‘Fighting pits? What are they?’
The man gave him an uncertain, half-amused, half-suspicious look. ‘The fighting pits,’ he echoed, almost as if he had been asked where the sky was. ‘Everyone’s heard of them.’
Atlon shook his head. ‘Not me, I’m afraid. I come from far away.’
The man nodded. ‘I suspected as much when you were so polite to Ghreel. You staying here long?’
‘I’m not sure. I’m travelling south for... some friends, but I’ll need to find work locally to pay my way.’
The man gave him another look then seemed to reach a decision. He rested his arms on the table and leaned forward confidentially. ‘It’s perhaps as well you bumped into me, then,’ he said. ‘You have to be careful around here, you know. There are plenty of people who’re only too willing to take advantage of a stranger
