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The Game II
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"So, who challenges Russ?" Esin asked, knowing that the Fenrisian primarch would be unable to turn away from such a challenge.
"I have a plan." Jaghatai answered, as they exited the mess hall with five White Scar marines in tow. The steppe warriors didn't even hesitate before jumping to their feet and following their primarch. Buzkashi is a nearly forgotten taste of home, and the rambunctious group relished the chance of feeling the exhilaration it brought to them.
"He might try to avoid it once he learns it is played on bikes, but if I feed it to him correctly, he will come running to the field." He added, grinning. Esin gave him a wry grin, eyes flashing mischievously.
"You'll boast and taunt within his hearing, then insult his manhood when he rises to it, right?" Jaghatai chuckled.
"You know he won't be able to get out of that. Okay, you go and get a couple more players. Playing field is small, but I think we will still need ten or so players."
Esin shook her head ruefully. "Oh, your funeral. I'll just make sure there are some apothecaries around, or try and get Serenity to arrive at the end of the game. We'll definitely need them. And you will be explaining the casualties to your Father and your Sister."
As she walked away, Jaghatai hesitated for a moment. He was not concerned about the Emperor, but Serenity hated when people got hurt. He shook his head. Just a little game. How bad could it be?
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Jaghatai, with his bodyguards in tow, walked into the dining hall he knew Leman Russ was eating, boasting loudly to his bodyguards and a group of Guardsmen he recruited for his plan from a nearby R&R area. They followed him closely, listening attentively, captured by the wild tale he was spinning.
"Then I snapped a backhand over him to Uraz. He went flying!" He laughed. "Along with the Halal. Kislik tried to grab it, but I was faster. I tell ya, reaching between the legs of a galloping horse from the saddle of another, and pulling a whole calf without tripping it takes some skill. Especially while his rider tries to take your ear off with his whip." He noticed the Fenrisian warrior look up from his meal. "Never forget, Buzkashi is a game for real men! You have to be quick witted! Ruthless, quick, skillful. No ham-fisted brute can handle the field of honor." He sniped lightly, making Russ frown. "I never forget the time I got the Halal from the hands of Shahkir from the Tamar tribe. He was very skilled, I give you that, and he was like a demon in the saddle. When he took the Halal, he became the wind, but wind with teeth!" He laughed again. "Teeth I broke, of course!"
Leman Russ stood up, curious, and walked towards the group, his wolves dutifully following at his heels. Jaghatai noted his approach, and turned to greet him. "Come, brother. I was talking about a game we used to play, back on Chogoris."
"Tell me about it." Leman Russ answered. "Sounds interesting."
"Ahh, it is, brother, it is. Takes courage, skill and strength. We call it Buzkashi, or Kökbörü, in the name of the Sky Wolf that is the ancestor of my people. Ten, twenty men on horseback or bikes try to get a calf carcass, Halal, around the marker on one end of the field and back to the starting point. The winner is the one who manages to complete the journey." The steppe warrior then looked over his brother. "Maybe not your cup of tea, though. It might be difficult for someone with your... skill set."
Leman Russ frowned. Jaghatai suppressed a grin. Subtle enough, but still got a rise out of his hotheaded brother. Only Angron would have been easier. "I would shy away from no game of yours, brother."
Jaghatai looked up to the Wolf Lord from the bench he was sitting. "You sure, brother? The men of the steppes ride hard. Are you sure you are up to it?"
Leman Russ was incensed. He was second to no one. He did not even register he was being manipulated into it. "Name your time and place, brother. I will show you, this game of yours is no challenge for me."
Jaghatai did not hold back his grin this time. "You are on, brother. Esin and I were thinking about holding a small game on the mustering field. Go to the garage and get yourself a bike. Let's see how you fare on the field of honor."
Leman Russ just growled in answer and stalked off. Jaghatai chuckled. This was too easy. Now, maybe a couple more...
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AN: And here is more Esin and Jaghatai from Khuzdul~
