Rhemic Empire (2)

"Easy there, sir," One-Eye interjected. "Even though you're currently in charge, everything has its limits. We're both gamblers and experienced players, but we don't change horses midstream, and we don't change the rules in the middle of the game." "Do you want to play a game where someone lets the other win? Well, I'm willing to take the risk, even though it's unclear whether I'll win or lose. But my friend has a point – one such bet wouldn't be a big deal for anyone, regardless of the outcome, but no one wanted to risk finding out what else this man might come up with. Without revealing any obvious nervousness, Jack assessed the situation in the room and, using the gaming table and his cloak as cover (assuming, of course, that a guard wasn't standing to the side, watching his every move), tried to discreetly feel for his pistol on his belt, put his finger on the trigger, and turned the barrel towards the Taoist. The habit of not wearing a holster might actually work in his favor this time. "I don't see any reason for such concern. You set the rules and the stakes. And what's the point of a game where there's no winner?"