On the job training

Seymuhr and Mira are about to enter the gates of Veral Ski in search of their companion, Broo Fang Tang, and to meet with the queen.


"What is your business here?" The guard loomed over both of us, snarling under a mustache that drooped nearly to his collar. His right hand tapped the hilt of his lendyll, a sort of short sword favored for close work.

"A friend of ours passed way earlier this morning," I said, instinctively gathering my shirt close up over my breasts. The guard's gaze lingered there and a tongue probed his cracked lips. "We seek him. After that we have business in the market."

"A fffffriend?" He sounded surprised. "At the m-m-m-market? What type of f-f-f-f-friend is so important that you waste my time this morning?"

I didn't know how to respond. "He's a cheerful chap, about so tall," I said, with a hand held level just above the top of my own head. "Dressed in robes..."

"Your f-f-f-friend sounds like a m-m-m-m-monK." He finished the word so savagely there was mist in the air.

"He is." Semuhr put in. He gathered himself up and stood between us. He was short than I, but tocky and fearsomely strong. "What business is that of yours? He means no harm to anyone."

"Usually," I felt compelled to add.

"Aye, usually."

"What business? What BUSiness? It is all my business," he called over our heads, spraying spittle. "Why..."

"That's enough, Art," the guard's companion put in. He placed a hand on his shoulder and guided him a few steps to the side. "Sorry about that," he said to us. "Today is his first day questioning the petitioners. I thought I'd give him a few moments to show his style."

"It needs some work," I said.

"T'appears so! We did see your companion earlier. Not many of those types will show their faces around here. I mean, I realize they're trying to do good and spread a little happiness, but you know, in times like these..."

I nodded. "Good cheer is a gift usually received with a closed fist, not an open hand. Hence our concern."

"You're in luck, then, if you're going to the market anyway. I believe that's where he was headed. Turn east after the fat whore dressed in blue and you'll come across it soon enough."

"Thank you for your kindness," I said with a bow, and good luck training your apprentice."

"Oh, he's a good lad, apart from the shouting and spittle and all; he'll come around." He glanced at Seymuhr, then back at me. "There are bath houses down that way, too. Strong soaps and thick brushes. You might want to steer your companion that way."

I gave him a tight-lipped smile and another quick bow. "I have hopes."

We ducked under the gate and headed toward the center of town. Art, looking downcast, ushered us on with a half-hearted wave.