"William Forstchen - Magic The Gathering - Arena" - читать интересную книгу автора (Forstchen William R)

The crowd excitedly shouted the names back to those who were too far back in the press to see. Old
men, women, and even young boys started to recite the wins and losses of the two fighters and
arguments instantly broke out as to which one would win.

The Fentesk fighter, standing a good head taller than his rival, snorted disdainfully at his opponent as he
calmly took his robe off and passed it to a street urchin who had sidled up to the edge of the circle. The
boy looked at the finely embroidered robe and started to back away. The Fentesk fighter turned, fixing
him with his gaze, and the boy stopped.

Okmark looked back at his opponent.

“This fight isn’t really necessary,” Okmark said quietly.

A hooting roar thundered from the mob but Okmark ignored them. He looked straight at the fighter in
gray livery and slowly extended his arms, palms turned slightly downward, the gesture of reconciliation
with the subtle distinction, however, of not submitting.

Webin spit angrily on the ground and the crowd cheered. Okmark shrugged his shoulders, resigned to
what was coming.

The raggedy man continued to strut around the circle, waiting while the two fighters went through the
ritual, their heads lowered, arms extended outward, gathering their strength.

“Four to one on Gray. I’ll cover your bets if you think Gray will win,” a voice shouted from the back of
the crowd, and instantly there was a frenzied move toward him as the mob started to place their bets.

Garth stood silent, watching the two prepare. It was so obvious. Reaching into the satchel that hung
under his right arm, he fingered the few coppers that were still there. It’d make enough for a meal and
lodging.

He moved over to the gambler, taking the coins out, waiting quietly. Finally he extended his hand and the
gambler looked disdainfully at the bet.

“On Orange,” Garth said, referring to the bright livery of House Fentesk.

The gambler looked Garth up and down and started to laugh, and then fell silent as Garth stared at him
coldly.

“I suggest you take it,” Garth said. There were snickers from the bettors gathered around, as if Garth
was a fool, but Garth kept his attention fixed.

“I’ll only cover bets in Gray’s favor. Don’t bother me, One-eye.”

Garth ignored the insult.

“Do you work for him? Is this fight a setup?” Garth replied smoothly, still holding the gambler with his
gaze.

The man looked about furtively at the crowd, which had grown silent, even though they thought Garth a
yokel from the outback for wasting his money on what would obviously be a certain win on Webin’s