The remaining gladiators did not stay discouraged for long. Kael could almost see the reasoning passing between them as they watched their defeated companions. Three had attacked and failed, but perhaps they had simply approached badly. A lack of coordination could explain it, or maybe Kael had gotten lucky. Apparently, five opponents attacking together would be a more convincing test.
He watched them whisper among themselves before five stepped forward. Kael sighed and lowered his arms, giving them a moment to reconsider a decision they clearly thought was clever.
"You really didn't learn anything."
The oldest gladiator shouted something and pointed his cutlass toward Kael. The five spread out, with a swordsman moving left while an axe wielder circled right. A short spear, a hammer, and a pair of curved knives completed the assortment of weapons approaching him.
