The Darkslayer: Book 02 - Blades in the Night by Craig Halloran Page B

Haze pointed the blade high above and between Melegal’s vascular hands. Her brown eyes remained locked on his, confident. Venir glanced at Melegal. He look bored.
    The barkeep settled the stirring room again, and Luke waved off the betting.
    “ Ready?” the barkeep said, silencing the crowd again.
    “ Go!”
    Wham!
    Like the tail of a whip, her blade pierced deep into the wood where Melegal’s left index finger had been. The crowd roared as they saw both his hands still on the table, and everyone fought to get a look at the damage she had wrought. Venir was struggling to see through the throng.
    “ She got him!” someone screamed.
    Cheers erupted over the cries of disappointment.
    “ Hold!” the barkeep said shoving people out of the way. “Let me see, for the love of Bone!”
    Venir could see that the thief’s hands were still in place, yet there was no sign of blood. Haze’s blade was exactly where the middle knuckle of his index finger had been, but his finger was missing. Venir saw the puzzled look on her face as well as everyone else and then he looked at Melegal, who was grinning.
    “ Nice try. Fast. But you missed.”
    With that Melegal untucked his finger from beneath his hand. Then he tucked it in and out a more few times, and wriggled it around some, too, for the benefit of the bewildered crowd. All of the Motley Girls’ dropped their jaws at the subtle feat. Venir rolled his eyes. Melegal was showing off. Well, so be it; it was a flat bet, after all. Soon they’d have enough to celebrate for a month.
    “ Round two!” the barkeep called.
    Venir pushed his big frame closer to the table. Luke stood by his side, his lute silent. Venir watched the haggard woman flatten her palms to the table again. Melegal’s remained in place. That’s when Venir noticed sweat beading on Haze’s brow as she shrugged off encouragement from her sisters behind her.
    “ Ready?” the barkeep said once more.
    Venir clenched his hands into fists.
    “ Go!”
    The woman snatched the blade like a viper. She eyed the thief as more grumbling began. The sound of coins being exchanged drifted in and out of the air.
    “ Care to try again?” the thief said, grinning.
    Venir grimaced. Get it over with, man! He bit his tongue. The woman was plenty quick; she didn’t need an extra chance. He scowled at his comrade, but Melegal didn’t notice.
    The room hushed again. All eyes were on the woman, and Venir could see her limber body grow tight. She waved the dagger back and forth like a charmed snake. The bets stayed in her favor. The revelers noted Luke’s suggestions.
    If he loses a finger, he’ll blame me. Venir tried to enjoy letting his comrade take the heat for a change, but it did not sit well with him. It seemed like a bad idea.
    “ Ready?”
    The smoke seemed to curdle in the air from the tension.
    “ Go!”
    Wham!
    The blade slammed straight into the table where Melegal’s left palm had lain. He had tilted his hand up at ninety degrees. Venir heard plenty of gasps among the crowd.
    “ She missed!” someone yelled.
    Angry voices raised as losses mounted. None seemed more angry than Haze. Venir watched her fidget in her chair, muttering curses under her breath. Her rowdy sisters, meanwhile, had faces drawn tight with doubt. Letting out a deep breath, Venir pulled his thick locks behind his head. Melegal was still full of surprises. His friend was completely in control.
    The barkeep readied the table for one final round.
    “ Round three!”
    The woman’s eyes were focused wide. The room fell silent.
    “ Ready … go!”
    Haze snatched the blade in her right hand. Venir couldn’t believe it. Melegal’s palms still remained flat on the table. The Motley sister’s exposed arm was glistening with perspiration and her brown eyes seemed unable to hold her opponent’s gaze. Her hand trembled a hair. Venir was dumbfounded. Ten good gold were on the line and Melegal sat there like a mute. Why? He began tugging on his