| 138 | 139 | 140 | 141 | 142 |
| 1 | 50 | 99 | 149 | 198 |
|
www.freeclassicebooks.com
"But how can I buy off the others in the game without money?" asked Turan. "I
have none--not even of my own country."
A-Kor opened his pocket-pouch and drew forth a packet of Manatorian money.
"Here is sufficient to buy them off twice over," he said, handing a portion of it to
Turan.
"But why do you do this for a stranger?" asked the panthan.
"
My mother was a captive princess here," replied A-Kor. "I but do for the Princess
of Helium what my mother would have me do."
"Under the circumstances, then, Manatorian," replied Turan, "I cannot but accept
your generosity on behalf of Tara of Helium and live in hope that some day I may
do for you something in return."
"Now you must be gone," advised A-Kor. "At any minute a guard may come and
discover you here. Go directly to the Avenue of Gates, which circles the city just
within the outer wall. There you will find many places devoted to the lodging of
strangers. You will know them by the thoat's head carved above the doors. Say
that you are here from Manataj to witness the games. Take the name of U-Kal--it
will arouse no suspicion, nor will you if you can avoid conversation. Early in the
morning seek the keeper of The Towers of Jetan. May the strength and fortune of
all your ancestors be with you!"
Bidding good-bye to Ghek and A-Kor, the panthan, following directions given him
by A-Kor, set out to find his way to the Avenue of Gates, nor had he any great
difficulty. On the way he met several warriors, but beyond a nod they gave him no
heed. With ease he found a lodging place where there were many strangers from
other cities of Manator. As he had had no sleep since the previous night he threw
himself among the silks and furs of his couch to gain the rest which he must
have, was he to give the best possible account of himself in the service of Tara of
Helium the following day.
It was already morning when he awoke, and rising he paid for his lodgings,
sought a place to eat, and a short time later was on his way toward The Towers of
Jetan, which he had no difficulty in finding owing to the great crowds that were
winding along the avenues toward the games. The new keeper of The Towers who
had succeeded E-Med was too busy to scrutinize entries closely, for in addition to
the many volunteer players there were scores of slaves and prisoners being forced
into the games by their owners or the government. The name of each must be
recorded as well as the position he was to play and the game or games in which
he was to be entered, and then there were the substitutes for each that was
140
Page
Quick Jump
|