GHOST IN THE STONE progress update

13 chapters of the rough draft down, 14 to go. An excerpt from today’s writing:

“If you find anyone else taking wagers, give them a good beating and dump them in the street. No killing – the Lord Governor and the Lord Aedile of Games don’t want any bloodshed spoiling their festivities.” He snickered. “Except for the gladiators, of course. But we’re well within our rights to beat anyone else taking wagers into a pulp. Or to beat anyone who refuses to pay up.”

“How did you get the exclusive rights to take wagers for the games in the Ring of Valor?” said Caina.

Marzhod smirked. “I asked the Lord Aedile of Games politely, and he gave it to me because I was so charming and polite.”

A guffaw went up from the Sarbian mercenaries, and Caina rolled her eyes.

“How do you think?” said Marzhod. “A very large annual bribe, and a fixed percentage of the take. Of course, I make more than enough to cover it.” He scratched at his unshaven chin. “Especially since I fix a few key matches.”

-JM