"I only came in the voiting tavern for a much-needed drink... so what the frugg is going on out there?

"I'm sure they only do this to ruin my quiet drink after a rough day on the trails...'

Kyre stood to see out the window: the boulder was chest-high and rough-surfaced, but very rounded. It was also rather close to the Stop Again doors. It wouldn’t be long now – one huge effort as soon as they restarted would see it come crashing into the barroom.

Little wonder the three Town women looked shaky and trembly when they came out to witness the end. One’s about to be forcibly scrugged, have her eyes burned out – or whatever – and perhaps killed. For the fort-folk’s fun.

The Fort’s three hostage prize women were less terrified: the over-proud one was displaying her figure as much as her arrogance – letting the people know what could be theirs, if only… If only she wasn’t the daughter of the KeepMaster. She’d volunteered for the role, to demonstrate that everyone was at risk, even her – with her deliciously excited anticipation that it just might go wrong – and they’d attempt to rape her. But she’d be saved, of course, by The Fort’s Team.

Yeah – that’s exactly the way she looks.

Of the other two Fort-girls, one was older; huge figure and dead eyes – She’s scared. 

‘She’s the wife of the Lind Garrison Troop-Commander,’ Someone told him. ‘Nominated-volunteered as a gesture that they were all part of this risk.’

‘See the third one? With rust-coloured hair?’

‘Not enjoying the occasion, is she?’ As one of the possible prizes, the brightly attractive woman was the High Stator’s only daughter, also nominated, as a sign of his commitment.

‘Should’a nominated himself, then; and dropped his trows,’ Kyre ventured.

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