"It is a contest with naked steel. It is the measure and glory of an Owner that he alone stands ready to prove his quality against the peril of death itself." Gope drew himself up with pride.
"What about the bodyguards?" I asked. "They fight—"
"With their hands, good Drgon. And they lack skill with those. A death such as you described tonight—that is a rare and sorry accident."
"It showed up this whole grubby farce in its true colors. A civilization like that of Vallon—reduced to this."
"Still, it is sweet to live—by whatever rules——"
"I don't believe that ... and neither do you. What Owner can I challenge? How do I go about it?"
"Give up this course, good Drgon—"
"Where's the nearest buddy of the Big Owner?"
Gope threw up his hands. "Here, at Bar-Ponderone. Owner Qohey. But—"
"And how do I call his bluff?"