[Amanaduial the archer]

Kane opened the letter, curious, and read it slowly, his eyes widening as he did. He opened his mouth to say something to Ulfeg before someone hit hit head with the flat of their hand, hard. Standing and turning furiously in one movement, Kane came face to face with Bhurthnin.

"Whats your problem?" He demanded.

Bhurthnins eyes narrowed and he grabbed hold of Kanes shirt, pulling him closer. "Your tongue will over reach your abilities one day, boy. Ive had enough of your cheek." He growled. "And now you start causing trouble, plotting I think!"

His hand now came up holding a knife close to Kanes face. The young easterling caught Rhanas eye and she nodded. He thought fast. "Plotting? Surely not." He forced himself to sound almost jovial. "Tell you what though, Bhurthnin; I will play you a game of dice."

The big man looked at him in surprise and suspicion. "Why?"

"Well, you are at least the best in the camp at that game. I will play you; If I win, you will drop your suspicions of me." Kane talked fast; he could now see the glint of the blade a few inches from his eye.

Bhurthnins eyes narrowed again, suspicion returning. "And my prize?"

Your prize. Once more his eyes flickered to Rhana in a brief apology, but once again she nodded. Now, how to get the brute to say it himself to avoid yet more suspicion..."What would you suggest? Money? Oh surely not." He said quickly as he saw Bhurthnin was about to suggest this. "Wouldnt you like something more precious, more enjoyable...?" He said suggestively. Now he let his eyes wander to Rhana once again, for longer this time. Bhurthnin followed his gaze and his eyes lingered on the woman. A slow smile spread over his ugly features and he pointed with a thick finger. "Her. Thats what I want as my prize."

Rhana gave a small smile to Kane, then put on every show that this was exactly what she didnt want. "Me? You will involve me in your game of cards?" She spat. Bhurthnins face darkened. "I want you or nothing, and Ill kill you both."

Rhana opened her mouth again but Bhurthnin got in first. "No excuses."

"Fine." Kane said quietly, trying not to smile. "Lets play."

As they sat, Bhurthnin snatched the pair of 8 sided dice like a spoilt child. The prizes had already been decided on, so he took his first throw, but rashly. They jumped over the muddy ground, ending with one dice facing up with the rune for two points, one with the mark for losing a point. Bhurthnin grunted and Kane smiled outwardly, much to the irritation of the big man. He threw the dice with a quick flick of his wrist and they skittered over the ground, ending up with far better results than Bhurthnins.

The game carried on, with Kane winning easily, until he decided it was time for the real plan to come into play. He took his turn simply dropping the dice onto the board and losing half his points in one go. Bhurthnin let out a series of grunts that Kane guessed might be laughing and his ugly face twisted into a sort of smile. Kane kept losing points, but he was having trouble; Bhurthnin was a terrible player at dice and was only winning by a fraction. Kane groaned inwardly. Ah well, now to make the ending move. He paused, the dice in his hands, and his eyes met with Rhana's, a hint of worry there. She shook her head and moved a small knife in her clothing out so he could just see its sharp blade. Taking a deep breath, Kane made the move to end the game; he had had long practise at getting the exact side he wanted in games with such idiots. Dropping the dice, he looked down and forced himself to groan. They had both landed on the crude skull sign.

"Hur hur hur...Sudden death!" Bhurthnin snorted. "I win....my prize!"

He stood suddenly and in a few strides had grabbed Rhana. "Come on, my darlin'" He breathed salaciously into her ear. "Lets go."

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]