Treasures of Fantasy - Margaret Weis [117]
“I don’t suppose that boy of yours remembers the name of the tavern or could show us where it is,” Zahakis said. “I’d like to get a look at these man-beasts.”
Skylan shook his head. “If he does, he won’t tell me. He’s terrified of them. Afraid they’ll come after him.”
“Is he?” said Zahakis. “Who killed those Temple guards, Skylan? Ask yourself that. And then ask yourself if you want to keep that boy around.”
“Wait a moment, Tribune,” said Skylan, as Zahakis was about to walk off, “why would the Priest-General want to kill the Legate?”
“If Acronis dies, his wealth and property go to the Empire. And we all know who is really running the Empire these days.”
“What would happen to Chloe?”
“She would become a ward of the Empress.”
“What will the Legate do?” Skylan asked. “Will he leave Sinaria?”
“Acronis is no coward. He is needed here. Especially now. He won’t leave the people to the mercies of—”
Zahakis stopped, clearly having said more than he intended. “Aelon?” Skylan finished for him.
Zahakis grunted. He started again to walk off, then turned back. “You Torgun are going to disgrace yourself in the Para Dix. You know that, don’t you?”
“Ask me if I give a rat’s ass,” said Skylan.
“You will.” Zahakis smiled. “Because you can’t stand to be beaten. At anything.”
That night, when darkness fell and the soldiers on guard duty around the compound were involved in their gambling games, the Torgun sat on the deck of the Venjekar and talked in low voices about the possibility of escape. They would have their weapons and their shields. But they also had Aelon’s hated tattoo on their arms. Every warrior was strong in the belief that he could overcome the pain with an effort of will.
Sigurd wanted to form a plan, but, as Skylan pointed out, they were venturing into the unknown. They had no idea what this arena was like or where it was located, how many guards there would be, how many people. There were a myriad questions and no answers.
“All we know for certain is that we are Torgun,” said Skylan. “We stand together and if, by the blessing of Torval, a chance to escape arises, we will take it.”
CHAPTER
1
* * *
BOOK THREE
The Para Dix was held once a month in an arena built especially for the game. Almost every person of noble rank, including the Empress, sponsored a team and entered that team in the contest. Acronis, as well as other members of nobility, actually participated in the game themselves, directing the movements of the game pieces. The Empress hired players, who directed the game play for her.
The entire day was devoted to the game. The people of Sinaria were given a holiday from work. The morning began with the dedication of the players to Aelon, a ceremony held in the public Temple. Aelon, through his priests, informed the players that they were fighting for his glory and he bestowed on them his blessing.
Acronis, foreseeing trouble from Skylan and his Torgun if they were forced to participate in this ceremony, kept his players from attending, pleading as his excuse that they were barbarians and might behave in an unseemly manner that Aelon would find offensive.
Priest-General Xydis officiated at the ceremony. The Temple was crowded, though most people had come to see their favorite champions, not to hear the prayers.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Xydis sent word to Raegar to meet him in his private office. When Raegar arrived, Xydis made certain no one was in the hallway, then pulled the door shut and locked it. He rounded on Raegar.
“Legate Acronis came to me with a complaint. It seems several nights ago, after he left the Palace, he was set upon by a pack of wolves.”
I told the man-beasts that they were to kill only the Legate. I assured them they would still get paid. They must have decided to kill Skylan on their own,” said Raegar defensively.
“Relax,” said Xydis. “This isn’t your fault. The man-beasts were following the orders of another.