Rikash noted, trying to ascertain and anticipate his reaction. Rikash assessed the chamber with narrowed eyes. "The force left for the next city today." "And yet…" Nadyr arched his eyebrows. "It is a success, Arken." "Yes," Rikash agreed. The low numbers in attendance at the battle ring was indicative that having submissive females available was calming the dominant males behaviours. They were in their domiciles rutting rather than in the ring fighting. "I think we can consider this a success. Send word to begin shipments of prisoners that fit the rehabilitation profile from the penal colonies." "Yes Arken." Nadyr bar