The arena

The clear sound of a bell rang out over the town - once, twice, three times. The third ring echoed, slowly fading away into the air, replaced with silence. The people had gathered in central square, watching in heavy anticipation the circular arena that had been constructed the night before. On it stood two fighters, both unarmed, facing each other, prepared to fight to the death.

On one side stood a man by the name of Murack, a look of confidence on his face. He was a large man, having trained for this day for a number of years, and he was widely renowned for starting - and winning - bar fights. As he had come up onto the arena floor, he had discarded his shirt, showing off his muscular build, racked with tattoos and and scars from the years. His cocky grin was short three teeth, which he had lost early on in his career as a fighter, a fact he was very proud of.

On the other side of the arena was a woman known as Aileen. She was a smaller person, and she didn't talk much. Most of the townsfolk didn't even know what her voice sounded like. Her body was slim, seemingly malnourished, and she was clearly lacking on the strength end of things. She was dressed in rags with her hair tied back, and her face was flat, refusing to show any emotion.

Once a year, convicted criminals were brought together to fight in this arena for a chance at redemption. Should the succeed in the arena, they would be allowed back into public for a second chance at life, with the understanding that were they found guilty of their sins again, they would be immediately put to the axe. The trial was completely voluntary, but there were always those willing to put their lives on the line for that fleeting second chance. Murack had been found guilty of murder in a drunken stupor, while Aileen had been a traitor to the crown, attempting to steal valuable pieces of the town's history.

Cheers suddenly erupted from the crowd as the two lunged towards one another. Murack was a shoe-in to win the battle. No one could imagine that Aileen would last ten seconds. They could hardly believed she had consented to the trial by arena. But in a few moments, the battle would be over.

As they clashed, Murack landed a solid blow to the center of Aileen's chest, immediately cracking her ribs. At the same moment, Aileen's hands leaped forward, slamming into Murack's hips just bellow his navel. They stood together, motionless, and the cheers o the crowd slowly died, unsure of what to think.

Then Aileen fell to her knees, coughing violently, doubling over in pain. Cheers for Murack erupted forth, but he did not move. Only a brief moment later he hit the ground, his body unable to support himself, having had his pelvis dislocated by the precision of Aileen's blow. The cheers fell with him.

"Draw!" came out the sound of a singular voice as the judge leaped onto the stage. Soldiers came forth and dragged the two fighters away. "Round one is over. Next!"