Chapter 8: Darrow: The Hanging Coliseum

Summary

• Darrow and Cassius are escorted through Flamma's Gullet to the Hanging Coliseum.
• Darrow observes the details of the tunnel and reflects briefly on his companion Pax's knowledge of beasts depicted on the tunnel walls.
• Cassius appears beaten but is trying to stay in good spirits, joking about their situation.
• Darrow admits he was fed well during his captivity, unlike Cassius who had poor conditions.
• The guards escorting them speak with a Martian accent from Yorkton, stirring Darrow's longing for home.
• Upon entering the Hanging Coliseum, Darrow is taken aback by the vast number of soldiers present.
• Cassius is shocked by the size of the army, contradicting their Intel that suggested smaller numbers.
• The men speculate that someone has significantly bolstered the forces arrayed against them.
• Large numbers of non-combatants from the dockyards are also in attendance, showing wide support.
• Darrow scrutinizes their situation, considering Apollonius's unexpected strength and pondering potential alliances.
• Apollonius remains conspicuously absent despite Darrow and Cassius's arrival and calls for him.
• Apollonius eventually appears with fanfare and dramatic flair, eliciting cheers and songs from his legionnaires and dockworkers.
• The cohort sings venerating Apollonius, illustrating their deep devotion and respect.
• Darrow observes Apollonius's extravagant display of leadership and yearns for past victories.
• Cassius expresses contempt for the crowd's adoration of Apollonius, hinting at jealousy and defeat.
• Apollonius flaunts his legion standard decorated with Republic legion stars from defeated enemies.
• Apollonius and Darrow recite poetic verses, revealing nuances of their relationship and antagonism.
• Apollonius expresses fascination with Darrow's journey and expresses a desire for violent confrontation.
• Apollonius boasts about his recent achievements, attributing them to charisma and speaking ability.
• Darrow and Cassius signal confusion over Apollonius's true intentions and alliances.
• Apollonius dismisses Cassius with scorn and implies he wants to duel with Darrow.
• Darrow reveals the presence of what he claims is an atomic bomb threatening the station.
• Apollonius counters by revealing he has already obtained Darrow's bomb, insisting on a duel.
• A duel between Darrow and Apollonius unfolds, showing Darrow's tactical thinking but also his disadvantageous state.
• The duel intensifies as Apollonius dominates, while Darrow struggles with his diminishing strength.
• Darrow's desperation grows as Apollonius sustains relentless attacks, outmatching Darrow's skills.
• Darrow acknowledges both his own inadequacy and the shortcomings of his fighting method as Apollonius continues to overpower him.
• Feeling defeat imminent, Darrow considers his loved ones and contemplates a final, suicidal attack.
• Apollonius, disappointed by Darrow's reduced prowess, urges him to present a better challenge.
• Darrow defiantly challenges Apollonius to finish the fight, but a sudden explosion interrupts them.
• The chapter ends with confusion as a bomb detonates, but it isn't the one Darrow mentioned earlier.