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of Kestha get top pay for their services.
Minus your commission and the House dues, of course, Garth replied.
Tulan paused for a moment, looking sharply at Garth.
Why us, why not another House? Tulan asked coolly.
Why not? Do you want me to tell you that the fame of the House of Kestha is
higher than all others, that only the best come to you? Is that what you want
me to say as if I was a first-rank acolyte who one day had discovered that he
was born with the talent to control the mana which creates spells?
Tulan said nothing and Garth laughed cynically.
I don t need the training of this House or any other House. I learned that
on my own.
Where? I ve never seen you before. I ve never heard of a one-eyed hanin
, a fighter without colors.
Where are you from?
Garth smiled.
That s my business, sire. You know my skill; you saw it out there on the
Plaza.
It s my business to know. To check your pedigree, your family lines, to see
if you come from a line with strength to control the mana
.
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It s not your business. Your business is to manage my business, to make both
of us money.
How dare you! Tulan roared, standing up and kicking his chair back.
Garth stood up and bowed low.
Since it is obvious we don t have a deal, I ll take my services elsewhere. I
think Purple might want me.
You won t step out of here alive, Tulan snarled, and he started to extend
his hands.
Garth threw his head back and laughed.
You might kill me, sire, but I can promise you there ll be a devil of a fire
in here by the time we re done fighting and I d hate to ruin your tapestries;
they look like they re from the Naki weavers of Kish and are worth the fees of
fifty fighters.
Tulan paused and looked over at the great tapestries woven of gold-and-silver
thread that lines the wall opposite the stained glass windows so that they
could catch and reflect the light. A slow smile crossed
Tulan s features.
You have an eye for art. That s good, that s very good. One eye and you can
see better than most of
the brutes I have working for me with two. And Tulan chuckled as if he had
made a great joke.
Sit down, Garth One-eye, sit down. I think I might even like you. And he
made a show of pouring
Garth some more wine.
Garth smiled and nodded his thanks.
Your commission? Garth asked.
The usual twenty percent for your services retained by outside contracts,
plus ten percent of any purse you win in the arena during Festival. In return
you ll receive your room, board, and the full legal protection of the House.
And believe me, the outside contracts for your services will be in your favor.
Gray fighters can count on higher fees than the other Houses, Tulan boasted,
while patting his stomach.
Our reputation insures that and you ll be placed with lords and merchants who
appreciate good value and will treat you with respect. You must already know
that in the last twenty Festivals it has been a
Kesthan fighter who won the championship nine times and was thus selected to
be the new initiate to the most high power of the Walker.
Tulan paused for a moment as if fearful that the most powerful of all users of
magic might suddenly appear at the mere mention of his name.
Such a record insures that we are held in the highest esteem by those who
contract us and gives us the right to expect certain advantages. There ll be
the finest food, the best of quarters when you are out on contract, and the
finest mates of your choosing, provided at no extra fee.
Garth smiled and said nothing.
We ll place you according to your skills and you will answer to no law other
than mine he paused for a moment and Zarel can sit and fume over you and not
touch you, something which I think might be a concern right now.
Not really.
Tulan looked over at Garth, not sure if his comment was simple bravado or the
truth. Finally he laughed coolly.
I like fighters with nerves like yours. But do not doubt the power of Zarel.
Step out of this House without colors on and a score of his best fighters will
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