The Pit

Returning to their horses, Cahrel and Faye huddled together to discuss what he found out.

"I found out what they plan to do with Ryder."

Faye's eyes grew large at his words. It was much easier than she'd expected to find him.

Cahrel continued. "They haven't killed him, not yet anyways. They have decided to put up....a bit of a front. Using your influence and station within the gang on personal matters is frowned upon. After Ryder returned and wanted to make amends, the gang decided to allow him to pay back what he owed. I'm guessing the man that had a grudge added additional payment on top, trying to make it harder for him to pay. They must have made a deal for him to collect a debt that had been a pain for the gang for a while. Then, when he didn't fulfill the entire debt, they gave an additional condition for him to make up his debt with the gang."

Cahrel paused here. He seemed to be putting the information he gathered from the bartender and what Faye had already told him, along with what he'd heard on his own together, trying to make it understandable for Faye.

She nodded along, and when he paused, she couldn't help, but find herself impatient.

"So? Where is he? What condition did they put forth."

Cahrel sighed. "He really must have offended someone pretty bad in the gang. They want him to fight within the Pit."

Faye blinked at the unfamiliar term. It wasn't something she'd ever heard of before. "What's the Pit? I'm assuming it's a fighting arena...."

Cahrel gave a smile and nodded. "You'd be right. It's exactly what it sounds like. A Pit that has been dug into the ground, where two fighters are introduced and made to fight. Bets are taken and the winner receives a monetary prize as well."

Hearing the description, Faye didn't feel that it sounded that dangerous. After remembering Ryders thin and weak form, however, she frowned.

"He...probably won't do too good in that..."

Cahrel shook his head. "They will most likely guarantee he loses. Most fights aren't to the death, but I have a feeling they'll pay off the other fighter to finish Ryder."

"Wouldn't someone stop them?"

Cahrel frowned as he thought of the possibility. "I'm sure they have some sort of system in place, that deters people from killing their opponents, but they probably have a way around that...."

"What can we do then?"

Cahrel sighed as he thought quietly to himself. "I'm not sure what we can do. The fight is supposed to happen tomorrow so we have a bit of time. I've never participated in this particular thing, so I don't know much about the specifics and the rules of it. I know that in these types of fights, they will sometimes allow a change of fighters, so I'm wondering if we can buy his way out of it....We'll have to see."

Cahrel was able to ask around and eventually both he and Faye found their way to a man that seemed to have some sort of pull within the Pit.

Unfortunately, he was unwilling to allow them to buy Ryder's position in the fight. He was adamant that Ryder was unable to be substituted. When offered a higher amount, however, he wavered. Finally, he mentioned that while Ryder couldn't be substituted and any interference was prohibited, they COULD buy out his opponents seat.

This wouldn't be cheap. Apparently, it was also a good way to get those after Ryder on their backs as well. Cahrel drew the line at this point.

"I will not put myself on the outs with the scorpions for this matter. I'm sorry Faye, but...it's not worth it."

Faye's gaze dropped down as she considered her options. Finally, she turned back toward the man they were speaking with.

"How much does it cost to buy a position?"

The man's brows jumped up, he seemed surprised she was still willing to consider the option.

"It's....100 gold pieces."

Hearing the amount, Faye felt her eyes widen. She was worried they might pop out of her skull.

Beside her she heard Cahrel scoff. His voice came out, disgusted. "Really?"

The man remained unfazed by Cahrel's dissatisfaction.

Faye shook her head...."Is there any way to lower that amount?"

The man's eyes rolled over her form, as they did, Faye felt her discomfort raise. Anger began to build in her gut. She was here to help a friend and this man was going to try to take advantage of that?!?

She stepped forward, her hand lashed out swiftly, grabbing hold of his shirt. She pulled him towards her, almost across the entire desk between them.

"Listen. I suggest you think CAREFULLY about your answer." The man's face grew pale as Faye stood gripping him. He tried to struggle free but found himself unable to. Being at the mercy of the one he wanted to take advantage of before....he began to try to reason with Faye.

"Ah-haha. I think there's a misunderstanding....maybe. Um, I can probably get you a deal for....half? How does fifty gold sound?" A bead of sweat dripped down the side of his face as he spoke. Faye turned towards Cahrel, not sure if that was a fair deal.

Cahrel stood staring at the interaction of the two, but as she turned his attention towards him, he shook his head in an attempt to clear it.

"Fifty....sounds reasonable," he paused, then continued with a slight grin, "We'll pay it after the fight."

The man seemed taken aback and began to protest, but felt Faye's fist tighten on his shirt and rethought his words. "I....I can't just allow that." His eyes flitted to Faye's as she narrowed hers threateningly. "B-But! I can...maybe....I can accept half payment up front...and the rest afterwards?" He asked.

Faye turned toward Cahrel who was already nodding with a smile.

"That sounds wonderful."

As Faye released her grip on him, the man seemed to deflate. He wiped the sweat on his brow as he began fumbling with some paperwork in front of him.

"Let me...look and see who he's supposed to be fighting...."