Thraxas and the Ice Dragon - By Martin Scott Page 0,15

Gold is next to him. Lisutaris shoots me an angry glance and swears under her breath.

"Baron Mabados," she exclaims. "What a pleasant surprise to meet you again. And Lasat as well. It seems like only minutes since we parted."

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.

"My champion, and entrant for the sword-fighting tournament," says Baron Mabados.

"And mine," chimes in Lasat, indicating the other swordsman. "Elupus of Simnia."

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.

"Will you be entering your bodyguard in the tournament?" Baron Mabados asks Lisutaris.

"The thin woman?" says Lasat. "I doubt she'd want to trade blows with Elupus or Basinos."

"My bodyguard is not keen on tournaments," says Lisutaris, evenly.

"Quite wise," replies Lasat. One wouldn't want to see her hurt."

The other Baron in attendance, who's name I don't know, sniggers at this. Lisutaris is discomfited. I'm angry.

"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."

My outburst only provokes more mirth.

"Is it really wise," says Lasat to Mabados. "In these dangerous times, to engage the services of such an ineffectual bodyguard?"

Lisutaris is about to respond but she doesn't get the chance.

"I am entering the contest," comes a voice from behind us. Makri has arrived.

"You are?" I say.

"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."

"Well put Makri," says Lisutaris, "Now we really must be off. Good day, Baron, Lasat."

We walk on.

"Thanks for doing that," says Lisutaris. "I know you didn't want to enter the tournament."

"I'm not letting them insult us like that," says Makri.

"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?"

"Of course he isn't listening," says Makri. "He's dreaming about his betting campaign now I've entered the tournament."

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.

Chapter Eight

As we approach Arichdamis's house, Baroness Demelzos passes by on the other side of the road, in the company of two other well dressed women, both Baronesses, according to Lisutaris. Demelzos notices us, but barely acknowledges our presence.

"That was quite rude," says Lisutaris. "Only a few hours ago we were sharing the same mineral bath."

"But Thraxas wasn't there then," Makri points out.

"True. You can't expect her to stop for a chat when Thraxas is around. There's no knowing what he might come out with."

I ignore their mockery. It's the first time I've seen the Baroness since our unfortunate encounter in Orosis. Now I'm sober, Demelzos reminds me of someone, but I can't remember who.

Arichdamis's dwelling is far more modest than those of the Barons.

"I thought he'd have a bigger house," says Makri.

"Probably he just sits and thinks most of the time." I suggest. "No real need for a lot of space."

Makri looks at me with contempt. "You have no idea of the extensive scientific interests of Arichdamis, have you?"

"No. And if you're about to tell me about them, don't bother."

By this time Lisutaris is pulling on the chain by the door, ringing a bell inside. An elderly servant appears.

"Lisutaris, Mistress of the Sky, here to see Arichdamis on important business." She sweeps past without waiting for an answer. The servant, displeased at this breach of etiquette, attempts to block her way. I hold