---
"Barely," Luna said. "If either of you decides to die now, it is going to get very complicated. So do not."
He gave her a sideways look.
"I will put it on the list," he said.
Before she could retort, a pulse flickered through the Net.
"Lord," Shadeclaw's voice came, not quite hiding his relief at feeling Kai awake. "The scarlet camp sends a message. Vorak is awake. He requests a meeting. Two men. No weapons. No guards within spear length. In the circle."
Luna went rigid.
"He requests what," she demanded. "Absolutely not. He already punched you into a collection of loose parts once today. He does not get a second go without the spear rule."
Kai stared at the ceiling for a few breaths.
"Shadeclaw," he said. "Ask their messenger to wait."
He closed his eyes briefly.
System, he thought. How suicidal would it be to stand up and walk down to the circle.
[Analysis: risk of immediate systemic collapse from slow walking: low.
Risk from standing up too quickly: moderate.
