Chapter four
What chanced in the ArenaThe Emperor of Hamal said in his sternest voice, “Remember, Dray Prescot, you are the Emperor of Vallia. And King of Djanduin. And many other notable titles and ranks. It is not fitting that you should not go attired as an emperor.”
“As to that,” I said, adjusting the plain lesten-hide belt with the silver buckle, “I never feel comfortable in all that popinjay finery.”
Seg let loose a cross between a grunt and a chuckle.
So, quickly, very quickly, I said, “I speak only for myself, Nedfar. You, I am sure, understand that.”
Nedfar took it in good part.
He was dressed magnificently, a shimmering statuesque emperor, a lordly one of Kregen, dominating and superb.
Seg and I wore the brave old scarlet, with a cunning coat of mesh-linked mail, and over
