Free Adventurers Wanted 2) The Horn of Moran by M.L. Forman Page B

said that he could make what Alex wanted.
     
    “And if your work is acceptable, you may keep the remaining true silver as payment,” said Alex.
     
    “Oh, no, sir,” Elwig protested. “The payment is far too great.”
     
    “If your work is acceptable, the payment will be as I have said,” Alex repeated firmly.
     
    “You are most generous, sir,” Elwig said with a deep bow. “The work will be done as you request. I will have the brooches ready for you the day before the weddings.”
     
    Halfdan and Alex left Elwig’s shop, agreeing to return the day before the weddings to collect the gifts. Halfdan had a slightly troubled look on his face as they left, and Alex asked him what was wrong.
     
    “I think you may have offered too much for his work,” Halfdan answered.
     
    “Perhaps.”
     
    “Elwig will work night and day to make what you’ve requested. I hope he doesn’t overdo your design.”
     
    “I did say the work had to be acceptable,” said Alex. “And I think he’ll do a fine job.”
     
    “Let’s hope so.”
     
    “Now, what about you?” Alex questioned. “What gifts will you be giving?”
     
    “Ah, well, I’ve already got mine. Thrang and I had some things made before I left for Telous, so I’m well-prepared.”
     
    “Then I suppose we should find our way back to the Goodseed house and see what the others are doing.”
     
    Halfdan and Alex worked their way back through the busy streets, asking directions every now and then from people who were passing by. Everyone seemed to know where the Goodseed family was staying, and they were all eager to help the adventurers find their way.
     
    When Alex and Halfdan were almost back to the house, however, Alex heard a voice he recognized. He held up his hand for Halfdan to stop and remain silent. From around the corner came the unmistakable voice of Michael Goodseed.
     
    “You don’t know anything,” Michael said loudly.
     
    “I know that he’s not a wizard,” the voice of fat Otho Longtree replied. “He doesn’t even have a staff.”
     
    “He is, ” Michael insisted. “My brother says so, and he was on an adventure with him before.”
     
    “Balderdash. If he’s a wizard, I’m an ox—and if he’s even seen a dragon I’ll eat my hat.”
     
    “He is a wizard,” Michael repeated, his voice sounding close to tears.
     
    Alex motioned for Halfdan to stay still as he stepped around the corner.
     
    Otho and four of his large companions were circled around Michael, cornering him against the wall. Alex saw at once that Otho was trying to make Michael cry, and he saw Michael’s desperate attempt not to do so. For an instant, Alex saw himself in Michael’s place, alone and too small to fight off his tormentors.
     
    Alex had never been bullied in his life—his stepbrother, Todd, had made sure of that—but he had seen others suffer the humiliation. He remembered how his insides had twisted when older and stronger students had tormented friends at school, and anger began to rise in him as the memories returned.
     
    “What’s all this?” Alex asked, his eyes locking onto Otho.
     
    “No—nothing,” Otho answered, his eyes narrowing.
     
    “Then I should ask if you’d like sauce with your hat,” said Alex, staring directly into Otho’s beady eyes. “Or perhaps it will taste better if I turn you into an ox first. Though you don’t seem to have enough brains to be an ox.”
     
    Otho’s face grew bright red, and for a moment it seemed that he didn’t know what to say, but he soon found his voice once more.
     
    “You—you wouldn’t dare,” said Otho nervously. “I’m the heir of Osgood Longtree, magistrate of the city.”
     
    “And I’m a wizard who dislikes pompous bullies,” Alex spat back at him. “And I don’t really care who your father is. I think it’s time for you to be taught a lesson.”
     
    “You’re no wizard,” answered Otho, but his tone was uncertain and laced with fear. “You don’t