Page 14 - Mad Shadows II

“Well, I’ll throw them in the bailiwick.” Thims looked at
Doctor Gamahl. “Stop by my office as soon as you can and file
a complaint against these buggers.”

Up on their feet but still somewhat drunk and groggy, the
Khodo brothers were dragged away by the sergeant’s men.

“I’m in your debt and at your service, Mister Mikawber,”
Doctor Gamahl said. “Just ask anyone in Widow’s Fell where
to find me.”

“Thank you, Doctor. And please, call me Dorgo.”
As the doctor hobbled away, I caught a glimpse of a tall,
dashing-looking fellow leaning against the wall of the tavern.
He sported a thin mustache, was dressed in green leather, and
wore a scimitar dangling from his right hip. He stared at me for
a moment before walking away.
“Well now, Dorgo,” said Sergeant Thims. “I suggest you
complete your business and get out of Widow’s Fell before
someone posts bond for the Khodo boys.”
“Thanks, Sergeant. I’ll do that.”
“Try not to land yourself in the baron’s dungeon. It’s not as
nice as the bailiwick.”
Thims shook hands with me, turned and walked away.

The Friendly Frog was crowded and noisy, even at that
time of the afternoon. A number of men and women stood at
the bar. It was a small and quaint establishment. Wooden
booths lined the opposite wall, with tables and chairs taking up
the remainder of the common room. The booths were filled
with customers, and only two tables were unoccupied. I took
the table nearest the rear of the tavern and sat facing the
entrance. An old woman came and asked me what I’d be
having. I ordered a glass of beer, a mound of roast Dasheerian
beef, some fresh bread, and a wedge of Londorian cheese. The
food was hearty, the beer cold and heavily malted.

At the sound of approaching footsteps I looked up into the
biggest pair of amber-colored eyes I’d ever seen, and into an

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