We passed through to the final arena, at least, that was my hope. Before going more than a few steps, I looked around. Four pedestals lay out on the edges of the arena. At the center, a huge blob of stone sat like a mountain.

"How much do you want to bet that that thing comes to life when I touch the first pedestal?" I asked.

"I don't bet."

I sighed in exasperation. "Seriously?"

"I'm always serious."

I smacked him on the chest with the flat of my hand. It ...