86 The Cost of Freedom (2/2)
Will nodded. ”This is of no fault of Alex or Lucy, and if I should hear of any punishment being initiated to the two, I will not be lenient.” Will didn't sound harsh, just assertive. He knew the difference between arrogance and confidence. He didn't agree with those who abused their positions, nor did he have love for those who looked down on others who they deem 'lowly.'
”Yes, my Prince.” Mister Amory gave a small bow of his head. He had no intention of punishing the two, if he were honest with Will, it was a blessing that he found the location. It broke his heart that a young man and his sister were forced into this situation.
”Would you like to show me around a little?” Will absorbed the energy from the crystals and put them back in his pocket. ”I saw some of it within Alex's mind, but most was dark.” Will said truthfully.
The old man's eyes widened slightly at the thought of Will residing in another's mind. What if he were to do the same to him?
Will saw the look of panic on the face of the old man and chuckled. ”Don't worry, Mister Amory, I ask permission first.” He could see relief replace the panic as the old man bowed once more and beckoned Will forward.
Will silently followed behind the old man as they went down flight after flight of stairs. Will used the memories of Alex walking down the same stairs as reference so he knew he wasn't being led into a trap. Each twist and turn they took after the stairwell was the same that Alex had taken just an hour prior. The same dimly lit corridors, leading into the large living space at the end.
Will took in the scene before him with a steel gaze. He saw cot after cot lining the walls, leading to the center of the room. The rows had just about a foot in between the others, and another foot in between the next cot within the row. It reminded Will of the stories Jonathan had told him of his time overseas. Less to no space, and absolutely no privacy. Will used to shudder at the thought of having to spend a whole year in that living situation. He couldn't wrap his head around someone calling such a place 'home.'
”When will the announcer return?” Will asked through gritted teeth as he saw a little girl even younger than Lucy shivering on her cot, trying to sleep.
”Never.” Mister Amory waved a hand dismissively. ”He has never come to the contestant pit. In his eyes, it's beneath him.”
Will nodded his head slowly as he walked towards the center of the large bay. As he reached it, he lifted his feet from the ground until he was nearly towards the ceiling.
”Everyone, pack your things!” He yelled through the large room. His aura ensured his voice reached every corner of every room within the dark abyss. ”Your days of fighting in the pit are over! Come with me and get a job which will pay fair and treat you all as people, instead of dogs to fight in a cage!”
As he levitated at the center of the pit, many people came to him with wonder in their eyes, where others seemed skeptical, yet their curiosity brought them to follow the crowd.
Will turned to Mister Amory with a newfound smile. ”You are more than welcome to join us. Alex vouched for you, and I've seen your kindness first hand.”
Mister Amory nodded his head at Will in gratitude, then Will flew above the heads of the many contestants towards the stairs which lead to the entrance to the dark pit.
As Will emerged with the others from the cramped exit, he looked up to see Leo and Maya floating above them. ”Thanks for waiting up.” Will said with a smirk. ”Did you get the rooms ready?”
Leo rolled his eyes. ”If we didn't, would we be here right now waiting on you?”
Will waited for Maya to chime in, but when he looked at her, he could only see a patient smile on her face. He knew she was waiting for him to finish up with the task at hand. They did have a date after all.