Krol finally became fully conscious that night and slipped into a normal sleep. The next day he was better but could not stand without help.
Three days later they were all brought before Fong.
“I trust you have been comfortable.” His smile was not friendly, his voice sarcastic. “Today you will be given the opportunity to win your freedom.”
They were taken to a clearing of hard-packed dirt just outside the village. A three-foot wall surrounded the clearing. Ten feet inside the encircling wall lay another circle. Flat reddish stones were embedded in the ground, flush with the surface. A sound on the far side of the circle drew their attention. Several Lu’ung stood, rhythmically grating the barbs of their upper arms against each other, obviously anticipating the event.
Lu’ung “Those who s
