e&tg 12

[rone]

"Ohhh yeah," i groaned.  "I've been waiting for this for four days."  I opened it and started pouring it into my mouth.  It was rich, slightly nutty, and quite hoppy.  "This is fantastic.  You could sell this at The Ashen Tongue."  I looked at N'Jeet.  "Er, that's a bar in Kromalir.  Best beer in the city."

"Yes, even in our hidden little encampment, we've heard of their Abyssal Ale.  As you can see — and taste — we're big fans of the craft."  He grimaced.  "Selling it would be a great way to raise what little money our endeavors require, but the logistics involved would probably betray our position.  We could spin off our brewing efforts into a separate group, but we can't spare the manpower and we don't have the money required to start such a thing."  He looked at me.  "I don't suppose you're interested in a change of career, are you?"

"Heh.  Funny you should say that..."  I took another drink.  "Although brewing beer does sound appealing, i don't know anything about it, and..."  I shrugged.  "I'm a violent man.  It's my core competency."

"Losing your entire party in that keep didn't bother you, eh?"

I shrugged again.  "It's happened before.  In my line of work, it helps not to get any more attached than you need to do a good job."  Suddenly i remembered Cossu.  Somehow, i'd avoided thinking about her these four days.  Now i felt like there wasn't enough beer in the world to dull the pain.  I drained the skin in one giant gulp and wiped my mouth and eyes in one motion.  "Thanks for the beer.  Gotta go."  I handed him the flaccid container.

He held it between thumb and forefinger, then looked skeptically at me.  "Yes, i suppose you do."  He put the skin in his vest and said, "But before you do, there is one thing you ought to know about gryphons.  You'll be going to a fairly populated city and, well, there's bound to be a lot of horses there.  Horses happen to be a gryphon's favorite meal, so do try to get him one once in a while, just so he doesn't get antsy and hauls off some knight's steed."

"Fantastic."  I looked at the gryphon.  Was he trying to look innocent?  No, i think i was just starting to crack.  I looked at N'Jeet and asked, "So, we just keep walking this way?"

He nodded.  "You'll see the King's Road after about a half day's travel this way.  It should be fairly safe."  He bowed.  "Thank you again for your help."

I nodded.  "Sure thing."  I turned to the gryphon.  "Well, no time like the present, except for the next time.  Let's start walking."

The gryphon squawked, and bowed before me.  I stared helplessly for a few seconds, then walked up and patted him on the head.  "No, um, it's OK.  You don't—"

N'Jeet cleared his throat.  "I believe he is offering you a ride.  Climb on his neck, and hold on to his sternocleidomastoid muscles."

"His what?"

He waved irritatedly.  "The muscles on the side of his neck!  Don't hold onto his feathers, you'll just annoy him!"

"Fine!"  I walked over and gingerly mounted his neck.  "Hmm, this ain't so bad."  I settled in.  "OK, c'mon, you.  Let's head home."

"Oh! One last thing!"

I rolled my eyes.  "Yes, Master Druid, what is it?"

"None of this 'hey you' crap!  You give that gryphon a name, you hear me?"

"Yes, sir!"  I patted the beast's neck.  "ONWARD!  UP AND AWAY!"  He made a strange sound as he started flapping... was that laughter?

Comments

[eejitalmuppet.livejournal.com]

Why does it not surprise me that you managed to work some tasting notes into this fable?

Also, if the beast likes to eat horses, does that make him a different kind of hippogryph?

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

Surely you mean a hippogryph of a different color.