17 Peaks.
The lady behind the counter smiled as George entered. “Back already, I see. I don’t believe we’ve met properly. I’m Susanne, Athena’s favorite and only sister. I had the flowers taken to my mother’s home. I’m sure Athena loved them. She’s just south of here, visiting our mother’s farm. My sister has never spoken of anyone the way she speaks of you. I hope you’re worth it.” A half-serious-half-questioning grin appeared on her face.
George smiled. “I wouldn’t count on it. I’m a pain in the backside, and I wouldn’t pay one Helmep for me.”
Susanne smiled. “What’re you going to do to keep yourself busy until she arrives?”
“I was thinking about going to the fights. Do you know when they start?”
Susanne turned and grabbed the local event calendar, a publication that was scribed once every 5 Peaks. “It looks as if they start at the Peak of Bailem, tomorrow. Is there a particular fighter you’re interested in?”
“I have an old friend fighting and I want to watch. This will be his third fight. He won his first two.”
“Could you tell him Athena has a sister? I have room for a strong man in my life.”
“I will, but I’m not sure how his girlfriend would handle that. She’s training to be a sorceress.”
“ Well then I want no part of him. I would hate to be turned into a vestle chick.”
Unsure of what a vestle chick was, George responded as if he understood. “You’re right, that would be terrible. Thank you for your kindness, Susanne. Will you tell Athena my room number when she arrives?” He reached out and placed his hand on top of Susanne’s. “I look forward to getting to know you better. Hopefully I’ll meet the rest of your family someday.”
As George headed up to his room, he grinned. I definitely have it under control. Thank goodness she didn’t change. That would’ve put a damper on my relationship with Athena.
The Next Peak
Lethwitch Arena
George was amazed by the brutality of the fights. Many men had to be carried off on stretchers, followed by a trail of healers. I hope Sam is good, he thought as he looked down to study the archaic fight program. Your opponent’s bio reads like a mysterious nightmare. There’s nothing here.
The champion of Lethwitch was undefeated, with 11 wins—some that ended in death. Other than his number of wins and deaths, the schedule said nothing else about Sam’s opponent. Unlike the other fighters, his profile only had a name. It read: The beast from the west, Terrogon.
The fight was to be with a sword and shield, no body armor—to the death—unless the roll said otherwise.
George got the attention of a man sitting to his left. “What does it mean when it says, ‘unless the roll says otherwise?’”
The man’s breath smelled of ale, and the woman to his right grumbled at George’s ignorance. The man responded with a slur. “A favorable roll can give the champion a choice to change the style of battle. The champion of every arena is allowed this roll. I feel sorry for the man who faces the beast.”
George looked across the sandy surface of the arena. I wonder what’s going through Sam’s mind. He had tried to get below the arena to talk to him, but he had been turned away. If only I could’ve found a way inside. Damn those guards.
Shalee stood over Sam, rubbing his shoulders. After a moment, she moved away and picked up her staff. She looked at BJ and Helga and then asked the trainers to leave them alone. Once she was sure the coast was clear, she turned to Sam. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I can be. You know it scares me when you use Precious on me. Sure, you mended my pants, but are you sure you can make this work? I don’t want to end up like magical hamburger.”
Shalee laughed. “Don’t be silly. I wouldn’t want my baby to end up as hamburger either.”
“Can we get this over with? I trust you know what you’re doing. Hurry up. They’ll be back in a moment.”
The sorceress gave Sam a quick kiss. “Just in case,” she giggled, lifting her staff. “Make me proud, Sammy-kins. Precious, tuika helmau!” Her voice was strong and forceful.
Sam could feel a difference in his skin. Even though his appearance had not changed, he knew the command worked. He grabbed Kael and used the blade to test the effect. The razor-sharp edge of the god-sword passed across his skin, but