"Maybe they'd be pleased if their wives start taking better care of themselves?" #51 | | |
Lisutaris shakes her head. "I got the impression the King wasn't very impressed with me having Makri as my bodyguard. Probably doesn't believe she can even fight." #52 | | |
"You should encourage her to enter the tournament. If your bodyguard won that, it would be a real boost to your status." #53 | | |
Lisutaris doesn't dismiss the idea out of hand. By now we've reached the northern edge of town where the mansions are laid out in a haphazard manner. Presumably each Baron bought the best piece of land they could find, and started building. The streets between their mansions are narrower than might be expected, and there's an unusually high concentration of nobility in the area. At times there seems to be a Baron round every corner, and manners are probably more relaxed than they would be at court. #54 | | |
I wonder if Lisutaris fully appreciates the risk she's taking in visiting Arichdamis. "You know how the King feels about thazis. If you're caught using it, he'll be down on you like a bad spell." #55 | | |
The Sorceress shrugs. "I'll risk it. Makri was right. It's a flaw in my character and there's nothing to be done about it. Are you sure we're going the right way?" #56 | | |
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"I don't want to ruin into Baron Mabados or Lasat again." #58 | | |
"Relax," I say. "We're nowhere near the Baron's house." #59 | | |
I lead us round the corner. There, looking comfortable in his own front yard, is Baron Mabados. Lasat Axe of Gold is next to him. Lisutaris shoots me an angry glance and swears under her breath. #60 | | |
"Baron Mabados," she exclaims. "What a pleasant surprise to meet you again. And Lasat as well. It seems like only minutes since we parted." #61 | | |
If it sounds a little forced, it's a good deal more polite than Lasat Axe of Gold, manages. He barely acknowledges Lisutaris's greeting, though the Baron does manage to make the formal bow due to a woman of Lisutaris's status. We stand there awkwardly for a few moments. I feel sorry for Lisutaris, and her acute lack of thazis. I notice a few beads of perspiration on her brow. The front portal of the mansion opens and some men troop out. Another Baron, I'd guess, and several men with swords, including Basinos. sword-fighting champion of the southern armies. #62 | | |
"My champion, and entrant for the sword-fighting tournament," says Baron Mabados. #63 | | |
"And mine," chimes in Lasat, indicating the other swordsman. "Elupus of Simnia." #64 | | |
Elupus makes a small bow. He's not especially tall for a sword-fighter, but he's powerfully built, and carries himself confidently, as befits a man who's won tournaments all over the West. It's quite a surprise to learn that he's being sponsored by Lasat. The Sorcerer really must want to boost his own status. #65 | | |
"Will you be entering your bodyguard in the tournament?" Baron Mabados asks Lisutaris. #66 | | |
"The thin woman?" says Lasat. "I doubt she'd want to trade blows with Elupus or Basinos." #67 | | |
"My bodyguard is not keen on tournaments," says Lisutaris, evenly. #68 | | |
"Quite wise," replies Lasat. One wouldn't want to see her hurt." #69 | | |
The other Baron in attendance, who's name I don't know, sniggers at this. Lisutaris is discomfited. I'm angry. #70 | | |
"You can count yourselves lucky Makri isn't entering the tournament," I say. "Or she'd show you who was number one chariot with a sword." #71 | | |
My outburst only provokes more mirth. #72 | | |
"Is it really wise," says Lasat to Mabados. "In these dangerous times, to engage the services of such an ineffectual bodyguard?" #73 | | |
Lisutaris is about to respond but she doesn't get the chance. #74 | | |
"I am entering the contest," comes a voice from behind us. Makri has arrived. #75 | | |
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"Of course," replies Makri, quite calmly, as if she meant to do so all along. "And when I win, people will see which Sorcerer has the best judgement in bodyguards." #77 | | |
"Well put Makri," says Lisutaris, "Now we really must be off. Good day, Baron, Lasat." #78 | | |
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"Thanks for doing that," says Lisutaris. "I know you didn't want to enter the tournament." #80 | | |
"I'm not letting them insult us like that," says Makri. #81 | | |
"Lasat still thinks he can force me out of the Sorcerers Guild, and take over," says Lisutaris. She pauses. I notice her fists are clenched. "Are we far from Arichdamis house? If I don't get some thazis soon I'm going to explode in a fireball which may destroy the entire town. Thraxas? Are you listening?" #82 | | |
"Of course he isn't listening," says Makri. "He's dreaming about his betting campaign now I've entered the tournament." #83 | | |
She's right. I can sense prosperous times ahead. Makri is going to sweep all opposition before her. If I can just raise a stake, I'll show these Samsarinan bookmakers a thing or two. #84 | | |
