But the tables had turned. And with them, the tides in the betting pools had as well. That meant Dorrin and his human partner would be scrutinized far more than a regular commoner team, and that also meant that it would be much harder to actively cheat against them, though the elder elites would likely get involved behind the scenes now. But on the playing field itself? Too many eyes meant someone might see something if the younger elites broke the rules, and that was something that could cause enough of a stir to draw the attention of the Dotharian overseer, and none of them wanted that.
So they stared daggers and fire at Ziana and Dorrin, but they left it at that and did nothing more while the celebration carried on. Carried on far later than the usual dining period, in fact, thanks to the announcement that the following day’s event was to begin in the afternoon. That meant sleeping in and really getting a good and restorative night’s sleep.
So they decided as a group to take full advantage of the extra cushion, and just this once the players actually let their guard down a little and enjoyed themselves despite the knowledge they’d be pitted against one another again come the following day.
It was during the prolonged celebration that an impromptu bit of gameplay broke out. Not the physical type, though, but rather the cerebral variety.
Ziana watched from a distance as several gaming boards and pieces were set up on the tables, various would-be players actually looking relaxed as they challenged one another to a game. Even the elites, aloof as they normally were, got in on the action. It seemed this was something pretty much everyone wanted to play.
The board was similar to a chessboard, but rather than a row of eight squares in each direction, the design utilized nine rows of triangles. Still, the overall appearance was pretty much the same, even down to the row of pawn-like front pieces and an assortment of different shapes in the back. It looked like it was played very similarly to chess, but the additional piece was a novelty she’d never experienced before.
“What’s that game called?” she asked when Dorrin had finished his conversation with one of the other male competitors. He was a nice fellow who was at the bottom of the rankings and sure to be eliminated any time now. As such, they could talk pretty casually, the tension of the earlier rounds greatly dissipated.
Dorrin glanced over at the several games already underway. “That is Bolaxis. An ancient game of strategy and skill. It is one of the intelligence challenges that can be made a part of the games.”
“Kind of like the puzzle day?”
“Yes. The games are not only about being the strongest or fastest, but also possessing the sharpest mind and keenest instincts. To win the games is to be a well-rounded individual.”
“You mentioned that before, but you didn’t say anything about this kind of game.”
“Because, while we all train in its principles, it is not usually a crowd-pleaser. As such, you can imagine why it has not actually been a part of the games in many, many years.”
“They want blood and guts.”
He chuckled. “Or at least some movement. Watching two players stare at a board for an hour does not make for the best entertainment.”
Ziana noted the food service staff had brought out something new even though it was after dinner. Pitchers of a dark, chilled liquid and squat glass tumblers were placed at each of the Bolaxis boards.
“What are those for?” she asked. “We already ate.”
“Lectrolis cooler,” he replied with a shrug. “When a game is played, it is tradition to provide Lectrolis for the players.”
“Okay, but what is it? Some sort of alcohol?”
“Nothing like that. It’s an energy elixir of sorts. Nothing drastic. Just some sugars, minerals, and a few organic compounds that help the brain better process energy. Though it may look tame, playing a fierce game of Bolaxis can be quite mentally taxing, and the brain must be fed.”
“Oh, I know all about that. We’ve got energy drinks at home. Well, that and coffee.”
“Ah yes, the coffee you’ve mentioned.”
“It’s hot, it’s bitter, and it’s full of caffeine. It kinda makes you more alert even if you’re tired. Some people get really cracked out by it, but most aren’t crazy sensitive.”
“Cracked out?”
“Sorry. Colloquial saying that I’m actually glad didn’t translate. It’s a nasty drug some people get addicted to back on my planet.Notsomething you ever want to experience.”
“If it involved addiction, I will take your word for it. We do not have thiscrackthat you speak of, but there are other illicit substances that have ruined lives. Fortunately, the Dotharian Conglomerate has very strict laws about that sort of thing so it is not the problem it could be. But when you venture to the outermost reaches of their influence, sometimes laws are not exactly followed.”
“Or sometimes smack dab in the middle, if you’re rich and powerful enough.”
He flashed her a look, and the meaning was quite clear.Shut up about that, it said, and she knew he was right. Even alluding to the cheating of the elites wasn’t a smart move, especially when you never knew who was listening in. Back in their bungalow they could speak freely, but here? Here she had to mind her words.
She turned her attention back to the players now deeply focused on their games, watching them move their pieces, some with confidence, others with caution. Others still seemed to be playing with strategy, trying to lull their opponents into a false sense of security. A few of the elites fit that bill, overconfident and cocky in their superiority. Odds were they had tutors since a young age playing with them, and they may have been very solid players. But their poker faces really needed work. She wondered if perhaps that might prove helpful in the near future.
“You mind if we check the games out?” she asked, giving the cable connecting them a playful little tug.
“That would be enjoyable,” Dorrin said, taking a final swig from his drink as he nodded his agreement. He rose to his feet, stretching languorously like a big cat after a satisfying meal, his muscles rippling across his body as he moved, their contours picking up the light in a dazzling way. Whatever attitude and interpersonal issues he may have had, the guy was nevertheless quite impressively built, there was no denying it.
