Treasures of Fantasy - Margaret Weis [122]
“How do you know this?” Keeper was skeptical.
Skylan could not very well say that Wulfe had told him, that he’d seen the boy’s fingers blistered and burned from touching a sword.
“It is common knowledge among my people,” he said.
He looked around at Bjorn and Grimuir and Sigurd and the other Torgun for support. They looked a bit startled, for they’d never heard of this particular quirk of the fae. But they wanted their swords in their hands and they all loudly voiced their agreement.
“We will play,” Skylan added. “For the honor of the Vindrasi.”
“The Empress doesn’t give a damn about your honor,” said Acronis. “She is doing this to please the masses who like the blood and gore. She breaks the rules. This is an insult.”
“Then we will insult her by defeating this evil creature,” said Skylan.
“Speaking of evil creatures,” said Sigurd, spitting on the ground. “Look who’s coming to pay us a visit.”
Raegar and Treia were walking toward them, moving in considerable haste. Raegar had participated in the dedication ceremony and was wearing his official robes and his armor. His bald head gleamed with sweat. Treia was wearing the robes of a priestess of Aelon. This was the first time the Torgun had seen her dressed like this, and they glared at her and scowled.
“You know the rules, Raegar,” said Zahakis, moving to halt them before they could reach the team. You should not be here.”
“This is important,” said Raegar. “You drew the Empress’s lot. I have just heard she is bringing in one of the fae folk to fight in the game.”
“We’ve heard the same,” said Zahakis. “Thank you for the warning, but now you must go—”
“Then, of course, you are planning to withdraw, Legate,” said Raegar, peering over Zahakis’s head, talking to Acronis. “Do not worry about your ranking. I will undertake to mention this serious infraction of the rules to the Priest-General—”
Acronis looked questioningly at Keeper, who said loudly, “Skylan is right. I do not like to be branded a coward.”
“I will not withdraw.” Acronis added with a sly smile, “If, as you say, the rules have been broken, Raegar, then I trust Aelon will look with favor on us and give us his blessing.”
Raegar knew quite well Acronis was mocking him, but he had come here for a reason.
“I am worried about the Torgun. I am one of them. They are my kinsmen—”
A rock struck Raegar on the forehead. Raegar glared angrily around for the culprit, but the Torgun stood bunched together, and Raegar could not see who threw it.
“I know you will never believe it,” Raegar told them angrily, “but I brought you here for your own good. I want to save you from gods who are old and useless and bring you to the knowledge of Aelon, who is young and powerful.”
The usually quiet and taciturn Farinn gave a growl of contempt and lunged suddenly at Raegar, his hands reaching for the man’s throat. Skylan and Bjorn caught hold of Farinn and dragged him back.
“I think you had better go, Raegar,” said Acronis.
“We will,” said Treia, who had been watching in silence. “But first I want to speak to my sister. Alone.”
“I am sorry, Mistress,” said Acronis. “As Zahakis told you, that is against the rules.”
“I don’t understand,” said Treia, blinking. “Why should talking to my sister be against the rules?”
“No one is permitted to speak to the players before the game except trainers and owners. The rule is an ancient one, Mistress, instituted to prevent gamblers from cheating by trying to persuade players to throw the game or slipping players opiates or giving them tainted water.”
“But gambling is forbidden by Aelon,” said Treia.
“True,” said Acronis in solemn tones, with a wink for Zahakis, “but you know as well as I do, Mistress, that there are bad people in this world. People who would do anything for money.”
Treia was clearly upset. “I must say something to my sister.”
“Say it so we may all hear,” said Acronis. “And then take your leave.