Into the Dark

"No." Gondon said. "The other trainees are NOT going on this routine patrol. And you know why."

I blinked. "No, I really don't." I said.

Bitaxes ground his teeth together. "Because, larval cave pig, you are SQUISHY. And you are EASILY RECOGNIZED. And because I have orders to hide you from potential assassins."

"I would think minotaurs would be easily recognized." I said.

Gondon sat down on the floor. "You mean assassins from the Duhric Council?" And to me, "What did you DO, and why am I not better off slitting your throat myself?"

"Idiot is becoming a symbol." Bitaxes said.

Gondon stared at him. "I seem to be seated, and have time. Tell me a story."

Bitaxes did so, with occasional input from me as to what I was thinking. When it was over, Gondon was massaging his jaw as though it hurt, or as if stroking an invisible beard. "So the horned overlords forget what war is? Already?"