`The stench of ale and sour bodies rose from the crowd as they gathered around the arena, their eyes locked on two men in the center that circled each other like prey. Sweat dripped from tight muscles as the fighters engaged in a battle for dominance, but I already knew who the winner would be because, when Caine was in the arena, no one else stood a chance.

Watching him fight was like watching a sculptor or painter perfect their craft. Every movement was deliberate, every footstep precise, and every moment in the arena used to the fullest. No matter how often I saw him fight, he always took my breath away.

Fists soon became a blur as Caine made his finishing attack, pounding the other man down and leaving him gasping on the bloody floor. The crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and groans, and coins soon passed from hand to hand as Caine remained the champion of the Iron Circle.

Afterward, he sat at the bar, his face a patchwork of bruises and cuts in various states of healing. I smiled and handed him an ale.
“Ready to retire yet?”
“And miss seeing your face every day? No thanks.”
I shook my head and tended to other patrons before returning to refill his mug.
“I mean it, Caine. You’ve won a fortune in the arena. Why not settle down and enjoy life?”
“I do enjoy life, Faye.” He replied seriously. “I love fighting, and I’m good at it. Besides, the Iron Circle is my home. Where else can a man find ale, fights, and women under one roof?”
“You mean, besides every tavern from here to the coast?”
“Fair enough,” he laughed before downing his mug and placing three gold coins on the bar. “Here. One for the ale, two for the company.”
“I’m not that cheap, you know.” I teased as I placed the gold in my purse, and Caine laughed as he left the Iron Circle for the comfort of his own bed.
The next night, he returned with zeal as he faced off against a new set of opponents, each one eventually leaving the ring in shame as Cain bested them. The gold and ale flowed like water, and spirits were high.
At this moment, life was good.

The stranger appeared as I served up the last of the summer wine, his cloak damp from the rain as he sat across from me. I smiled.
“Evening! What can I get you?”
“Ale.”
I poured and served the drink, and he paid in silence. As he drank, he watched the fight between Cain and Joen, a local farmer. As Cain earned a new victory, the stranger turned to me.
“Can anyone fight?”
“You have to sign up with Malik,” I replied, pointing to the portly man against the far wall, “And pay the fee, but yes.”
He nodded and made to leave, but I stopped him.
“Before you do, know that Cain is our reigning champion. No one’s bested him in five years.”
The man nodded and went to Malik, who jumped at the chance to throw a fresh body in the ring. Before long, Cain and the stranger stood within the Iron Circle.
Tensions rose as the stranger removed his cloak and shirt, revealing large muscles interwoven with scars, and I approached the ring with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.
Cain, however, greeted the man like a friend.
“Welcome! Are you prepared to fight?”
The stranger nodded, and Cain assumed his starting position.
“Good. Then let’s begin.”
They circled each other as they each sized up their prey, and Cain eventually threw the opening punch. The stranger dodged it easily, and the real fight began.
The crowd buzzed excitedly as they fought, placing bets and speculating on the outcome as the newcomer matched Cain’s pace.
However, something seemed off with Cain, and I watched as he took more punches than normal.
I inched forward and held my breath as Cain began to waver. He took a hit and fell into the crowd, blood dripping from his lacerated face. Rising, he caught my eye and grinned before facing the newcomer.

The crowd went silent as we watched our hero waver, then crumple beneath the stranger’s powerful blows. Time stood still, and I could feel the room tense as Cain fell to the ground and lay still.
After an eternity, Malik approached the stranger with a bag of gold.
“Here are your winnings. Do not return here again.”
The stranger took the gold and parted the crowd, leaving as silently as he appeared.
I ran to Cain and cradled his head in my lap.
“You stupid fool. Why didn’t you tap out?”’
“It’s better…this way…” Cain choked out between gasping breaths. “Don’t be…mad…Faye.”
“Of course I’m mad! You’re better than this. What happened?”
“It’s in..the note…” Cain whispered before raising a swollen hand to my face. “You’re so…beautiful…”
As his breathing slowed, I leaned over and kissed his swollen lips, my tears washing rivets through the blood and dirt.
“The Iron Circle will never forget you, Cain. Nor will I.”
Cain smiled faintly, then gave up his final breath and died on the floor of the Iron Circle.

After the funeral, a young woman approached the bar.
“Are you Faye?”
“I am. Can I help you?”
“Here. Cain left this for you.”
She handed me a piece of paper and left before I could ask any questions. I opened it with trembling hands.
“Faye, I’m sorry to leave you like this, but it was the only way I could die with dignity. I don’t regret my life, but I do regret not loving you like you deserved. Please forgive me. “

I let out a sob as I read the rest of the note, and pieces of the puzzle began falling into place. His death wasn’t an accident- Cain planned it to escape a slower end that no healer or magician could prevent.

“You idiot! Why didn’t you tell me?” I whispered as I held the note close. Still, I knew Cain’s pride wouldn’t allow him to show weakness, so his decision didn’t surprise me.

After all, the Iron Circle was his home, and he was our champion- now, and forever.