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Chapter 6 - The Gladiator Fight

Aisha, a wise and strong-willed woman, had always strived to maintain harmony and order within her village. However, she faced a constant challenge in dealing with the rising number of male convicts and prisoners. Determined to find a solution that would both discipline and deter the men from committing further crimes, she devised a scheme inspired by the ancient gladiators.

One sunny Sunday morning, the village gathered at the grand wrestling ring in the heart of Alvernia. Aisha, dressed in her regal attire, stood tall at the center, addressing the crowd with her commanding voice. "Today, my fellow sisters and brothers, we shall witness a new endeavor that will not only serve as a form of punishment but also as a lesson for our young men."

The crowd fell silent, eagerly awaiting Aisha's words. "Henceforth," she continued, "every Sunday, two male prisoners shall engage in a physical battle, while holding the murga position. They will be required to maintain this position for the entirety of the fight. The first to break their stance shall lose the round, and there will be five rounds in total."

Murmurs of curiosity and anticipation rippled through the crowd. The murga position was a traditional punishment in which the participant would squat, with their hands placed on their ears, while their elbows were held high. It was both physically demanding and humiliating.

"These fights will serve as a means to generate revenue for our village," Aisha continued. "There shall be no punishment for the losers, as the fight itself shall be deemed their penance. It is my hope that witnessing such battles will deter our young men from a life of crime, for they shall see the consequences of their actions before their very eyes."

As the crowd absorbed the weight of Aisha's words, a hush fell over the wrestling ring. The first pair of male prisoners was brought forth, their faces etched with a mix of fear and determination. Aisha, with her piercing gaze, looked upon them, her voice resonating with authority. "Remember, my sisters and brothers, these men have chosen the path of crime. It is our duty to guide them towards a better future."

The bell rang, signaling the start of the battle. The two prisoners, trembling yet resolute, assumed the murga position. Their muscles strained, their faces contorted with effort, as they fought to maintain their stance. The crowd watched with a mix of awe and sympathy, witnessing the physical and mental struggle these men endured.

Round after round, the prisoners fought with all their might. The sun beat down upon them, and their bodies glistened with sweat. The crowd remained silent, their eyes fixated on the men, their hearts heavy with a mix of compassion and a sense of justice. They understood the purpose behind this spectacle - to teach the young men the consequences of their actions, to instill discipline, and to create a society built on respect.

As the fifth and final round drew to a close, one of the prisoners, overcome by exhaustion, faltered, breaking his murga position. The crowd gasped, their collective breath held. The victor, though battered and bruised, stood tall, his eyes filled with a mix of relief and triumph. The defeated prisoner, while humbled, held his head high, knowing that he had faced the consequences of his actions.

Aisha stepped forward, her voice resonating with pride and wisdom. "Today, we have witnessed not only a battle of strength but also a lesson for all. Let it be known that in Alvernia, we believe in redemption and second chances. It is my hope that these fights will not only generate revenue but also guide our young men towards a path of righteousness and respect."

And so, in the matriarchal village of Alvernia, Aisha's scheme became a weekly event, where men were taught the importance of discipline and obedience. The fights served as a reminder that in a society built on equality, respect, and understanding, everyone had the opportunity to rise above their past and create a better future.