They made their way through the heart of the Blackmarket. A traveling game master caught their attention with his boisterous calls. He sat at a makeshift table, three dice in hand and a wide smile on his face.
“Approach, approach! Harken thee, youthful sir, thou dost exude an air of affluence and acumen. Wouldst thou dare to court fate in a round of ‘Sudden Demise’? A minor stake for the opportunity to reap substantial rewards!” the game master said, beckoning them over.
Haemon said, “Your Majesty, it may be prudent to first discern the regulations of this diversion prior to committing our participation.”
Bloud nodded. “Indeed, Your Majesty, comprehension of the game’s nature and stakes prior to risking any of our precious coin would be most advisable.”
As they approached, the game master explained the rules of the game. “Ah, simplicity is the key, gentlemen! All you need to do is to roll these little cubes of chance here and aim for the stars, or should I say, the sixes! But tread with caution, for if Lady Luck turns her back and you chance upon the dreaded trio of ones, you’re out quicker than a goblin on a griffon!”
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The group exchanged a glance, weighing the risks and rewards of the game. Finally, Alexander spoke up.
“Very well, we shall partake in your game of chance,” he said, placing twenty gold pieces on the table.
With a flick of his wrist, the Gamemaster cast a die onto the worn wooden table. It wobbled for a moment before it came to a halt, revealing the image of a singular six. A sigh escaped the game master’s lips as he swept the die away.
“Now, your turn, my lord,” he beckoned, his eyes glinting with anticipation.
In response, the king seized the dice, his hands briefly closing over them as if offering a silent prayer. With a swift motion, he released them onto the table. One by one, the dice danced, twirling on their edges before coming to rest. A five, a three...and with a moment of suspense, the last die pirouetted into a standstill, revealing a triumphant six. The courtiers and onlookers held their breath, their eyes wide with shared anticipation.
A grin tugged at the king’s lips as he eagerly picked up the dice again. His royal hands were a blur as he cast them onto the table, one roll after another. Luck, it seemed, was in his favor, each toss growing more confident, more victorious. The onlookers watched in shared suspense as he cleared the dice, one by one, until only the victory of the table remained.
His hand slowly drew back, revealing the last roll—a triumphant array of cleared dice. A cheer erupted from the crowd as the game master reluctantly counted out 40 gleaming gold coins.