Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Physics & Violence [2]

Ragnar was vibrating with energy. It was a strange sensation for a man who usually preferred the quiet solitude of a drafting table, but today was significant. Today was the inaugural tournament of the "Siege Ball" League.

He walked briskly through the camp, the morning mist swirling around his boots. The atmosphere had shifted. The sullen, waiting-to-die vibe of the "Broken Men" had evaporated, replaced by a nervous, electric anticipation. He saw men tightening the straps on their padded leather vests the same ones designed to protect them from the recoil of the Torsion Spikes, now repurposed as sports gear.

He was halfway to the makeshift arena on the beach when a breathless shout stopped him.