Savage Games of Lord Zarak Read Free Page A

bout’s over,” he said.
    â€œThat was real good, Roland,” Josh said reluctantly. He was very annoyed, but he had learned that he sometimes had to be peacemaker as well as leader. “You must have had a lot of practice.”
    â€œYes. Quite a bit.” Roland turned to him. “You want to try it, Josh?” he asked.
    At once Josh knew that this was a challenge to his leadership. He also knew that he had no chance whatsoever against Roland. Still, he could not back down, so he said mildly, “I’m not as good as Dave, and I can always use some good advice. Maybe you can give me some.”
    â€œSure. Be glad to help you along, Josh. Come on. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
    Josh was even more helpless before the flashing blade of Roland Winters than Dave had been. And since Josh was the second best swordsman among the Sleepers, it was obvious that none of them could stand up to this tall boy who cruelly laughed at their weaknesses.
    â€œAs I said,” Roland commented when their practice bout ended, “I hope we don’t meet anything dangerous on this mission. Except for me, there’s not a one who could stand up to a really bad situation.”
    Sarah replied hotly, “Reb here has killed a dragon. How many dragons have you killed, Roland?”
    â€œNever met one. But if I did, I could handle it.”
    Jake said, “Well, I see there won’t be any of the rest of us bragging about anything. You do enough bragging for all of us.”
    â€œIf you can do it,” Roland said coolly, eyeing the small boy with disdain, “it’s not bragging. You all need help with any of your other weapons?”
    Josh suddenly winked at Sarah. “Maybe you could show us a little bit about how to use a bow.”
    â€œGlad to.” Roland waved his hand. “Always glad to give advice.”
    The Sleepers went to the targets that had been set up, and Josh broke out the bows. “Here, Roland, you can take your pick.”
    â€œHm, I’ve seen better bows. I guess this one will have to do.” He strung it easily, something that was very difficult for most of the Sleepers because this was a powerful bow. He made it look so simple.
    Roland Winters eyed the target. Then he notched his arrow, and he drew back the string. The motion seemed to be effortless, and Josh remembered how he himself had to struggle to draw that particular bow. Hewas always just as likely to send the arrow over the trees as into the target.
    Roland released the arrow, and it struck the top of the bull’s-eye. He turned to Sarah with a challenging smile. “Let’s see you kill a dragon, Sarah.”
    Sarah stepped forward. In one smooth motion she notched an arrow, drew it, and sent it flying. Before it struck, she had notched another. The first arrow hit the center of the target. Before it had stopped quivering, another was right beside it. Four more quickly followed in order. Plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk.
    Roland gaped at the arrows clustered in a space no larger than his hand. His face grew red. He said, “Not bad.”
    â€œNo. Not bad,” Josh said.
    Reb was grinning broadly. “You want to give Sarah a few lessons?”
    â€œI don’t need any of your smart talk! Maybe she can shoot, but that’s not all there is to weapons.” Roland turned and stalked off.
    â€œHe just can’t stand to be beaten, can he?” Abbey said. “What a drip!”
    Roland was still off in the grove of trees somewhere when supper time came.
    Sarah said, “I don’t care if he stays out there all night. He won’t like anything we’ve cooked, anyway.”
    The Sleepers sat down and plunged into the meal. Actually it was really very good tonight. They had fresh fish, and Reb had insisted on making hush puppies—crisp deep-fried balls of dough. They had onions and garlic and other spices in them.
    Wash said, “Mm! Mm! I think the