Oblivious to the spine-tingling screaming of The Machines, in the stands, men and women stood up, cheering loudly. A few children and young adults ran up the staircases and gathered around the windows. Helen followed them until she reached a window. Outside, ten Machines of varying shapes and colors were heading for the stadium. Their nostrils were flaming. Their mouths were open, revealing rows of enormous teeth. Helen shivered.

A young man slid in beside her. "They only come when someone has escaped from Tarclaver," he said. "I haven't seen you around here before," he added. "Watch what happens."

There was a loud booming noise. A canon ball hurtled through the air.