In the arenas of old there were very few rules. It was each man for himself, each beating heart against the rest. What delicate constructs of honour and dignity that the gladiators held amongst themselves were not universal; what applied to one man was never the same for another. But here Gannicus could afford a little more - this man, this Tribute, was Nasir's prey. Nasir had given the signal, Nasir would be the one to deal the fatal blow.

Gannicus held back, lingering a little rather than putting his own pipe to work. He let Nasir take his swing and, rather than steal his glory, he turned his attention on the swirling fog and what fresh threats the Cornucopia might hold for them.