To Clan and Conquer (Clan Beginnings) Read Online Free PDF Page B

time.”
    He was right.  The catcher-runner had gotten the ball only a few feet from the goal.  The opposing team wasn’t just growling; they were roaring defiance at Tranis’ group.  The onlookers were screaming wildly.
    Adrenaline galloped through Tranis’ body.  “Let them come, and we’ll shut them down.”
    The two teams lined up.  Tranis looked over his options, noting Nobek Nemu in front of him had a bloody lip, just as Lidon had promised he would.
    By the ancestors, he loved this game.
    Tranis called the play, and the teams went into motion.  Lidon had been right; the defenders sent everyone at the Dramok.  He saw it when one intentionally targeted Lidon’s bad leg, making the Nobek scream with pain and fury as he went down.
    Tranis delivered the ball to his catcher-runner, winning the game.  Then he ran right at the man who’d hit Lidon and started pounding him with all he had.  The pain in his swollen hand was merely a nuisance as he traded blows with the Nobek.
    Their fight prompted a free-for-all.  The air was alive with thuds and screams and howls as both teams commenced to beating the shit out of each other.  Tranis was dimly aware that many of the spectators had joined in.  Two more Nobeks jumped him and had beat him pretty good when Lidon suddenly barreled in, knocking them both sprawling.
    Security forces, assigned by Lidon to keep order during the game, broke up the melee.  Tranis was flat on his back in the field, his eyes closed tight against the too-bright sky.  He had to breathe through his mouth because his nose was broken.  Damn, he hurt, but at least he didn’t think anything else had been broken.
    A shadow darkened his closed lids, and he opened them to see Lidon crouching over him.  The Nobek studied his face.  “It looks like you’ll need a little reconstructive work.  Your nose is all over your face.”
    Tranis blinked up at him.  “Why can’t I just keep some scars?”  When Lidon’s eyebrows rose, he added, “You wouldn’t believe the shit I catch for having my rank at my age.  I wouldn’t mind giving my looks a little age and experience.”
    Lidon snorted.  “A Dramok who keeps his fighting and battle scars is seen as a challenge to Nobeks.  They’ll make it a point to kick your ass on a daily basis.  Try a beard, if you want to look older.  I think it would suit your face.”
    Tranis considered it.  A beard might indeed lend some maturity to his looks.  “Thanks.  I’ll give it a shot.”
    Lidon grabbed his uninjured right hand and hauled him to his feet.  He gave Tranis a dark look.  “I should beat you myself.  I don’t need a Dramok defending me, you know.”
    Tranis snarled at him.  “Who said I was defending you?  Do I look like I have a death wish?”
    Lidon raised an eyebrow at him.  Tranis realized that after the pounding he just took, he might indeed look that way.
    He blew out an exasperated breath.  He didn’t want Lidon mad at him.  “The man that targeted your leg was the most convenient person to hit.  Damn it, Commander, the game was over, and only a couple of real fights broke out during the whole thing.  Everyone knows fights are the best part of kurble.”
    Lidon stared at him.  Then he snorted and shook his head.  Finally he grinned.
    Tranis grinned back for a moment before his stomach started to churn.  He waved at the Nobek.  “And here comes the worst part.  Stand back.”
    Lidon got out of spew range quickly.  As the first heave doubled Tranis over, the weapons commander waved at the waiting medics.  Then Tranis didn’t notice much else as his stomach turned itself inside out trying to get the poison out of his system.
    * * * *
    The destroyer’s handsome head medic had almost finished putting Tranis’ face back to rights.  He seemed extremely amused; not just at Tranis but with everything going on around him.
    Dr. Degorsk gave Lidon a sidelong look.  “A Dramok that plays kurble.  Did you put