Вилорп

→"Because we need help," she says, logically enough. Logical or not, I brush it aside.

→"Helping out? Why?"

→"Have you considered helping out?"

→Makri looks at me balefully.

→"Happy Guildsman, Makri," I say, holding out my extra-large tankard for a refill.

→Fortunately I've had a great deal of practice and I've got a lot of weight on my side. I lever some mercenaries out of the way, force back a sailmaker, and slide up to the bar without too much trouble.

→It's a chaotic evening at the Avenging Axe. Dandelion and Makri are both serving behind the bar, which means there's no waitress service, which in turn leads to a long queue of thirsty drinkers all competing for service. Mercenaries and dockers become impatient. They're not used to waiting so long for their tankards of ale, and they're not shy about complaining. The food is being prepared by some temporary cook whose name I don't even know. She seems to be taking a long time about it, which leads to more impatience. There are more than a few angry words and sharp exchanges as Makri and Dandelion struggle to cope. It's a bad situation, and a less experienced drinker than myself might be inclined to panic.

→Chapter Fourteen

→"I hate all these sick people everywhere," says Makri.

→"Help us get Gurd into his room."

→Poor Makri. She's under the misapprehension that this gives her some sort of status. It doesn't really. She's acknowledged to be a good woman with a sword, but fighting abilities alone don't win status in this city.

→"But I'm Lisutaris's bodyguard."

→"Well, Sorcerers are always secretive."

→"They threw me out," says Makri. "I'm completely offended."

→"Shouldn't you be with your Sorcerer buddies?"

→Makri suddenly appears at my side.

→At this rate there will soon be no one left. Gurd was my last ally. Now he's gone it's just me against the hostile world, and at this moment the hostile world seems to be winning.

→"I will. I just need a beer first."

→"We have to help Gurd."

→"Pouring myself a beer."