AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Kaniz snorted in disbelief. ‘Don’t give me that false humility. I can spot a blade maestro from a mile away.’
Sana’a sliced her eyes away with a wry upturn of her mouth. ‘You did mention you’re an assessor.’
Kaniz shot her a grin. ‘As well as a k?thi, I’m what they call a kísímí master.’
Sana’a took in the information with a press of her lips. ‘What does that mean?’
‘I function as a trainer, manager, and impresario, all in one. I look out for the best fighters and train and contract them for bouts. I work with other kísímí masters to plan combats, set seat prices, arrange publicity, and hire entertainers. I’m one of the circus ringmasters and want you in my ring. Now finish off, shower and meet me in the kantina. We’ve bizna to discuss.’
She walked off with a small smile, leaving Sana’a with a thoughtful expression.
Showered and primed to face the day, the Shotelai sauntered into the mess hall a quarter of an hour later.
It was filled with hungry fighters and loud banter.
The fare was simple but satisfying, and Sana’a devoured it, only looking up when Kaniz slid onto the bench across from her.
‘I’ve got you into a handful of training matches,’ she announced. ‘You ready?’
‘Always,’ Sana’a said.
‘It’ll allow me to work out how to place you in our public-facing bouts.’
‘Your prerogative.’
Kaniz gave her a long, quizzical look. ‘What really brings you here, Sana’a? We’re an obscure off-colour planet with a raptorial reputation. The pay at the entry-level is middling compared to the schills you can make on Rhesia. Only the kavs walk away with large sacks of schills. Most xkénos fighters play for glory here, for we are Pegasi’s most formidable arena. Few venture this far unless - ’
‘Unless what?’ Sana’a challenged.
‘They’re cocky or supremely confident they can win. Some fall into the first group and become punching bags for the rest of their time with us. Those in the second genus are rare, and even so, no xkénos has ever won against a K?str?l Kavalier or Kísímí master.’
‘You keep saying.’
Kaniz leaned forward. ‘It’s because I know it - and how hard it is to make it here.’
‘Sante for the heads up.’
‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you.’
Sana’a chose silence, then changed tack. ‘What’s your story then?’
Kaniz’s lip pursed for a moment, her eyes softening with old memories. ‘I was born into a Krypós Kyrfalcon k?st. My father wanted me to follow a different path from his as a patrol Kärd. So he had me drilled in kapo, boxing, wrestling, swordsmanship and archery. I started as a sab?r ring girl but aspired to become a fighter, and I made my debut twelve years ago. I studied with the best and fought my way from the bottom, scaling every step. I’ve won 121 of my 187 fights.’
She said it devoid of pride, stating the facts without emotion, which Sana’a respected.
‘Good for you.’
‘My success caught the attention of the K?'nere and other assorted nobles. I was hired to train them and their guards. Soon, I had a crew of wealthy students for regular weekly sessions and apprentice kavaliers on my books. Preparing them to survive the arena’s duels and tournaments. My team is now one of the superior and most competitive in all Katáne.’
‘Now it sounds like you’re trying to sell me on you,’ Sana’a said with a teasing smile.
‘Maybe so. Not only will you get a great reward for your efforts if you fight well for our crew, but you can gain social honour. The very best combatants can transcend the hierarchies of Katáne. Some have catapulted themselves into the ruling classes, married into the K?'nere or become sponsored by them.’
‘Not interested.’
Kaniz gave Sana’a a quizzical glance. ‘Just schills then, you’re only after the money?’
Sana’a shrugged and glanced away, her jaw ticking.
