Blood Games by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Author:Chelsea Quinn Yarbro [Yarbro, Chelsea Quinn]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 0446613797
Publisher: E-Reads
Published: 1980-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

3

* * * *

AUTUMN HAD turned warm, giving a last, lingering kiss to the seven hills before the chill winds would sweep in from the north. Harvest festivals had lasted longer than usual, to take advantage of the splendid weather. The Games had been extended by order of the Emperor, so that all Rome buzzed with enthusiasm. On this last day, the new hydraulic organ in the Circus Maximus was to be played for the first time. Vitellius had declared that at the end of the day all victors would be awarded their freedom, and for that reason, if no other, betting was carried on with even greater avidity than normal for such Games.

Kosrozd, his arm still stiff from a recent accident, turned to Saint-Germain as he tugged at the special harness that Saint-Germain had made for his racing chariot. “I'm not quite used to handling eight reins instead of four, but it makes a difference, having each side of the horse under control.” Satisfied, he gave the left-hand stallion a reassuring pat. “It would be a real military advantage, to be able to handle all four horses individually. The mobility alone would be worth the time and trouble necessary to train the charioteers."

Amused by this martial enthusiasm, Saint-Germain asked, “If you win today, will you offer yourself to the army, to train their charioteers with this new rig?"

"You mean you will free me if I win?” He was very serious, and his eyes searched his master's face.

"I don't imagine I'll have much choice. Vitellius has declared that all winners are to be free, and I don't think he's going to allow any exceptions. The crowd wouldn't let him.” Then Saint-Germain realized that Kosrozd was seriously upset. “There is no question of you leaving my service if you don't want to. You are of my blood now, Kosrozd. There is nothing that will change that, short of the true death."

"Then I have nothing to worry about,” Kosrozd said with a sudden smile.

"That's not quite so,” Saint-Germain told him, growing somber.

"Isn't it?” Kosrozd looked about swiftly, making sure they were not being closely observed. “That fall I took in the summer, it would have been a near thing if I hadn't...changed. As it is, all that's left is a little stiffness."

"Kosrozd,” Saint-Germain said measuringly, “how many miraculous escapes do you think you can have before some people start asking questions? No, don't answer me yet. I want you to think it over awhile. You've been through a lot and you're learning more than I thought you would. I have no complaints with that. But there is more to this than you might think. You must learn to be circumspect. Otherwise there is real danger that you will not be able to deal well in the world."

"What do you mean?” Kosrozd stared at Saint-Germain. “I haven't taken blood from anyone unwilling. I haven't bound myself to anyone. Where's the danger?"

"All around you, my friend,” Saint-Germain said quietly. “You are being watched. For that reason alone, you should be cautious, but it's doubly important now.

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