«You say I lie, then?» The harsh challenge in the voice was unmistakable. So was the smug triumph.

Blade swore mentally. Apparently he had said the wrong thing. Now this hairy clown was going to claim that he had been offended and entertain his followers by either butchering Blade or humiliating him hopelessly. Damn!

But there was no way back that wasn't a good deal more dangerous than going on. Barbarians like these people respected bravado, flaunted courage, and the skills of a warrior. Blade decided he would do his best to please them, and throw in a few surprises for good measure.

Blade threw back his own head and crossed his arms on his massive chest as he in turn roared with laughter. The leader's eyes widened again, this time in surprise. He obviously hadn't expected this.

«Yes, I say that you lie,» said Blade. «Not only do you lie, but a great deal of stinking breath comes out of that great flapping mouth of yours when you do. I do not like smelling your stink.» If he was going to have to fight this man, he might as well make him blind with rage first.

The other man's mouth opened again and stayed open. Then he closed it with a snap and said in a growling voice, «I had thought to kill you quickly. But now by the Watchers you will see your manhood burn in our fire before your eyes close.»

Blade grinned. «First see if you can kill me at all before you waste any more of the breath you may need for saying your prayers.»

The leader sputtered like a boiling pot for a moment, too furious to speak at all. Then he turned his back on Blade with a snarl, and motioned to one of his followers. Blade raised a hand.

«Hold! There is no need to give me any sort of weapon. I will face you as I am and kill you with only these.» He turned in a complete circle to remind everybody that he was naked and unarmed. He held out his massive hands in front of him as he did so.