Free The Mamluks (The Mamluks Saga: Episode 1) by Edward Lake Page B

not abandoned us. That is why we can never abandon You. Give us the
strength to carry on, all mighty God. Watch over us as we fight to survive.
Watch over our beloved friend Madison, and all who suffer. In Christ's name we
pray, Amen.”

 
     
    Chapter 35
     
    After being with Adomas for so long, I now knew more details
about his responsibilities. As Champion of the Mamluks, he was in charge of
security. However, his title could be taken away at any time.
    Every soldier had the opportunity to challenge Adomas in
hand-to-hand combat. If he were to lose, the soldier who defeated him would
then become Champion.
    Remarkably, I was told that Adomas had been Champion for a
very long time. But he was slowing down. And in their society, the spawn of the
Champion was usually the one who defeated the Champion.
    A sandstone stadium that resembled the ancient Roman Colosseum
was built to showcase the competition. It was located in the heart of the
forest, a few miles from our building. A soldier from another region had come
to challenge Adomas.
    Juozas and I were headed to the stadium to watch. Our ship
landed a few minutes before the fight began, and a soldier escorted us to our
seats in the front row. Dalia, the Ruler of all Mamluks, was sitting next to
us. I was surprised to see her in public. Since the celebration of Juozas’s
birth, she had been somewhat of a recluse.
    “Hello, Dalia. I haven’t seen you in a while.”
    “ Emily , it is wonderful to see you again.” She bent
down a little. “And you as well, Juozas.”
    “Hello,” he mumbled shyly.
    A horn sounded, and the challenger walked out of a tunnel on
the other side of the stadium. The soldier stopped near the center of the
stadium floor and scanned the arena with fury in his eyes. The crowd cheered as
he looked on.
    Shortly after, a second horn sounded, and Adomas walked out
of the tunnel on our side of the stadium. They were both wearing the
traditional soldier’s outfit. Black cargo-looking pants, black boots, with no
shirt on.
    To win the fight, a combatant had to make their opponent
submit either verbally or physically—or knock them unconscious. Adomas put his
arms out and screamed, glaring at the challenger. And right then, a third horn
went off, and the battle began.
    Adomas ran at the challenger and tried to tackle him to the
ground. But the soldier was able to push him away. The challenger came forward
and caught Adomas with a quick jab. Adomas responded with a swift kick to the
soldier’s leg, buckling him a bit.
    The challenger came right back with a fast combination,
peppering Adomas with punches and kicks. I was getting worried. The challenger
was much faster and more fluid. Adomas tried to tackle him again, but it didn’t
work. Then, the soldier jumped high and kneed Adomas in the face. The shot sent
him stumbling backwards.
    The entire arena gasped and rose to their feet. I got up and
put my hand over my heart, trying to calm my nerves. But Adomas quickly
regained his awareness and delivered a stinging blow to the challenger’s
stomach. The strike wobbled the soldier, and Adomas followed up with a
take-down.
    He pinned the challenger to the ground and battered him with
punches and elbows. Within seconds, the soldier’s face was a bloody mess. He
desperately tried to get up, but Adomas stayed on top and continued to hammer
away. Finally, the challenger waved his hand, signaling a submission.
    The crowd roared as Adomas rose. I cheered loud and threw my
hands in the air. Juozas was jumping up and down, imitating his father’s moves.
The challenger got up and walked to Adomas. He gave him a quick nod, then got
on the ground and bowed at Adomas’s feet, declaring him the winner.
    I smiled. “ Whew , still the Champ.”

 
     
    Chapter 36
     
    Giedre came to our building to patch up Adomas’s wounds. I
was lying on the bed in a silk robe, watching.
    “That was a close call today.”
    “Yes, the soldier was very good.”
    Giedre was using her