Page 4 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

But there, nestled in a stone alcove, is something a little more interesting. A chalice. Ancient, by the look of it, with an inscription that makes my heart race: "Drink, all who thirst for knowledge ..."

The air seems to hum with energy. It practically crackles with electricity. And that weird breeze. Suddenly I am feeling that strange feeling again, though my big frontal lobe tries to resist. Yes, I bet they don’t even know this artifact is here. It should be properly cataloged and stored away for safe keeping. I better report it to the head librarian. But my gut, or the pull or something is winning out instead. I find myself reaching out, fingers trembling as they close around the cool metal.

"Drink, all who thirst for knowledge," I whisper, as I rub at the writing on the tarnished cup.

And just like that, the wind increases and then ...flash...

Everything goes white...

CHAPTER 2

KALEN

I'm polishing glasses behind the bar, trying to ignore the knot in my stomach. The grand opening of The Bullhorn's new outdoor area is in full swing, and the place is packed. Monsters of all shapes and sizes mill about, drinks in hand, admiring the rustic charm of the wooden tables and twinkling fairy lights strung overhead.

It's perfect. Exactly how I imagined it. So why do I feel like I'm about to face down a hungry dragon?

Oh, right. Because I leveraged my bank account to the max and if this doesn't work out, I'm royally screwed.

I plaster on my most winning smile as a group of elves approaches the bar. "Ladies, gentlemen! What can I get for you this fine evening?"

“Ah, Kalen, the Minotaur with the mostest! Congratulations on your expansion. The usual for me and my friends!”

As I mix their drinks with a flourish (extra olives in the martinis, just how Glimmerleaf likes them), I overhear snippets of conversation.

"...can you believe it? A human, here in Fablewood!"

"I heard she and Thokk are properly mated now..."

"Well, I never thought I'd see the day..."

“An orc and a human? It’s just not right...”

I can't help but chuckle. It's only been a few days since Zoe more or less just appeared in our little town, but she's already the talk of Fablewood. It’s early days for sure and although the elders have more or less given their blessing, there is still plenty of dissent. Centuries of tradition has been pretty much tipped on its head.

Speaking of which...

"Kalen!" Thokk's gruff voice booms over the chatter as he and Koda make their way to the bar. "This new setup of yours is impressive."

I grin, sliding their usual drinks across the counter before they can even ask. "Thanks, big guy. Glad you both could make it out to celebrate."

Koda takes a long swig of his ale, foam clinging to his furry Sasquatch face. "Wouldn't miss it. I like what you’ve done with the garden. Though seems you went a bit heavy on the fairy lights. You going soft on us?”

"Me? Soft? I can still crack skulls with the best of them." I flex for emphasis, earning a snort from Thokk. “But seriously, the ladies love the lights...”

Koda finishes his mug. “Oh yeah? That’s great, butwhat ladies?”He looks around to emphasize the lack of eligible females.

“Yeah, but that’s what I like about Kalen, he’s eternally optimistic.” Thokk smiles broadly.

“Hey, you got a mate, didn’t you. Maybe you’ll start a trend.”

“Not likely, with the way I met Zoe, but who knows?” He raises his beer stein for emphasis.

It's good to see him like this – relaxed, even, what, happy? Who knew all it would take was a tiny human to melt that icy exterior?

"Speaking of meeting Zoe," I say, leaning in conspiratorially, "how's married life treating you, Thokk? Does she haveyou wrapped around her little finger yet?"

His cheeks darken, and I swear I see the hint of a smile. "She's ... adjusting. But excited. She’s already been putting in some work digging out more of those murals! I told her there will be plenty of time for that, but she loves that stuff. So yeah, it's good. Really good."

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