Rhys stands in front of the crowd at one corner of the large space, he gets a feel for the exact dimensions, thankful that Ve taught him such techniques as the space is less than ideal and for how he trained before. It would be too much an adjustment to make at this stage.
He stares at Shaw, having no idea why his father pitted him against the weakest first. He can only assume that his father wanted him to be beaten badly in the first round and then Shaw go on to be trampled by the others making Rhys appear worse.
Shaw is talking to Jack, and they are both looking at him, probably strategizing. Shaw’s mother is butting in at random intervals, her vicious eyes set upon Rhys as if she can burn him with that look.
Ve's words come to mind ‘Shaw may be the weakest of you all, but desperation
