I reached for the cleaver the kitchen-slave had left on the table, backed against a tall wall cupboard. The bodyguard unlimbered his club.
"Hold it, Blon," said Torbu. "Drgon's okay." He looked at me. "I kind of figured you for done for, Drgon. The boys worked you over pretty good."
"Yeah," I returned, "and thanks for your help in stopping it."
"This is the miscreant we immured!" Blon burst out. "Take him!"
Torbu shifted. "Hold it a minute," he said. He looked uncomfortable.
"Listen, you two!" I said. "You claim to believe in the system around here. You think it's a great life, all fair play and no holds barred and plenty of goodies for the winner. I know, it was tough about Cagu, but that's life, isn't it? But what about the business I saw in that Audience Hall? You guys try not to think about that angle, is that it?"
"The noble Owner's gotta right—" Blon started.
"I didn't like the caper with the wires, Blon," said Torbu. "You didn't either; neither did most of the boys—"
"And I don't remember getting much of a show myself," I said. "There are a couple of your buddies I plan to look up when I have some free time—"
"I didn't lay a hand on you, Drgon," said Torbu. "I didn't want no part of that."