“Seh!” Hok whispered. “General Tsung is here! So is the Emperor! They're sitting directly across the pit from us.”

Seh frowned. “I'll be sure to keep my head down.”

“Me too,” Hok said, pulling her turban low on her forehead. “I wonder who else will show up.”

“I don't even want to think about it,” Seh replied.

Charles rushed back over to their table and sat down. “LaoShu is about to make the opening announcements,” he said.

LaoShu cleared his throat and began to speak loudly in a squeaky, high-pitched voice.

“Welcome, everyone, to my world-famous Jinan Fight Club! I hope you're enjoying our hospitality. Tonight we have what may be our most impressive lineup ever, both inside the pit and out. I'd like to begin by welcoming the most distinguished guest to ever grace this humble establishment. Ladies and gentlemen, pay your respects to our beloved Emperor! Kowtow!”

The crowd members, including LaoShu, dropped to their knees.

“Seh, kneel,” Hok whispered, and she helped Seh to the floor. They both knocked their foreheads against the ground three times, as did Charles. Their respects complete, Hok helped Seh back into his chair, and she sat down between Seh and Charles.

In front of the pit, LaoShu stood and continued the announcements.

“It is both an honor and a pleasure for me to announce two additional guests, neither of whom is a stranger to this arena. First is a man who achieved special notoriety within the Emperor's ranks in an impressively short period of time. Everyone, show your appreciation for the Fight Club Grand Champion of China from several years ago—General Tsung, the Leopard Monk!”

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Applause erupted from the audience, and Tsung stood and bowed. Several people from the crowd pointed at him and waved. Others pointed toward the giant sitting to the Emperor's right.

“I see several of you have already spotted our third distinguished guest,” LaoShu announced. “He really stands out in a crowd, if you know what I mean! He's another former Grand Champion, who also happens to be the Emperor's chief security officer and personal bodyguard. Ladies and gentlemen, the most dangerous man to ever grace our pit—Xie, the Scorpion!”

The crowd's cheering was even louder and more frenzied for Xie, and Seh leaned over in Hok's general direction. “What does this Scorpion look like?” he asked.

“Trouble,” Hok replied.

The crowd began to quiet down, and LaoShu clapped his hands. “I told you tonight was going to be special! Now, just listen to what will be happening inside the pit. Not one, but two Enemies of the State will face the consequences for their treasonous actions before your very eyes. We also have a handful of lesser criminals, all of whom have promised they'll not go down without a fight. As for your local heroes, you'll see many of your favorites tonight, including the top contender to represent Jinan in the upcoming championships—the young wonder who calls himself the Golden Dragon. What do you think about that!”

The crowd began to cheer and yell and stomp their feet. Hok watched a huge toothy smile spread across LaoShu's face.

“I hope you've placed your wagers,” LaoShu announced, “because betting on this first bout is about to close. Wagering odds for the upcoming bouts can be found at the bettors’ table. As always, once the gong sounds, the action will officially begin and all betting on that bout will cease. And now, it is with great excitement that I bring you the first bout of the evening! It will feature two hardened criminals making their inaugural appearances here on the road to possible freedom. First into the pit is a powerhouse from the northernmost regions. He needs little introduction from me. His physique speaks for itself! Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear some applause for the Mongolian Mauler!”

The large door inside the pit flew open and Hok watched a tall, thick-muscled man with short black hair walk proudly into the pit wearing only a heavy loincloth. The crowd clapped its approval.

LaoShu continued. “The challenger hails from a foreign land known as Siam. He's a small man with a big heart. Don't let his size fool you. His techniques are as exotic as his language. Everyone, get ready for the Siamese Assassin!”

Hok saw a thin, wiry young man dance into the pit through the open doorway. His hair was also short, but unlike the Mauler, his skin was quite dark and he wore short pants that stopped above his knees. The rest of his skin was bare except for a narrow decorative band tied around the upper part of each of his biceps.

Hok stared at the young man's hands. Curiously, they were wrapped with rope. The rope looked very rough and covered everything but his fingers, which moved freely. Hok assumed it would allow him to both grab things and make fists.




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