Chapter 25

"Are you sure about this, Roodaka? He doesn't look like much of a challenge." The young male behind the desk ventured, eyeing Matau in disbelief.

"Oh, I'm sure." Roodaka replied. Her trademark sneer curved the edge of her lip. "I always am. Just write it down, Rouan."

Rouan nodded rapidly. He was a small male for a Xian, maybe only a head taller than a Toa. Judging by how the other men were treated around here, Matau wasn't surprised at the instant obedience. I mean, it was better than losing your job around here…Or a limb…Whatever. Rouan scribbled something down on the papers before him in perfect penmanship. "All right, Roodaka. You're free to go. Winner gets seventy-five reputation points."

"Seventy-five? I thought it was a hundred?" Roodaka pouted.

Rouan shrugged helplessly. "Sorry, new laws from the queen."

Roodaka muttered something under her breath. "Just wait until I'm queen…"

Rouan ignored her. "You both know the laws, right?"

Roodaka nodded sharply, cutting Matau off. "Climb the mountain. Winner takes double, partners get half, and losers die."

Matau swallowed hard as Roodaka began shooing him towards the gate. Rouan waved at them out of habit more than respect. "G'Luck."

As he was forced through onto the platform by the mountain's base, Matau ventured to ask a question. "What are the reputation points for?"

Roodaka grinned. "You really don't need to worry about that."

Matau swallowed again. His throat was awfully dry lately. "Well, say I did need to know…"

Roodaka glanced down at him in annoyance and he braced himself. She let it slide. She seemed to be in an unusually good mood. "They're for getting better jobs. Most Xians have more money than they could possibly need, seeing as it's worthless until you get offshore. So we use reputation instead." She smirked. "In other words, being famous means getting fed."

Matoro nodded slowly. "Is seventy-five points a lot?"

Roodaka shrugged. "I guess so. It would provide you with a few years of luxury if used wisely."

"Enough to get a boat then?"

She glanced at him sharply and grinned coldly. "Like I said. You don't really need to worry about it."

Matau glanced up at the mountain. It looked like a simple enough climb. Maybe Xians had trouble climbing? Or was there something more about this mountain than met the eye? He glanced at his companion. Then again, she'll probably just zap me if I try to pass her. Still. He had to try. If I can get a boat, I could quick-sail home and warn the others. Maybe we could even find a way to keep Roodaka away-far permanently.

He dwelt on that thought for a moment. Hope filled him. This is my only chance. My last chance. Roodaka's cold gaze pierced the mountain ahead of them. Roodaka won't give me another one.

"Move it old one. We still have a bit of a walk before we reach the starting point."

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A/N I know you are all probably very mad at me. I'm sorry for the delay! A lot of strange things have been happening to me lately and all my stories got sidetracked, online and not.

I've decided to let you all know I haven't forgotten! I will try and post the rest of these stories as quickly as possible to make up for lost time. I include my sincerest apologies and several plot bunnies that are in desperate need of vacating the premises of my deranged mind. I don't expect any reviews (I probably don't deserve any at this point) but please don't flame me either! I'm still young and I have a lot more to write before I die!!!