Sacrifice

Chapter 26 - The Games

In the Favour Ladies' dressing room, Kalli grabbed her com-pack and hit Adir's name.

"Captain Adir's getting ready for the Bisson Games, should I forward you to his messaging system?"

Kalli recognized Laya's voice. "No, Laya, I really need to ask him a question."

There was a pause. "That you Lady al Aratina?"

"Yes. Is there any way I can talk to Adir for a second?"

"I'll try." There were a couple of clicks, and then Kalli heard Laya's distant voice calling. "Capt'n. You've got a call ... It's a good friend of yours Capt'n; I think you should take it."

There were some muffled bangs, and Kalli glanced over her shoulder to make sure that all the other girls were too busy to pay any attention to her.

"Kalli is something wrong?" Adir's voice came over the com-pack.

"Nothing's wrong. I just need to know which of the events you're going to win," Kalli said.

There was a pause.

"Kalli I'm probably not going to win anything," Adir answered.

Kalli shut her eyes in frustration.

"This isn't the time to be modest Adir," she answered with a groan. "Just tell me which event you are most likely to win. I know it's not drill. What about plasma rifle?"

"Well if you want me to speculate ..."

Kalli could hear the reluctance in his voice.

"Yes, Adir, speculate for me," she answered.

"Laya Dechanez has me beat at plasma rifle, so I'd have to say I have the best chance at the sword."

"Good," Kalli said briskly. "I'll see you soon."

With that, she stuffed her com-pack into her bag and hurried to the front of the room where the sign-up screen was still blank.

She'd heard one of the other girls complain that the Bisson Games banned nobles and that she wouldn't mind being a prize for an Arcguard, but to be one for a common foot soldier was demeaning. Kalli quickly posted her name against the swordsmanship trial and got ready for the opening ceremony.

# # #

Stepping out of the sheltered back stage into the arena was a shock. The hot dry air was oppressive, and Kalli was instantly glad that she was wearing a white silk gown instead of a suit of plasma-resistant, leather armour. To Kalli's left were the soldiers standing at attention in the morning heat, and to her right was the Imperial Box.

The ladies lined up in front of it and curtsied as the Emperor rose to his feet. As silence descended on the stadium, Kalli risked a glance towards the Emperor. He looked very much like the painting in the Imperial Gallery, and to his right was Bhirdan who met Kalli's eye. She broke eye contact and resumed her maidenly gaze towards the dust.

"Citizens," began the Emperor, "I am pleased to announce to you that this year the Bisson Games will be reviving the age old tradition of the Lady's Favour."

There was a roar of cheering that came from the section of the stands where the commoners sat; they pounded their feet and clapped in approval. From the stands where the gentry sat, Kalli saw only polite clapping and some murmuring between the occupants.

As the cheers died, the Emperor continued, "For those who are unfamiliar with the tradition, I will explain. There are seven events in the Bisson Games. They are as follows: drill, handgun, plasma rifle, obstacle course, hand-to-hand combat, knife fighting and swordsmanship. Each of the four gates have sent their very best to compete. At the beginning of each trial, the seven young ladies will bestow their favour upon one of the fighters in order to bring him luck. The winner of each of the events will have the honour of dining with one of these fine ladies."