Page 26 of I Ran Away to Evil 3
“Meow.”
Before Brownie could reply, Slake interrupted, rubbing himself between the bard’s legs. Brownie dipped down and picked up the grimalcat, affectionately rubbing the beast behind his ears.
“Slake,” Rufus greeted, and I detected a hint of frustration. “Good morning.”
“It is, isn’t it,” the grimalcat replied, swishing his tail.
“To answer your question”—Brownie smiled across at her intended—“Candace is competing in the second match.”
“Hm.” Rufus tapped his chin, considering. “How about I join you?”
“Really?!” Brownie asked, concerned. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Worst case, I’ll just step out.”
Lady Amy smiled, “Can I tag along?”
“Count me in, too,” I added before finishing off my roll.
“Slake?” Brownie asked, but the grimalcat hopped out of her arms and landed on the floor.
He rubbed his paw against his cheek and said, “I’m busy.”
“Alright everyone,” Brownie dragged Rufus to the breakfast table. “Give us ten minutes to eat, and then we can all head out.”
CHAPTER 12
Contestants, Are You Rrready?
Julian
“In the west corner, we have the fiery, the furry, the ever-ferociousROCCO THE RACCOON!”
The announcer’s voice boomed loudly over the crowds as a large gate opened on the left side of the arena and a raccoon beastfolk entered. He ran on all fours, in half-transformed beastman form, loping up the steps and arriving on the magical platform. Rocco clasped his hands into a fist and pumped it over his head once, twice, and thrice.
And then, he burst into flames.
It was a great show. Julian nodded in approval. He was sitting in the highest alcove seats above the arena, sipping on a glass of crushed ice tea infused with elderberries and slices of cucumber. It was refreshing under the hot sun.
The crowd’s volume only increased as the eastern gate rose and the announcer’s voice introduced Rocco’s opponent.
“And in the opposite corner …SANDY MOOR!Graceful as a swan, voice of a nightingale, and beauty beyond compare. Folks, her summoner’s dance will leave you wanting to follow orders right beside her summons!”
A human woman with long black hair and clear blue eyes walked into the arena. Sandy obviously had well over twenty Charisma, probably closer to thirty, and a high-enough Dexterity to walk with unnatural grace. Her smile made members of the audience swoon. She was wearing a dancer’s flowing skirt, black tights, and a long-sleeve, skintight shirt that showed off her belly button.
When she stopped across from Rocco, who was still on fire and bristling with a fierce glare on his face, Sandy lifted both arms above her head and then dipped into a beautiful bow, turned in a circle, and then sank into a fighting stance. Her skirts settled elegantly about her, her hair falling perfectly into place.
She motioned with one outstretched hand for Rocco to come at her. The crowd went wild.
“Contestants, are yourrready?” The announcer, a selkie man named Rish, stood on a stand just below Julian’s box seats.
Rocco and Sandy both nodded, not taking their eyes off of each other.
“Then the final match of the youth tournament shall …” There was a deliberate pause before a loud gong sounded and Rish shouted, “BEGIN!”
A split second later, Rocco spat a chantless [Fireball] at Sandy’s face. Sandy dodged to the left and spun, her voice a delicate song that Julian could hear clear as day over the crowd.
“As one with the earth,
