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ground across from it, calmly and quietly.  Not detecting a threat from her, it resumed drinking. Keeria watched it carefully, wondering how effective its fur would be if it were somehow made into a weapon.  She waited patiently and, sure enough, the animal’s curiosity led it to her.  She did not move as it sniffed her body and her outstretched hand.  It bristled a tiny bit as she drew her hand over its back, amazed by the hardness of its fur. It climbed into her lap, enjoying the tentative stroking.  Keeria smiled, lifting it carefully into her arms.  She had found a friend.  And a formidable weapon.
     
    * * *
     
    Traisk climbed up yet another ladder, following his instincts as he explored the Maze looking for the golden haired Trained One.  The announcer had commented that a new level had been made, but was it above or below the existing ones? He listened carefully, studied his surroundings and looked for clues. He continued to explore, searching for his beautiful target. He climbed up a r amp and entered another corridor with a single doorway.  Upon opening it, he inhaled sharply.
    A torture chamber.
    Bile rose in his throat.  He was a Strong Man.  He had no need to subject the weaker Trained Ones to torture!  He recalled being teased as a boy for his concern about the treatment of the camp whores and his refusal to subject them to some of the ‘play’ his comrades enjoyed.  His rebuffs had landed him in endless, bloody fights and gotten him severe lashings with the Master’s strop. The experience had earned him a reputation, but not a very positive one.  He was at first considered weak because he would instinctively protect a female.  He, however, believed himself stronger than the others, because he did not succumb to their pressure. His arrogance, size, determination, and convictions led him here. This was truly a fight for his existence.
    A shelf of devices caught his eye and he approached it with curiosity.  Some were definitely intended to bring pain.  Yet, there were some that could produce pleasure as well. A closer look at the furnishings brought a smile to his face.  There was also a second room, housing a tiled bath in the center and various other types of interesting equipment. Food units were present as well.  Yes, this is where he would bring his selected Trained One to conquer her.  He marked the door as he left, before going back down the g radient and seeking another passage.
    After two more hours of turns and twists, Traisk found himself in a small, round room that was lit from above.  The light seemed natural, as though it was filtered through a tube in the ceiling.  There were no doors or windows, and only one way in and out.  Yet, he clearly heard scrapping against the plaster.
    Running his hand along the wall, he tapped, listening for weakness in the structure.  There.  With a mighty heave of his broad shoulder, he slammed his body against the panel, catching himself as it crumbled into pieces and opened into another enclosed room.
    The Trained One, Suri, stood before him, sword out and ready to fight.
    “Don’t they teach you girls anything?  Let’s get you out of here.  You look hungry.”
    “Die, you barbarian bastard!” Suri shouted, lunging at him.
    “Ow! Hey, you can stop that right now, young lady. Don’t make me hurt you,” Traisk commanded, dodging her lethal blade as the tip nicked his jaw. Suri was deaf to him, seeing him as her means to be granted her freedom. This one was strong, fast, and better skilled at defending herself.  Traisk had to admire the grace with which the taller woman attempted to slice him into lunchmeat.  She caught him twice more before he decided fun-time was over. His hand clapped the flat blade of her cinquedea, knocking it from her hands, and he kicked her legs out from under her, sending her crashing to the ground.
    Suri, bladeless, scrambled to her feet, holding her shoulder as she regained her fighting stance.  She