Вилорп

→She puts her axe away and picks up an empty tankard.

→"I'll get you for this," I mutter to Makri.

→"Are we ever going to get a drink?" demands another large mercenary, and bangs his fist on the bar. Realising that the mob is against us, and remembering that Gurd's last words were to look after his tavern, I sigh, and sheathe my sword. If these people don't get drinks soon there will probably be a riot. I pick up an empty tankard, and place it under the beer tap. I can't believe it. Thraxas, once Senior Investigator at the Imperial Palace, now reduced to serving beer.

→"You insulted her in Orcish," says the mercenary, and looks at her suspiciously.

→"I wasn't really going to attack her," protests Makri.

→There are mutters of agreement from all over the tavern.

→"Always thought she was a helpful young wench. Don't see any reason for threatening her with swords and axes."

→Another mercenary at the bar, a man with a scar running from his ear to his chin, clucks in disapproval.

→"Oh come on," I protest. "We weren't bullying her. Everyone knows Dandelion is an idiot."

→"I never like to see a young woman bullied," growls Viriggax. "Goes against the grain."

→"Poor little soul," says Parax the shoemaker, agreeing with him. "Always tries to do her best."

→"Well there was no need to make the girl cry," says one of the loudest voices in Turai. It's Viriggax, who's standing at the bar with a look of disapproval in his eye.

→"I was only trying to help," she wails, then runs off into the back room, leaving me and Makri staring at each other with weapons raised, feeling a little foolish.

→Dandelion takes a step backwards, intimidated. She turns to me, and then back to Makri. And then, quite abruptly, she bursts into tears.

→"Goddamn you, you ignorant zutha bitch," roars Makri, giving vent to another of her favourite foul Orcish insults. "Get out the way or I'll chop you in half."

→"You have to stop it as well. We shouldn't be fighting among ourselves."

→Dandelion turns to face Makri.

→"Don't pick on her, you fat oaf," shouts Makri. "Dandelion, get out the way so I can chop his head off."

→"Dandelion, have I ever told you how much I despise you?"

→I eye her with loathing.