Amongst the cheering crowd there were 4 who were considerably NOT having a good time. They stood casually near the arena's edge near the entrance to the restrooms.
"Another has passed his trial." Commented the tall one,
"How long has it been since someone has died in these trials? Eh Ralco?" He elbows the one that is lurking in the shadow trying to think.
"The last time an initiate has perished was 2 years ago when one of them openly defied and attacked the oracle." Rallied states matter-of-factly,
"Poor bastard got ripped to shreds on the spot."
"Such is the fate of any who don't bow to their goddess!" The broad-shouldered one passionately states.
"This is what makes our mission today so important!"
"CALM yourself Therin!" Ralco says with authority
"We must wait for the sign, as our Priest has commanded us."
"What even was the sign again?" Yawned the 3rd one, distinguishable by his short hair and slim body.
"I'm starting to think we were sent here as a joke"
"Tessna wouldn't give us such explicit instructions if it WERE a joke Ness" hissed Ralco,
"We are to wait until there is a casualty from the trials unlike any before. Then Therin is to go and denounce the goddess and her teachings."
"That sounds like a horrible plan, even for one with the Gift of future-sight!" Said the 4th.
"Will that not just piss off everybody involved?"
"Peace Falon, when has our priest ever been wrong about what we are to do?" Consoled Ralco.
"The last time he got drunk and made his eyes glow so he could tell us fake prophecies."
Retorted Ness.
"Well I can vouch that the instructions were told to me by a SOBRE Kaska."
"That and..."
The crowd erupts in cheers around them as another initiate pulls off a good move against their test, this interrupts Ralco and makes him flinch from the loud sound.
"That and once again, these instructions were too specific."
"Fine!!!" Groaned Ness,
"I guess we'll just have to keep waiting."
As the group turned back toward the trials they see something very surprising, a lion flying into the crowd.