Warm plumes of smoke lingered above the arena grounds. The gladiator challenged Jaspearl to a duel, yet was not able to withstand the impact of her strike. He slammed to the ground, convulsed in the throes of death, and finally became still. Jaspearl heaved a sigh, disappointed by the dull confrontation. Her act of straddling the corpse appeared innocent, clashing with the tragedy that just occurred.