Thraxas and the Ice Dragon by Martin Scott Read Free Book Online

jealous of her Orcish blood."
    "Well no. But even so, she had quite a sensational effect. Makri, while swimming, displays remarkable muscular development. I caught sight of one young princess flexing her arm to see if there was any sign of a bicep. Which sadly, there wasn't."
    Lisutaris looks rather thoughtfully down at her own body. "How does she do it?"
    "I don't know. She doesn't eat much, and she's always practising with weapons. But I've always thought she was too skinny."
    "Really Thraxas? Only moments ago you were revelling in seeing her naked."
    "I was not revelling. Merely reporting the facts."
    Lisutaris look irritated. "I need to win these Barons' support against Lasat. I'm not going to be popular if their wives are all miserable because Makri's made them feel flabby."
    "Maybe they'd be pleased if their wives start taking better care of themselves?"
    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."
    "You should encourage her to enter the tournament. If your bodyguard won that, it would be a real boost to your status."
    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.
    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."
    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?"
    "I think so."
    "I don't want to ruin into Baron Mabados or Lasat again."
    "Relax," I say. "We're nowhere near the Baron's house."
    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.
    "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