How long are we going to stay here? Vur asked. He was lying on a plush bed fit for a king with Tafel standing beside him. She was rummaging through a pile of books that were placed on the nightstand, her hair obscuring part of her face from view. Vur rolled over onto his side, placing his cheek on pillow that had a silk cover. From underneath the pillow, a turtles and snakes heads popped out, scanning the room before disappearing back into their hiding spot.
Aunties teaching Mary how to absorb this territory into her empire now that its empty, Tafel said without turning her head. She frowned as she placed down a book and picked up another one, taking one look at its cover before setting it down as well. Theres many things that have to be taken into consideration, and Mary never learned how, and she can be a bit slow when it cos to everything not involving swords, so we might be here for a while.
And what does that have to do with us? Vur asked. Its not our territory or our empire. So why are we staying?
Because Marys traveling with us? Tafel asked, raising an eyebrow. You wouldnt leave behind a party mber, right?
Vur blinked. Since when did she join our party?
Since Grimmy took her gauntlets, greaves, and sword, leaving her completely helpless, Tafel said. So, around the ti we went genie hunting with her.
Vur groaned and arched his back, stretching his legs and pointing his toes. He scratched his chest and exhaled. How long is she going to be in our party for?
Tafel took a seat on the side of the bed and shrugged. Im not sure. When she has a new sword, I guess? She pointed at the pillow. So, when that thing is old enough to have its soul taken. Thats just Grimmys way of saying when it becos an adult, right? Hes not actually going to take its soul? She bit her lower lip. But knowing Grimmy.
I dont think Grimmy will take Mary Juniors soul, Vur said. What would he do with it?
Tafel raised her eyebrows. Um, hello? He collects them? Did you forget that? Her brow furrowed. Oh, wait. You were unconscious when he took his collection out.
Mary Junior stuck its heads out from underneath the pillow and looked up at Vur with wet eyes. It opened and closed its beak, a small wling sound coming out of its mouth. It whimpered, pleading with its eyes. Vur lifted his head and sat up, scooping the turtlesnake out from underneath the pillow. He placed it on his lap and flipped it over onto its back. It let out a strange noise and kicked its legs into the air. Vur lifted Mary Junior and frowned.
Whats wrong? Tafel asked as Vur inspected the turtle, turning it this way and that.
Is Mary Junior a boy or a girl? Vur asked. I cant tell.
Tafel rolled her eyes. Shes a. Actually, Im not sure either. How can you tell if a turtle is a boy or a girl?
Vur nodded. Thats easy, he said. Ill just ask. He flipped Mary Junior right-side up and tapped its shell. If youre a girl, blink once. If youre a boy, blink twice.
Mary Juniors turtle head blinked once. The snake head blinked twice.
Vur nodded. Mary Juniors both, he said. He furrowed his brow. How do we address her, him?
I think Ill stick with her, Tafel said. Her nas Mary Junior after all.
Thats a dumb na, Vur said. We should na her Mini Vur instead.
No.
Before Vur could reply, there was a knock on the door. A second later, it swung open. Alice and Mr. Skelly walked inside followed by a red sheepman. Alice swept her arm out towards Vur, gesturing at him with her palm. Here he is, your great leader, she said and rolled her eyes. Can you stop following now?
Baaa. The sheepman nodded. That ans, baaa, thanks in sheep language.
You couldve just thanked , Alice said and left the room, closing the door behind her and Mr. Skelly, leaving the sheepman inside.
Tafel blinked at the sudden intruder. Good morning?
Greetings, baaaa, wife of the great leader, the sheepman said. He dropped to his knees and pressed his forehead against the ground. O great leader! A terrible, baaa, tragedy has baafallen us, your people. A purple, baa, dragon has eaten a great, baaa, number of our n. We ask you to, baa, avenge us and create the, baaaaaa, land you promised us.
Vur frowned. A purple dragon?
Can dragons even be purple? Tafel asked. What kind of magic would a purple dragon cast? If my theory about dragons are their colors are correct, then a purple dragon should cast poisonous spells? But thats green.
Vur shook his head. Ive never seen a purple dragon either. He placed Mary Junior down and stood up. Where and when were you attacked?
Four days ago, baaa, at the place you told us, baa, to search for genies. The sheepman let out a sad-sounding bleat. Our chieftain sacrificed, baaaaa, himself to let us escape. Baa, we all ca to find you, baa, but it looks like Im the only, baaa, one who made it.
Maybe youre just the fastest one, Tafel said. Theres no reason to assu the worst. She looked up at Vur. Are you going to confront this dragon? I think your parents are taking a nap right now; it may be a while before they wake up. What if it gets dangerous?
Vur snorted. These sheepn are my people. If another dragon is attacking them, then theyre invading my territory and harming my property. According to Grimmys code of honor, its up to to show them their place, unless I cant, and if that happens, then I tell Grimmy.
Tafel scratched her head. That doesnt sound very honorable. If you lose, you tattle?
Vur shrugged. I didnt make the code.
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