The Bartered Bride by Mary Jo Putney

contemplated the insanity of risking so much of his life to help someone he'd just met. But damnably, he could not turn away from a woman in need. His father had taught him that it was a man's duty to protect women, and that belief was as much a part of him as his heart and mind. Helena had laughingly called him her knight errant. "We do." He offered his hand. "I might win, you know." Kasan's hard brown hand clasped his. "You will not, Captain." He gave his flashing, dangerous smile again. "But it's worth the risk of losing for the sake of such a grand game!"

CHAPTER 6
    It was hard to pace in an enclosure less than ten feet across. Nonetheless, Alex did her best during the hours Gavin Elliott was gone, trying to decide whether his prolonged absence was good or bad. When he finally returned, she sped across the cage and clutched the bars, trying to interpret his expression. "What has happened?" When he hesitated, she said with a sinking heart, "The sultan won't let me be sold to you."
    "Not exactly," Gavin admitted, "but he's giving me the chance to win your freedom by competing in a Maduri tradition called the Lion Game, Singa Mainam. A special twelve-sided die is cast five times, and I must attempt whatever feat is indicated. I'm allowed one refusal for something beyond my skills, so the odds of winning your freedom are rather good."
    She stared, trying to absorb the information. "That is ... bizarre. But then, my whole life has been bizarre ever since I was captured. What sort of tasks?"
    "I'm not sure about all of them, but Kasan mentioned unarmed combat, swimming, diving, marksmanship, and chess." Gavin smiled a little. "One was called fighting the dragon. I haven't the faintest idea what that is."
    "This sounds dangerous for you. Too dangerous."
    "There are no duels to the death, so I imagine this Lion Game will be quite interesting, and no more dangerous than being a sailor." Slavery had sharpened her ability to read people, and she recognized that Gavin was deliberately downplaying the dangers. Disturbed, she said, "It isn't right that you should risk yourself for my sake."
    "I appreciate your concern, but this is the way Kasan wants to do it. Neither you nor I have any choice in the matter."
    Not true-Gavin could sail away at any time. Instead, he was choosing to stay and engage in some barbaric game to save her. "When does the contest begin? " she asked.
    "Tomorrow morning. The sultan intends to make the event into a court festival. A Buddhist judge, crowds of courtiers, music, food, and drink." Gavin smiled. "Lions and Christians to amuse his people." She shuddered. "I sincerely hope not."
    "Actually, this is more like the labors of Hercules than a Roman arena, and Hercules survived quite well." Gavin tugged uncomfortably at his collar. "Do you mind if I remove my coat? It's a warm day."
    "An understatement. Please, make yourself comfortable." She gestured to her sarong. "The native garments are so much more practical in this climate."
    "It's a nuisance having to dress as a Western taipan all the time." He peeled off his dark tailored coat and loosened his collar with relief. "The best news is that I asked the sultan if he could trace Katie, and he's starting that immediately."
    "Thank God! He's in a better position to do that than I'll ever be." Alex folded onto a cushion, weak with relief.
    Gavin crossed the room to stand in the breeze that wafted through the arches. "Do you need anything? "
    "No, both Suryo and the palace slaves have been going out of their way to be helpful." As a stronger gust passed through the room, she noted how his sweat-dampened shirt clung to his shoulders and torso, emphasizing the strength and fitness that were usually concealed-She couldn't ask for a better champion to fight for her freedom. Or a more handsome one. A woman would have to be dead not to notice how attractive Gavin Elliott was-but then, that part of her was dead. What mattered far more than his appearance were his