Читать книгу Sinbad: Rogue of Mars - John Garavaglia - Страница 25

CHAPTER TWO

MISTRUST BEFORE YOU TRUST

Sinbad was brought back to his cell the usual way: thrown on his ear.

“Back to your cage, outlander!” said the guard. “Maybe after your next fight, your friend will have his freedom, eh?”

Sinbad met the ground with a harsh thud, followed by the slamming of the cell’s door.

“Sinbad!” Azrak yelled in worry. He offered Sinbad his hand, but the sailor waved it away. “Let me help.”

“I’m fine, Azrak,” said Sinbad, slowly rising. “Just a little winded.”

“There’s no shame on showing humility, my friend,” retorted Azrak. “You have fought a great battle. You must not strain yourself. You have to rest and keep up your strength.”

“I cannot rest, Azrak. I have to be on my guard at all times. It has kept me alive so far.”

Azrak gave him a dubious look. “You are making a dangerous habit on confusing bravery with arrogance, Sinbad. You will not make it through the next fight unless your wounds are treated and fully recuperated.”

Sinbad knew his friend was right. He was not of use to anyone while being tired and bruised. He felt disappointed in himself for not fulfilling his promise to gain Azrak’s freedom. Sinbad had achieved his share of the given terms, but Akhdar decided to renege on his part.

“You were right about Akhdar,” Sinbad humbly admitted. “I tried playing his game and he decided to change the rules.”

Azrak put his hand on Sinbad’s shoulder. “You had no choice, Sinbad. You did what you had to do. You are not the one in blame. This is all on Akhdar.”

Sinbad paused for a moment. He lifted his head to Azrak and gave him a smile.

“At least you did not say, ‘I told you so.’”

JOHN GARAVAGLIA

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