An Accord

"Tell you what," Avery said quietly. "You help me stay alive, and I'll train you up."

 Dael glanced at the other men slumped against the bars. Some had defeat in their eyes, others anger. "I won't die a slave."

 Avery nodded. "Good. It's an accord." He extended a hand and pulled Dael into a brief embrace. "Now, you need to get healed up. Then you'll fight."

 Something slammed against the bars.

 Dael spun around, fists up to guard. Darius dragged a club against the bars, laughed.

"Next up, fresh meat." He grinned at Dael. "A little blood in the water to get the crowd going."