On the road to Nillix.

Karisi, Darien, and many guards are riding down the dirt roads traveling to Nillix. There are many carriages, many horses, many guards and a handful of housekeepers with you as you travel. Lucky for you, Lilyann was one of them. You felt bad because she was **** to ride with one of the soldiers on their horse while you got a luxurious carriage ride but alas, you were Karisi's special warrior.

"So how many people actually show up to these Games of Nillix?" you ask Karisi

"It'll blow your mind..." she starts "Everybody from around the world come to cheer on their favorite competitors. There are many different festivals, parades and fights that go on besides the one you're in. It just so happens that the one you're in is the final battle that closes out the games, it showcases who has the strongest warrior of the lands, it truly is an honor."

"I suppose these games..." you hesitate briefly "most of the warriors don't survive?"

Karisi wraps her arms around you, bringing you close "Many don't live, but some do. Look at Sir Brex, my most loyal guard, he was in the games last year, not in the final tournament but one of the other rounds and he lived. Just fight well and you will live." she smiles at you

You can't help but just stare out the window of the carriage, looking off into the distance as your mind wanders. You know this is the one and possibly only chance you'll get to fight against Commander Rixx. You'll do whatever it takes to beat him, you need to get him on his knees, your short sword against his throat, then you can finally get the answers you want. As much as you just wanted to find that man at Nillix and ask him about Claire, you couldn't do that. You didn't know him well enough and if for some reason he turns you in before hand, that would cause much more trouble. As for right now, your only option was to beat him at his own game, beat him at Nillix, win the tournament.

"I'll win..." you mumble.

"Huh?" Karisi doesn't hear you

"I'll win..." you reply "I can't lose. Too much depends on it..."

Karisi looks confused but doesn't say anything, just holding you in her arms as you continue your journey to Nillix.