For all their advanced technology and culture, this particular Mondarian enclave had regressed to the old ways, and the people seemed to love it.
Both Vice Quaestor Tormik and his wife were certainly quite enthusiastic about the event and made it quite clear as their conveyance flew through the city to the arena, discussing the lineup and who they favored in the fights.
They arrived just as the earliest of contests was beginning. It would be non-fatal warmup contests to entertain the audience as they trickled in for the night’s real entertainment.
“Prepare our box,” Mistress Tormik instructed her servants. “We will be taking our seats shortly.”
Vaxxa knew what that meant. The Tormiks were going to press the flesh, as they called it, shaking hands and securing goodwill among their peers. It also meant the two women serving them would have a few minutes to themselves.
“Come on, we should get things set up,” she said, turning for the luxury boxes.
“Right behind you,” Maureen said, when something caught her eye. Someone, to be precise. “Hang on a sec,” she said. “I need you to do me a favor.”
A minute later Vaxxa was casually strolling past an older woman waiting in line at the betting kiosk. Ahzma, the spiteful woman who sold out Maureen and Bodok to the officials and gotten them in this mess to begin with.
She was studying the fight roster, planning her wagers. Peer-to-peer wagers were perfectly legal and quite common, but being of the older generation, this woman preferred the security of the official kiosk.
“Interesting fights tonight,” Vaxxa said, pausing beside her and looking at the list of upcoming bouts. “Any tips?”
The woman sized her up quickly, noting her servant’s garb. Servants were allowed to wager their own funds in the events, but the winnings would be added to their indenture account rather than paid out immediately. More importantly, they often heard things depending which household they worked.
This one was with the Tormiks, and everyone knew how they loved a good fight as well as wagering on them.
“Not much,” Ahzma said. “They all seem pretty well matched. How about you? You hear any news?”
“No, not really. I don’t know about the others,” Vaxxa replied, “but I did hear the mistress saying this Bodok fellow has damaged runes.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“I think everyone expects him to lose. But the mistress also mentioned she had heard he is injured.”
“Oh? I’d not heard that. Where’d she get that information?”
“I know better than to ask,” Vaxxa said with a friendly grin. “All I know is, if I had more money I would bet it all on him losing within the first thirty seconds.”
“Thirty? That’s almost unheard of. It’s an insanely risky bet.”
“I know. And that’s how I would make a killing off the odds even with Maxxis as the favorite. No one knows the challenger is hurt. I can’t lose!” Vaxxa dug in her pocket for her credit chit then looked up, startled. “Oh, the time! I must not be late. The mistress will be furious!”
“But your bet?”
Vaxxa should have won an award for her performance, the look of regret on her face was so convincing even Maureen almost bought it from afar.
“I-I’ll just have to hope another opportunity this good comes along. If I fail her I won’t be allowed near the betting kiosk again!”
With that she took off at a fast walk. Maureen joined her inside the arena as she headed to the Tormiks’ box.
“So?”
“She fell for it.”
“Vaxxa, you’re the best!” Maureen said, hugging her friend.
“I don’t see why you wanted me to do that. It is not as though your friend can win this fight.”
“We’ll see,” she replied. “But no matter what, that woman is the reason we’re even in this situation. No matter what happens to Bodok, if I can cause that bitch some pain, you’re damn right I’m going to try. And since money is all she seems to care about, I want her to bet it all. And lose it no matter what happens.”
“Hit her where it hurts.”
