The Middle of Nowhere (Crossroads) by Paul B. Thompson

Author:Paul B. Thompson [Thompson, Paul B.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9780786964864
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Publishing
Published: 2013-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

Fascinated farmfolk crowded around the declaiming minotaur. Children crawled into their fathers’ and mothers’ laps, still sucking on Ezu’s wonderful treats. Their breath reeked of spice, mingled sage and mint, and they listened wide-eyed as Khorr related the adventures of the nine minotaur captains.

Raika pushed through the crowd, claiming a prime spot at Khorr’s feet. Carver joined her.

No longer the focus of attention, Ezu turned to go. Howland called out, “Master Ezu—a word, if you please.”

The genial traveler paused. “Yes?”

Howland waited until he was nose to nose before saying in guarded tones, “I wonder: Who are you? What are you up to?”

“I told you, Sir Howland. I’m a mere traveler.”

“But no ordinary man.”

Ezu bowed. “You’re very kind—”

Howland caught him by the arm. “How could you have these things? Kender spice candy? Brandy from Saifhum? A book of minotaur poetry? By my Oath, do not tell me these were souvenirs of your sojourns!”

“I can only tell you the truth, good Knight. This one has been to Saifhum, Mithas and Kothas, and Hylo where the kender dwell. All my little gifts tonight could have come from there to here with me.”

“ ‘Could have’?”

“A good juggler leaves his audience guessing, doesn’t he?”

Without any effort, Ezu freed himself from Howland’s grasp and walked away. The old warrior’s fingers closed on air. He blinked in astonishment.

“Ezu! Ezu, your prediction: What is it I shall get?” he cried.

Ezu’s voice drifted back, like the fading notes of his pipe: “Honor. Honor …” His silhouette merged with the black outline of the old well.

Howland ran a few yards after him. In the deep shadows away from the dying bonfire the flower-bedecked, horn-headed stranger was nowhere to be seen.

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