Malao swallowed hard. “The rich people don't eat the … uh … losers, do they?”
“Of course not,” Long said. “What ever gave you an idea like that?”
“Don't ask,” Fu replied. “Why did that guard call us ‘fresh meat’?”
“It's the term used for first-time fighters,” Long said. “They are often served up as an easy match for top-level fighters.”
“So we're going to have to fight?” Malao asked.
“I'm afraid so,” Long said. “I won't be able to help you escape. This place is too secure. If you win enough fights, however, you'll be set free and any charges against you will be forgiven. You two were brought here as Enemies of the State, which is a common charge. You could be out in a year, as long as you keep winning.”
“A year!” Malao said.
“Shhh!” Long whispered. “I'll do what I can to help you, but my hands are tied. Like I said, this place is too secure.”
“What are you doing here?” Fu asked.
“I heard about the fight club from one of Grandmaster's visitors,” Long said. “I came straight here after the attack and convinced the fight promoter, a man called LaoShu—Rat—that I was a local. He has no idea about my history at Cangzhen, and I need to keep it that way.”
“You came here on purpose?” Malao said. “Why?”
“Prisoners fight for their freedom,” Long said. “But locals fight to join the Emperor's ranks. There are fight clubs like this one in several regions, and each year the champions from each club meet to fight each other. The winner is awarded a military post. That's how Ying became a major under the Emperor so quickly and at such a young age. He was last year's Grand Champion. I hope to do the same thing.”
Fu scratched his head. “Why?”
“Grandmaster told us to change Ying and to change the Emperor's heart,” Long said. “I decided that the best way to do that was from the inside. It hasn't been easy but so far it's working. I'm currently the top fighter here, which is why I'm wearing this uniform and why I have access to you. It's my job to determine the skill level of each new prisoner. LaoShu organizes the fights, and like a rat he is very clever. He already knows about your background, and he has placed both of you in the elite category.”
“So, if you're not going to evaluate us, why are you with us now?” Malao asked.
Fu growled. “He came to tell us that we're going to fight soon, right?”
“Yes,” Long said. “That's why they stopped drugging Malao. They want him to have a relatively clear head.”
“Great,” Malao said. “Some guy that never met me is going to try to beat me to a pulp so that he can be a soldier.” He rubbed his temples. “My head is still so foggy. This isn't fair. Why were we captured and brought to this prison fight club thing in the first place? Was there a reward or something?”
“Yes, there is a price on all our heads,” Long said. “Ying saw to that. I've been lucky that no one has identified me. There is a special price for Hok because of an attack that occurred against Shaolin Temple. You haven't seen her, have you?”
“She was with us for a little while,” Fu said. “So was Seh. We're not sure what happened to them after we were captured, though.”
“I see,” Long said. “Let's hope that they are all right. If they do get caught, I expect they'll end up here.”
“For the reward?” Fu asked.
“That, and the gambling element,” Long replied. “The man who brought you here, HaMo, believes you can both fight well. Most people will bet against you because you're young, but HaMo has already placed large bets in your favor. I've heard rumors that he's bet all of the reward money he collected for your captures. If you both win, he will be a very rich man.”
Malao stared at Long in the flickering torchlight. “Do you think we will win?”
“I'm not going to lie,” Long said. “The competition here is very tough. These fighters use a combination of simple but effective techniques from a wide variety of styles, and everyone cheats. There are no rules. Grappling is popular, so practice your mount escapes while you have time. Watch out for armlocks and leglocks.”
“Who are we fighting?” Fu asked.
“That hasn't been determined yet,” Long said. “You won't know until they lead you into the pit. Now, I suggest you start practicing. Don't wear yourselves out, though. Go easy.”
“Go easy?” Malao said, rubbing his head. “When are we fighting?”
Long frowned. “Tonight.”