Читать книгу Sinbad: Rogue of Mars - John Garavaglia - Страница 29

The crowd erupted in a roaring applause. Back in the dungeon, Sinbad was amazed by the centaur’s abilities. He wondered how such a bulky specimen like him could have performed such daring feats. What really caught Sinbad’s eye was the weapon Kar-Tyr was using. Small but practical. It probably took a lifetime to master.

The spectators were imparting the “kill” chant. Kar-Tyr moved with the supple ease of a jungle cat, his steely muscles rippling under his grey skin. He slowly approached the beast, which was flat on its back, unknotting his kunai. The monster angrily screeched as its foe pulled his weapon apart. The rope attached to the blade was straightened and it snapped all together to form a spear. The monster showed its teeth to Kar-Tyr before the gladiator shoved the blade into its mouth.

The crowd chanted Kar-Tyr’s name in celebration. Another victory for the last of the Kurwani. The beast took its last breath and succumbed to its wounds. Kar-Tyr retracted his weapon and basked in the approval of the court holding his bloodstained spear aloft. He caught a glimpse between the dungeon’s barred windows and saw Sinbad. Their eyes met and said nothing to each other. Sinbad was impressed with this creature, and thought to himself Kar-Tyr would be a powerful ally. All Kar-Tyr saw in Sinbad was another victim met at the end of his kunai.

Night had fallen; Sinbad is knelt beside Azrak as the sailor said his evening prayers. Azrak stares at his friend as he silently mediates and inaudibly beseeched to his idol.

“Does your god watch over you even here, Sinbad?” asked Azrak.

Sinbad opened his eyes and casually said, “Allah is everywhere, and in all things, my friend. He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him”

“Is that why you pray so much during the day?”

JOHN GARAVAGLIA

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