Thrall woke right on time as the first ray of morning sunlight passed through the shabby window and fell into the old room.
In this dark, damp prison, sunlight offered a rare warmth.
The jailer assigned to watch Thrall deeply disliked his lifestyle. The fellow went to bed at nine at night and got up at six in the morning. He had no nightlife whatsoever.
Every soldier at the Durnholde detention facility resented having to watch Thrall. Lieutenant General Blackmoore demanded that they never leave his side, so the jailers had to follow him around like prisoners themselves.
Moray Drak would return to the Dueling Grounds before eight. Hearing movement in the cell, the jailer immediately got up to prepare Thrall's breakfast.
Although Thrall was a priority surveillance target, he ate the same food as the soldiers at the detention facility.
The jailer prepared two large bowls filled with noodles and a small dish of pickles for Thrall. As he delivered the meal, the young guard urged him, "Thrall, you're Lieutenant General Blackmoore's adopted son. Behave yourself, and you'll have a bright future. Why insist on opposing him? Now all of us have to suffer along with you."
Thrall took the tray, ignoring the guard's advice. He turned away and ate his breakfast.
You could never wake someone who was pretending to sleep. The guard shook his head helplessly, frustrated. How much longer would this damned life go on?
At eight, the guard opened the door for Thrall.
The Dueling Grounds were the only place Thrall was allowed to move around. During the day, he could exercise or do whatever he wished there.
Thrall had the right to choose any opponent in the Dueling Grounds, so he could order the soldiers to open any room holding a gladiator.
The Dueling