Black Ice

- I appreciate your enthusiasm, honestly. - The scout smiled friendly at first, then grimaced. - But why are you desert dwellers so slow and disorganized? Is it because of your scorching sun, which heats up your heads? One of your fellow countrymen came to see me about an hour ago with the same question; his name was Sirkhan. Come in threes, and I'll tell you everything.

— Oh, by the way, I wanted to ask two questions. I didn't have time for the second one. It's about Sirkhan, - David cleared his throat, apparently the topic was delicate. - I heard that he was a slave gladiator. I just can't get it out of my head. Of course, we don't have slaves in Korania... maybe I don't know something. That's why I wanted to ask you. Well, you've seen many countries. A slave is property. Why would the owner "train him in the gladiator craft," pay for it, even though he didn't become the best warrior? And then pay his slave money. It seems to me that this owner is a real madman. Or this story about the gladiator is a complete fabrication. In any case, I don't see the point in asking him, but I would like to consult with an experienced person.

David looked expectantly at the chief scout.