Read Online 1 State of Grace by John Phythyon - Free Book Online

consult the rules again.
    “Very well,” Silverleaf said, sounding angry.
    Wolf considered the rest of his cards. Should he play any of them now or wait to see the shape of Silverleaf’s attack? He elected to wait.
    “So, Ambassador, you were telling me how beautiful Alfar is,” Wolf said.
    “I told you nothing other than it is beautiful, Mr. Dasher. If you want to know how beautiful, you will have to visit it yourself. Are you finished?”
    “Hmm?” Wolf said, pretending to have forgotten what he was doing. “Oh, yes! Sorry, Ambassador, it’s your turn.”
    Simone winked at Wolf. She looked as though she hadn’t had this much fun in a long time.
    Silverleaf reached for his deck. Wolf watched carefully. This time there was a flash of magic from the elf’s hand. Wolf hid a smile as Isabelle delivered his wine. She tried to put her breasts in his face, but he leaned around them so as to keep his eyes on his opponent. He tossed another five-gold chip on her tray without comment.
    The ambassador studied his draw for a moment as if a new idea had come into his mind. Then the smug smile crept over his face, and he stared into Wolf’s eyes.
    “Mr. Dasher,” he began, “I can’t help but feel this is the most interesting game of Conquest I’ve ever played, and I just can’t resist making it even more exciting. I’m willing to bet ten thousand gold I can wipe out your entire force this turn. What do you say?”
    Wolf tried hard not to laugh. Silverleaf was doing exactly what he thought he would do. Now he just had to hope the elf didn’t have some other trick he was playing Wolf hadn’t thought of.
    “I’d say you’re insane, Ambassador,” Wolf replied. “Your dragon’s fire could no doubt wipe out my fungi or my zombies, but it isn’t enough to get them both, even with the help of your elves and pixies. You’re throwing your money away.”
    “Nevertheless,” Silverleaf said, sounding happy for the first time, “I just can’t resist. Please say you’ll keep playing. You could certainly forfeit, but it would be so much more fun to see if I can actually do this.”
    “Very well, Ambassador,” Wolf said, sounding as though he was resigned to the actions of a fool. “It’s your money.”
    Wolf signaled for William to place another ten thousand gold in the pot as Silverleaf pushed over an enormous number of chips. A flurry of betting rapidly ensued, with nearly everyone betting on Silverleaf. They’d seen him pull off the unthinkable before. It was too sure a bet, as much as they might hate it.
    There was one notable exception, though. The shabby noble proudly plunked down fifty gold in favor of Wolf. He smiled boldly at Wolf, although he looked to have concern in his eyes.
    With the betting settled, Silverleaf leaned forward. He licked his lips in anticipation.
    “I’m afraid it might have been cheaper if you’d folded, Mr. Dasher,” he said, using the same tone he’d taunted Sir Leslie with. He tossed fifteen gold into the pot and played a card on his dragon. “Gargantuan,” he said.
    “Unbelievable!” a voice exclaimed. Wolf glanced at its source and saw Sir Leslie.
    “Not nearly so much as you think,” Silverleaf replied. He tossed another fifteen gold into the pot and played a second “gargantuan” card on the dragon. “Now the dragon has four times its size, range, and attack and defense values.”
    The crowd gasped. Silverleaf had played masterfully. If Wolf could somehow find a way to neutralize one of the “gargantuans” there was still a second he would have to deal with. The elf had guaranteed he could do enough damage to vaporize Wolf’s entire force.
    “Wow,” Wolf commented as though this were something amazing to behold. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a double-gargantuan, let alone one played on a dragon. That’s pretty impressive.”
    “Thank you,” Silverleaf said. He almost sounded sincere.
    “So do you get to live in a giant castle, since you’re with