We've used some of our money for expenses, and I've had bribes to pay, but we still had 2,500 gurans left before this fight. I'd expected Lisutaris and Makri to gamble it all. #101 | | |
"We decided it was too much of a risk," explains Makri. "If I'd lost we'd have had nothing left. I thought it was best to keep 1,000 back. We could have used that to bet on other fighters. Because if I lost then Lisutaris would have needed to come up with 10,000 for Lasat." #102 | | |
Lisutaris and Makri look at me. "Are you going to disapprove?" asks Lisutaris. #103 | | |
I shrug. "Not really. It was sensible enough. Although I didn't know we were being sensible. I'd have bet everything." #104 | | |
Big Bixo isn't exactly radiating happiness as he hands over our winnings, but he's not too downcast either. He's still made a solid profit from all the money that was placed on Basinos. Our 1,500 bet at seven to four wins us 2625. Plus the original stake makes 4125. Plus the 1,000 we held back now gives us 5125 gurans. Our pile of money includes some heavy hundred-guran coins and even a thousand-guran gold bar, which Lisutaris carries in her magic purse. #105 | | |
Before Makri's fight with Basinos, she was fourteen to one to win the tournament. That will come down now. Elupus remains the overall favourite, at three to one. As we leave Big Bixo's I'm mulling over our next bet. #106 | | |
"I think we should just bet it all." #107 | | |
Makri disagrees. "It's too much of a risk." #108 | | |
"Why? You'll win. If it was me suggesting it was too much of a risk to bet everything on you, you'd get upset. You'd say I lacked confidence in you." #109 | | |
"Maybe," says Makri. "But I just think we should be cautious. Something might go wrong." #110 | | |
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"Lisutaris can deal with that." #113 | | |
"So you keep saying," says Lisutaris. "Mainly because you don't know what it's like trying to fend off Lasat, Charius and a dozen others at the same time." #114 | | |
"I have complete confidence in you. And Makri." #115 | | |
