He was in for it this time, and he knew it. Alsake had lost. What made it particularly bad, however, was that he lost on purpose. His undefeated streak was over, but voluntarily so. Of course, Alsake's master was fuming all the way back to his holding cell. As soon as they arrived Alsake was forced to his knees by a pair of guards while his master grabbed a crude wooden club that he seemed to have been saving for a moment like this. Without saying a word, his master swung the club into the side of his head, the two guards holding him up so that the blow wouldn't knock him down.
"Refusing to kill is one thing," his master said. "But purposely losing? That's something else."
His master then started beating him with the club until the only thing holding him up were the guards.
"I've gotten my mileage out of you anyway. You've already made me one of the richest men in Essyrn even with the losses I just suffered by your defeat. You won't be cheap of course, but no one in their right man would pay such an amount for a slave in your condition."
Alsake was then clubbed a few more times for good measure. His stomach, chest, and even the side of his face were covered in nasty bruises. Just the fact that Alsake was still conscious was a miracle, but he was used to physical abuse.
"If no one buys you, I'll have no choice but to put you down."
His master grinned evilly, making obvious that this was clearly his intention.
"Let him go," his master said and kicked Alsake to the ground.
The next day in the middle town, Alsake was included among countless other slaves being sold. The crowd whispered and mumbled amongst themselves and several pointed in Alsake's direction. Many were interested in the birdman. However, when he was next to be sold and they heard how much his master wanted for him the crowd fell silent. Champion gladiator or not, no one would pay that much for a slave in such poor condition that could barely stand on his own. His master grinned.
"Looks like nobody wants you. There's a surprise."
He put a hand on Alsake's shoulder and began leading him away.