Wrath Games by B. T. Narro Page A

food and ale to the table instead. Kayren never heard their first conversation, and Eizle never told her what Swenn said, but it was over quick. Eizle stomped back into the kitchen.
    Swenn stood and his men jumped up in support.
    “The tavern is closing,” Swenn bellowed. “Everyone get out.”
    No one moved until he drew his sword. After the patrons hurried out, Kayren watched in fright as one of Swenn’s men closed and locked the door. Eizle came out of the kitchen in a huff, but Swenn merely smiled.
    “There, now we can talk.”
    “Stay in the kitchen,” Eizle told Kayren.
    She refused. “This is no way to treat your brother,” she upbraided Swenn. “And you just cost my father a lot of money.”
    “What’s your name?”
    “Kayren.”
    Swenn looked straight at Eizle. “How much is she worth to you?”
    Eizle didn’t speak, so Swenn pounded the table. “Answer me.”
    Eizle stayed silent.
    “This one’s worth about five ruffs to me.” Swenn gestured at the diffident woman who’d come in with him. “You should know how much a woman is worth to you. I’m trying to teach you something.”
    “I think you taught me enough when I was younger.”
    “Like about pyforial energy?” Swenn asked slyly. Eizle eyed the two grinning strangers. “Don’t worry about them,” Swenn said, turning to the men. “Wait outside.”
    One grabbed the lady by her ass as if it were a leash. “Come on. Let’s keep ourselves entertained as we wait.”
    “I see Kayren already knew.” Swenn spoke with levity. “You told this woman before your own mother? She must be worth a lot to you.”
    “Just tell me what you’re doing here.”
    “You don’t seem happy to see me.”
    Eizle folded his arms.
    “Well I’m happy to see you!” Swenn said. “I want to help my brother. First let’s go over how much this woman is worth. Just tell me when to stop. Five ruffs…ten ruffs…twenty ruffs…surely not thirty ruffs? Come on, Eizle.” He snickered. “Be reasonable.”
    “I’m not playing your ridiculous games.”
    “Is she worth more than a dalion?” Swenn studied Eizle’s face. “She is.” He showed his censure through an exaggerated scoff. “This is a weakness. There are bad men out there who value money a lot more than you do. You never know what they’ll do.”
    “You need to leave.”
    Swenn looked genuinely shocked. “I’m just trying to protect you.”
    “Leave. In fact, don’t come back. Fifty years would be too soon to see you again.”
    “You’re making a mistake saying these things to your own brother.”
    “The only mistake I’ve made is not figuring out what was wrong with you when I was younger. I know what it is now.”
    “Oh do you!” Swenn yelled. “Go ahead and tell me what you think is wrong with me.”
    Eizle became just as enraged, stepping up close to his brother’s face. Swenn had height and girth in his favor, but more importantly he had a sword.
    “Eizle, stop,” Kayren said.
    He didn’t seem to hear her as he spoke. “You don’t care about anyone. You can’t. You’re incapable of it. You’ve never done one good thing for anyone, and you never will.”
    “And what have you done?” Swenn shoved Eizle.
    Kayren relaxed some as Eizle showed self-control. “Not much, but at least I haven’t tricked anyone into giving me money.”
    “Name one time.”
    Eizle laughed. “Do you even remember Neeko?”
    “He paid me to take him to Lanhine and I took him.”
    “You tricked him for money.” Eizle shook his head. “It’s all you’ve ever cared about. That’s probably why you’re here. You want my money now.”
    “You think I’m the only one in Sumar trying to make money? This is the way people are in the world. You should be old enough to know that by now.”
    “Stop trying to teach me anything and get out.”
    “I’m not leaving. Go into the kitchen and make enough dinner for four people.”
    “I don’t suppose any of these four people are prepared to pay for