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Bob’s eyes focused on the Aristos, his eyes narrowing. He took a step in their direction and fell sideways to the ground.
‘Sodding pike smacked my leg with its tail. The same leg the sodding guard hit with his club. I hope to God it’s not broken.’
Trying to keep concern from my voice, I said, ‘It isn’t, don’t worry, Bob.’ But in truth I had no idea what state his leg was in and was only trying to keep his hopes up.
Tom was in a crouch a few yards away and hadn’t heard us above the din. He’d removed the sandals he’d been given as a Fauxine and was busy replacing them with boots he’d taken from a dead arena attendant. James was stretched out in the dust slowly coming to his senses. The Rat-Pole had wrenched his shoulders like a strappado. I could only hope they weren’t dislocated. I w
