For the next two months, I’ve decided to switch my workout up.  Every morning, I head over to a playground before dawn and hit an intensive bodyweight circuit:  plyos, dips, pull-ups, as well as some gymnastic holds interspersed with sprints.  I like to do it before anyone gets there; it’s more peaceful, and I get…

“You’ve made it Kent!  The Archons’ Feast is no trivial matter—only the best get to sup in these halls.”  The words are followed by a meaty hand adorned with multiple conflict-diamond-laden rings clapping onto my shoulder. I don’t consider this guy (think his name was Upton?  Xavier?  One of those old money names) a “friend.” …

After a herky-jerky back-and-forth sway which I’m guessing is caused by my shipping container being hoisted onto the ground by a crane, I feel it touch down with a shudder.  The rest of the occupants—there’s a dozen others in here besides me—break out into frightened whispers. “What are they going to DO to us—” “I…