MN - 9 - Intelligence

Beside him Art saw one of the fighting rings. No one else was around.

“Let’s see what kind of place this is going to be,” he muttered. He’d prepare by getting familiar with the dimensions of the ring. He climbed over the ropes which separated this patch of ground from the general field. Torches set in sconces flared at the four corners of the ring.

Art pulled off his shoes and socks to allow his feet to feel the texture here. The interior was springy underfoot, with a rough texture which would make finding traction no problem. Art walked from side to side, getting the measurements of the ring into his head. He stood in the center of the ring and closed his eyes, stretching out with his feelings, becoming aware of how the place sounded, how it smelled, the touch of it under his feet, internalizing all the parts.

Then, eyes still closed, he tried a simple kick. It flew out crisp and strong. He pulled back to stance, spun, and fired a kick in the opposite direction.

“Yes,” he said. “I can live with this.”