Aral studied him, one cheek crinkling questioningly. „Really?" He laughed. „That's right. It's the Guards and Panthers today, isn't it? Battle of the undefeateds. The old fox is trying to sneak in some better players." Dantice leaned, punched Michael's biceps. „Put your money on the Panthers, Mike. Charygin Hall recruited the best men money can buy. Nobody will beat them for years." „What're the odds? Is there a spread?" „You can get five to one if you're stupid enough to bet Guards. Two goal spread. You can get ten to one if you bet the Guards to win."

They rode another fifty yards before Trebilcock mused, „Think I'll have my bankers cover a couple hundred nobles. On the Guards."

Dantice and Trebilcock went way back. It was Aral's opinion that Michael was a fool with money. „What the hell for? It's your money, and you've got more than you could throw away, but why the hell waste it?"

„Your class chauvinism is showing, Aral. The Guards are undefeated too. Remember who's on their team when you make your bets. The King don't believe in losing."

Michael felt Dantice studying him. He felt the question in his friend. Had he meant more than he had said? „Mike?" „Uhm?"

„You still messing around with those Throyens? I got the feeling he was sniping at you."

„Maybe he was. I keep in touch. I don't want to burn any bridges. Situations change. We might need them next year. What are you into, Aral?"

„Me? Nothing but the sutler business anymore. I'm not sure why he had me come."

Trebilcock nodded. This had become a duel of half-truths and outright evasions. „Maybe he wanted you to pass the real story to your friends. About the Gap maybe opening. So the rumors don't get too crazy."