"Maybe they'd be pleased if their wives start taking better care of themselves?" #51 в контекст | | |
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 в контекст | | |
"You should encourage her to enter the tournament. If your bodyguard won that, it would be a real boost to your status." #53 в контекст | | |
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 в контекст | | |
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 в контекст | | |
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 в контекст | | |
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"I don't want to ruin into Baron Mabados or Lasat again." #58 в контекст | | |
"Relax," I say. "We're nowhere near the Baron's house." #59 в контекст | | |
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 в контекст | | |
"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 в контекст | | |
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 в контекст | | |
"My champion, and entrant for the sword-fighting tournament," says Baron Mabados. #63 в контекст | | |
"And mine," chimes in Lasat, indicating the other swordsman. "Elupus of Simnia." #64 в контекст | | |
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 в контекст | | |
"Will you be entering your bodyguard in the tournament?" Baron Mabados asks Lisutaris. #66 в контекст | | |
"The thin woman?" says Lasat. "I doubt she'd want to trade blows with Elupus or Basinos." #67 в контекст | | |
"My bodyguard is not keen on tournaments," says Lisutaris, evenly. #68 в контекст | | |
"Quite wise," replies Lasat. One wouldn't want to see her hurt." #69 в контекст | | |
The other Baron in attendance, who's name I don't know, sniggers at this. Lisutaris is discomfited. I'm angry. #70 в контекст | | |
"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 в контекст | | |
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"Is it really wise," says Lasat to Mabados. "In these dangerous times, to engage the services of such an ineffectual bodyguard?" #73 в контекст | | |
Lisutaris is about to respond but she doesn't get the chance. #74 в контекст | | |
"I am entering the contest," comes a voice from behind us. Makri has arrived. #75 в контекст | | |
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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 в контекст | | |
"Well put Makri," says Lisutaris, "Now we really must be off. Good day, Baron, Lasat." #78 в контекст | | |
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"Thanks for doing that," says Lisutaris. "I know you didn't want to enter the tournament." #80 в контекст | | |
"I'm not letting them insult us like that," says Makri. #81 в контекст | | |
"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 в контекст | | |
"Of course he isn't listening," says Makri. "He's dreaming about his betting campaign now I've entered the tournament." #83 в контекст | | |
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 в контекст | | |
