Page 10 of Gladiator Moon

Why the Fallen?

I was once the Head Guard here at the Games. Now I’ve been reduced to door duty.

What did you do?

I showed mercy on a combatant who tried to escape.

Mercy how?

I was supposed to kill the little quiller, but I imprisoned him instead.

What’s a quiller?

A little creature with horns and hoofed feet. It was at a distinct disadvantage in the Games.

Then why was it chosen to fight?

Mistakes are sometimes made, as best as I can determine.

Do you think my being here is a mistake?

Earlier, I saw your profile picture in the official program. You appeared weak and small. I cannot fathom how you could defeat the bigger, stronger warriors.

How are mistakes made?

The choosing of contestants is not an exact science, from what I understand; then again, I don’t know the ins and outs of the process. Only Baltazar does.

So this quiller thing attempted to escape, and you were told to kill it, but you didn’t?

That about sums it up.

You did not wish to kill the creature.

I did not.

But you did so anyway.

No, the creature is safely in our deepest cells, far away from prying eyes.

You gave up your position for the little feller.

I did, yes, and it cost me a lot.

You lost your station.

And a digit.

Digit?

A finger.

Show me, I telepathically command him.

He untucks his hand, which had been inside a fold of his leather armor. One of his stubby fingers is indeed missing. The one at the far end, likely the equivalent of a pinkie.

Did it hurt to have it removed?

Very much so.