The Collective by Kenan Hillard Read Free Book Online Page A

before the event. But his
brashness may get him killed before he began. Abel sensed the change in the
room.
    “My parents were killed by Xonox, I was knocked out and
dropped in Bourdain two days                   ago.” He explained. “I want to
use the tournament winnings to take revenge against Xonox.”
    A low chuckle emanated from the table at the thought of
Abel going against the Xonox Empire with an old stumpy man and a young frail
looking woman. Warden’s face was blank. He admired the sternness in Abel’s
voice. A man on a path of revenge was a man with focused anger. Maybe Abel could
be a benefit to him. “You want to fight Xonox? You have to win the tournament
first. And I assure you, it’s no cakewalk. Men come from all walks to compete.
What makes you think you have what it takes?”
    Isnor spoke for Abel. “I saw him disable two of Reaper’s
gang and give Reaper a pretty good beating too.”
    Before the words left his mouth Isnor knew he had spoken
out of turn. Disapproving stares met his gaze from around the table. Warden
quickly glanced at Isnor then back at Abel. “The gangs use numbers to
overwhelm. They lack skills. Goll test him!”
    Before Abel could figure out which person was Goll, he was
tackled from behind. The man landed on top of Abel and punched him across the
face. Abel spat blood onto the concrete floor. Goll was tall with a solid
build, wearing a vest over his bare chest. He reared back for another attack.
Shifting his body to divert Goll’s second blow, Abel caught his arm between his
legs. Spinning around, he arm-barred the attacker to the ground. The men at the
table cheered. Even Isnor smiled at the spectacle, while Keera cringed, fearful
of the outcome. Abel rocked back putting more pressure on his opponent’s arm.
The strain was evident as Goll grunted to break free, but he would not submit.
Would he have to break his arm to prove his worth?  Abel straightened himself
ready to hear the cracking of bone. His robed host stopped the show.  “Good.
Good.”
    Warden patted Abel on the shoulder. Abel loosened his grip
and fell back sprawled out on the floor. He hoped this was the last test. Goll
got up quickly itching for payback.
    “Have Isabel look at your arm.” Warden commanded.
    Goll’s eyes seared with vengeance as he left the room.
Abel’s search was for water not more enemies. He would have to watch Goll.
    “Should have let them finish.” One of Warden’s men shouted
from the table with his glass raised.
    “We’ll save some for the arena.” Warden grinned. “Good
show. He caught you off guard and you turned the tables. I love it!”
    Abel held his jaw. “Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.”
    “No hard feelings, huh? We had to know if you were any
good.” The host exclaimed.
    “Are you satisfied now?” Isnor said as he gulped down
another drink.
    “Competition is always a good thing as it forces us to do
our best. Only the complacent are satisfied.” Warden stared at the merchant.
“The tournament is tomorrow. There are only a few rules. No weapons. You win by
disqualification or by knocking a man unconscious or out of the ring.” He
walked back to the head of the table and gestured to Abel. “You and your group
will stay here tonight as my guests.”
    A different woman entered the room dressed very similar to
Isabel. Her red curly hair fell untamed beneath the head covering. “Naomi show
them their rooms.” Warden instructed.
    “Make sure you have my water ready tomorrow.” Abel said as
he followed Naomi. “I’m not waiting around.”
    “Sure.” Warden chuckled. “Love the cockiness Abel. But you
will be tested tomorrow. Sleep well.” Leaving the room, they could hear the
group laughing and betting in the background.  They were expecting a solid turn
out and a good outcome.
     The rooms consisted of four walls, a door and a salvaged
bed. Isnor was given his own room. Abel and Keera were told to share a room
with a single bed. Upon