Konoka snapped out a couple of fans, winked with a smile in the Prince's direction.
Setsuna drew her sword and leapt forward.
"Wind Dance," said Setsuna and Konoka together.
Faroush(Ranma) settled back into a relaxed posture, watching as the whirlwind surrounded the swordswoman who then proceeded to knock one after another of the bandits skyward. The winds died out as the last bandit was sent hurtling away with a distant echoing "we'll be backkkkkkkkk!"
"They shouldn't bother," said Takamichi. "Still, I suspect that was their employers intent."
"Should Sessha -?" asked Kaede, regarding the woods.
"No, if you take out the watcher they'll probably send someone formidable immediately," said Takamichi. "Best to let them wonder."
"Hmmm," said Kyle, looking over a chapbook. "The Proud Peacock - no, too pricey. The Blue Oyster? No, I've got a bad feeling about that one. The Randy Rooster? I don't think so. The Purple Lotus - maybe. Says 'mainly for young noblemen' so it might be a little brash."
Gizel entered the room, saw the booklet Kyle was reading, and shook his head. "That old thing? Half the businesses have gone under and reopened under different names. It's a year old after all."
"So how about this one?" asked Kyle, holding the chapbook open and pointing. "It's been circled in red."
"Ah," said Gizel, looking off into the distance and smiling faintly. "The Fallen Stars. Now that's probably something the Prince might be able to find excuses for."
"Do tell," said Kyle, interested.
"You're aware of the gladiatorial combat games that occur here?" said Gizel Godwin, going to a cabinet and pouring himself a little libation. "How the slaves fight for the amusement of the nobles who sponsor them?"
"Yes," said Kyle, who didn't approve of the practice but didn't let it show. Not much at least.
"Well, the male slaves are for those who like their combat hot and fierce and fancy themselves experts at that sort of thing," said Gizel. "However, male warriors are only one part of the overall picture."
"Female gladiators?" asked Kyle.
"Oh yes, some female slaves have enough fighting spirit to be trained in such arts," said Gizel. "Though often the combat is less than lethal. At Fallen Stars it is that nonlethal combat which is emphasized."
"Ah," said Kyle. "Mudwrestling and such?"
"You've heard of that?" asked Gizel. "Well, yes, but that's only part of it. There are waitress battles where stripping your opponent is counted victory."
"Hmmm," hmmmed Kyle. "That sounds interesting. Of course, I'll have to observe directly to make sure that it is appropriate for someone of the Prince's standing."
"Of course," said Gizel. "I'd accompany you, but alas, duty calls."
"Man, I'd hoped to get some time in at more places," complained Faroush.
"No help for it," said Takamichi, shrugging. "Now that someone's attacked us, I have my instructions to get you to Stormfist as soon as possible."
"The ship looks a bit... uncertain," said Setsuna.
"We can afford passage, but keep up your cover identity - just in case," advised Takamichi to Faroush.
"Right, I'm 'Frey' and a student," said Faroush, shrugging. "So who're these guys who own this boat?"
"That's them now," said Takamichi, inclining his head.
(Posted Sat, 05 May 2007 09:56)
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