Chapter 23. Battle of the Bastards

JULIAN

I stood in the middle of a round ring of sand.

Flame torches were on several stands lining the arena, casting a yellow glow over the night. The number of people around thrilled me. It was almost as if they had nothing better to do than remain standing and shouting like madmen who had never seen a bare-chested warrior before.

Behind them were several mud houses with smoking chimneys. The smell of spices I couldn't name mixed with the stink of sweat lingering in the air. I passed my gaze over the faces of the people there, hoping to recognize someone I knew. Nothing. Only hardened, bloodthirsty faces greeted me back until, by chance, I saw the young lad. He was hiding in the crowd, like an innocent sheep amid wolves. His bright smile was reassuring.

Then, I saw a dark man headed in my direction with a bunch of keys dangling in his hand. I tried to retreat cautiously, but the heavy metal chains on my hands and feet held me in place. He simply reached