Thraxas and the Ice Dragon - By Martin Scott Page 0,75

and turn to my companion. "So, what happened?"

"It took a while. But I managed to cut the ropes and branches. I made a big enough gap for the dragon to get through."

"What happened then?"

"He licked my face, and flew off."

I nod.

"Don't tell Lisutaris," says Makri. "She might not like it."

"That you've gone directly against the King's orders, and freed the creature that was his pride and joy? Yes, I'd say she might not like it."

"Do you think it would affect her status?"

"I think it would get her thrown out of the country. And you executed, if the King finds out you're responsible. If we're lucky, he'll think that Lasat's sorcery wasn't strong enough to hold it."

I regard Makri's actions as extremely foolish, and almost bound to have dire consequences, but I can't raise that much emotion about it. So much has happened over the past few weeks that one small dragon flying around freely doesn't seem to matter that much. With war approaching, it won't be that long till I'm standing in the middle of a phalanx with a spear in my hand, holding my shield over my head, as a much larger and deadlier dragon swoops down to attack. Probably with an Orcish Sorcerer on its back, firing spells.

"The Orcs will march soon," I say. "If we don't get our War Leader sorted out we'll be in trouble."

"Maybe it will be decided at the meeting," suggests Makri.

It takes us a while to force our way through the crowds at the edge of the tournament, on our way to the King's Meeting House. There are soldiers guarding the approach but they let us through with only a brief search. A few of the soldiers even congratulate Makri on her performances in the tournament, and wish her well. Maybe she'll have a few supporters. Elupus is a Simnian, after all, and Samsarina has never got along all that well with Simnia.

"You're late," hisses Lisutaris as we enter the building through the marble gateway.

"My fault," I say. "I was drinking beer and sleeping. What's happening?"

"Baron Mabados is complaining to the King that the integrity of his tournament has been compromised by sorcery."

"There's no arguing with that. Have you told him it was Lasat who started it?"

"The Samsarinan Sorcerers are blaming me."

At that moment the raised voices of the Barons are quietened as Daringos, the King's Steward, rises to speak. "This is all very unsatisfactory. The sword-fighting tournament is known far and wide. Samsarina's reputation will be damaged if people believe it's no longer honest. The King is deeply shocked that sorcery has been allowed to intrude." Behind him, on his throne, the King nods, letting us know he is indeed shocked.

"What happened to the Tournament Sorcerer?" asks the Simnian Ambassador. "Isn't he responsible for preventing this sort of thing?"

"I've done my best," says Markinos Moonstone. "But remarkably powerful sorcery has been employed." He glares at Lisutaris, as if it's all her fault.

"What do you have to say to this, Mistress of the Sky?" demands Daringos.

Rather than denying everything, Lisutaris decides to go on the offensive. "I had no choice. The Samsarinan Sorcerers Guild have been trying to interfere with my fighter. I was obliged to defend her."

"Nonsense!" cries Charius. "We are completely innocent. It's my belief that Lisutaris's malign spells have been entirely responsible for carrying her prot茅g茅 this far."

"Makri wouldn't have needed my help if you hadn't attacked her."

"So you admit you've been helping her?" says Charius.

"There should be no sorcery used at all," says Baron Mabados. "I insist it stops."

"I shall certainly not become involved,' says Lasat, grandly.

"Oh, nonsense," I say, addressing the King's Steward. "As Lisutaris's Chief Adviser, I can confirm that Lasat started this whole business. And he's going to keep on doing it. He'll be firing spells all the way through the final, no matter what he says."

"This is outrageous!" says Lasat. "How dare these Turanian refugees cast aspersions on me. I demand satisfaction!"

"I demand you stop using sorcery."

"There must me no more interference!" insists Daringos. "The contest must be fair."

To the discomfiture of the Samsarinans, the Simnians and Niojans take the opportunity to voice some criticisms of Samsarinan incompetence, which annoys everyone, and threatens to derail the meeting. Charius the Wise - who, I should mention, I have never heard utter anything particularly wise - bangs his staff on the ground to get people's attention.

"I have a suggestion," he says.

"Speak, Charius," says the Chief Steward. "Your council is always worth hearing."

"Perhaps the best course of action