So it seemed that, after relating his capture to the Forest Thorn, there was someone willing to share in his indignation without judgment. The elf was clearly not the snooty, delicate character that many of Kamnar’s Orcish brethren would portray in their anecdotes; rather, he had a careful and world-worn air about him that only elves could have, given their lengthy lifespans. Perhaps Kamnar had misjudged him, and the elf’s persuasive words were merely a result of his life experience. He suggested that his outrage might best serve as fuel for their inevitable battles in the Arena. Kamnar found no reason to disagree, nodding respectfully.

Meanwhile, the Skytalon told his own gruesome story to the other passengers, involving the brutal use of bait and choking gas and ending with his wings being hacked off with a saw. He was treated more like a beast than a man; Kamnar listened sympathetically, unable to imagine what it must be like to lose one’s most important power, in the bird-man’s case, flight. He supposed it would be like him losing his ability to Berserk, though from his perspective, that would be more of a relief than a curse. Kamnar never liked his race’s most infamous strength, as it essentially separated the mind and body. For some orcs, such a thing is almost irrelevant, but for Kamnar, it meant losing control over what happened next, over himself – and after being thrown forcibly into his current situation, he no longer wanted to lose control.

Soon after, the elf spoke up once more, this time telling of his own capture. He described how he, as a distinguished commander, gave himself up to become a war prisoner in exchange for his soldiers’ lives, and how he was eventually sold to a lanista. Kamnar found himself oddly envious; the Forest Thorn’s enslavement was a result of an honorable sacrifice that saved the lives of those he cared for, whereas his own came only from wrongful bloodshed. After a few moments, he decided that his initial distrust for the elf was baseless; someone like this would make not only for an exceptional ally in the Arena, but also a genuine comrade outside of it. There was only one thing he could think to do in order to show his newfound trust.

“[i]Kamnar Murug-kah,[/i]” he said meaningfully. “That is what I am called, but Kamnar is sufficient.”