Chapter 30
As they neared, the men before them became clear. The leader was easy to pick out: centrally placed, taller than the others, he bore no visible weapons, nor was he garbed like a warrior, being dressed in a simple white tunic with gold detail. He held an official looking staff. By contrast, the other men wore stout leather - or what looked like leather - from shoulder to knee, splitting just below the waist to allow freedom of movement. They carried a variety of weapons: a couple had formidable clubs, others daggers and spears.
Smitty, eyes hard, said “They’re wankers. All dressed up, but wankers.” His eyes slid to Tavia, to the hilt of the scimitar appearing over her shoulder. “You ever killed anyone with that?”
“I can handle myself.” was her reply.
“I’ll take that as a no.
