wall outside one of the taverns, the placard was advertising a local Gladiator school located a few miles east. The thought of once again training in a gladiator school seemed appealing, he also knew that the rigour of training would help tune his mind and sharpen his reflexes. That night back in the school Talon asked to see captain Hesk, he asked for permission if he could finish his studies early twice a week so that he could then train at the gladiator school. Hesk saw no problem with this as long as it did not affect his education and granted him his wish. When Talon visited the school, he discovered it to be very much like his father’s gladiator school back in his hometown of Tallasian, it enjoyed the same atmosphere and smell that they all did. Talon sat down and began to observe the fighters train, his initial thought was of the excellent quality of the fighters he saw, it was obvious that this school was of the highest calibre. Talon sat for about an hour before he was approached by one of the instructors. “Welcome sir, I see you have interest in the art of fighting.” “Ever since I could walk.” Talon smiled “my father is the overseer at a gladiator school in Tallasian.” he added “Tallasian.” the instructor replied with familiarity “I have fought many times in the arena there, which school doe’s your father teach?” “The school of Tallonus.” “That’s your father?” “Yes.” “I have seen him in combat; he was very good, great with the axe.” “I was too young to witness with my own eyes but I have heard many a tale.” Talon proudly added as the instructor sat down next to him. “Do you fight young man?” The instructor asked noticing Talon’s chiselled physique. “I am trained in all the arts but I have never fought in the arena.” “Well your still young my boy and you look very strong.” the instructor warmly replied as Talon smiled back at his comment, “your men look very sharp.” added Talon as he pointed to them. “They better bloody be! We are travelling to Kallick Town next week where we challenge the royal guard.” The name Kallick Town hit Talon like a bolt; this could be my chance to escape the Palace land he thought. “My name is Talon.” he warmly replied as he extended his hand. “Savarta!” responded the instructor shaking his hand. Talon’s mind was now racing; if he could travel to Kallick Town with them, then he would be free to escape the Empire. But how could he join the party “I must hide the importance of this.” he thought silently. “So next week you fight the royal guard................. Judging by the look of your men that will be some contest.” “Ah you have seen the royal guard then.” Savarta answered. “Yes, many times I saw them while I was posted in Kallick Town, they are excellent fighters.” “Besides us, they are the best!” Savarta Replied with an authoritative tone of voice. “I think my father might have something to say about that.” jest fully remarked Talon. “Arr Talon ........ The fighters of the north have always been more superior from the men of south” said Savarta looking at Talon who just smiled to himself before answering. “Maybe we could find a way to test your theory Savarta.” “In what way?” “Well you’re looking at it Savarta, I am from the south, if you agree then I would dearly love to train amongst you, I could do with the competition as my training of late has been neglected by my studies ...... And who knows maybe I could teach your boys of the north a thing or two.” “That my friend would be sight worth seeing!” Replied Savarta teasingly. “Then it is agreed! If I can convince my General to allow me to train here then you have no objections.” “If you get permission then it will be my pleasure to have you train with us.” Talon and Savarta chatted for a while before Talon left giving his thanks and farewells. As Talon walked back to his