Page 5 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

Koda claps him on the back, nearly knocking him off his stool. "Look at you, a domesticated orc! Never thought I'd see the day."

Thokk, surprisingly, only gave him a bit of a glare, before breaking into a good-natured smile.

I refill their steins. "It’s good to see things working out. After all that drama with the elders and that statue business ... let's just say I'm glad Elder Faelar spoke up and quashed what I thought for sure it was gonna turn into a riot."

Koda nods solemnly. "The old elf came through for sure. It's been quite the adjustment for everyone. I mean, look, it’s gonna be a process for sure. Don’t worry Thokk, you know we have your back. Plus, Zoe's presence has opened a lot of eyes. We just need a bit more of the old guard to come around."

“Tell me about it. I don’t want to tell Thokk but there has still been plenty of grumbling about the human.

"Speaking of coming around," Thokk leans in, lowering his voice. "Any, uh, prospects on your end, Kalen? I mean, if Elowen’s mate summoning spell really worked like we think it must have ... well you two should be on the lookout."

I feel a twinge of ... something. Envy? Loneliness? Nah, couldn't be. I'm Kalen, life of the party, everyone's favorite minotaur. I don't do lonely.

"Oh please!” I laugh, waving off the question. “What do I need a mate for, I've got all the company I need right here. I have plenty of time for talk of mates." I gesture to the bustling tavern. "Besides, who has time for romance when you're running the hottest spot in Fablewood?"

Koda raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. But before he can press the issue, a commotion near the door draws our attention.

"Uh oh," I mutter, spotting the source of the disturbance. "Looks like we've got some dissenters in the house."

A group of goblins have cornered a nervous-looking fairy, their voices rising above the general chatter.

"It ain't right," one of them slurs, clearly already deep in his cups. "Humans livin' among us. What's next? Inviting the whole wide world of ‘em in?"

I exchange a quick glance with Thokk and Koda. This is exactly what I don’t need around here. Not with that debt hanging over me now, that’s for sure.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen," I call out, sauntering over with my most disarming smile. "And my dear Rosebud," I add, nodding to the fairy. "What seems to be the trouble here?"

The lead goblin, a squat fellow with an impressive green mohawk, turns his glare on me. "Stay outta this, Kalen. This don't concern you."

"Au contraire, my nasty little friend," I reply smoothly, draping an arm around his shoulders. "As the proprietor of this fine establishment, the comfort of all my patrons is very much my concern. Now, how about we get you boys a round on the house, and we can discuss this like civilized monsters?"

For a moment, I think the goblin might argue. But then his face splits into a gap-toothed grin, obviously won over by compliment and clear bribe. "Well, when you put it that way ... lead on, oh horned one."

Crisis averted, I guide the goblins to a table, signaling my barman, Jinx to bring over a pitcher of our strongest ale. As I turn back to the bar, I catch Thokk giving me an approving nod.

"Nicely handled," he rumbles as I rejoin them.

I shrug, trying to play it cool. "Can’t let that talk spread. At least not on my premises."

Just then, a bespectacled gnome sidles up to the bar, clutching what looks like ... is that a twenty-sided die?

"Excuse me, Mr. Kalen," he squeaks, adjusting his tiny glasses. "I was wondering if you'd given any thought to our... ahem ... gaming night proposal?"

I feel my face heat up as Thokk and Koda exchange amused glances. "Ah, Fiddle! Yes, well, I've been meaning to get back to you on that. Things have been a bit hectic with the opening and all..."

"Gaming night?" Koda's eyebrows shoot up. "Do tell."

I clear my throat, suddenly feeling like a teenager caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "It's nothing, really. Just a little ... side project I've been considering. You know, to bring in more business on off nights."

Fiddle's eyes light up. "Oh, it's far more than that! Mr. Kalen here is quite the Cubicles and Chihuahuas gamer. You haven’t played the game til you play one of his campaigns ...”

“Ok, thank you Fiddle. That will do. We will talk later, okay?” I shoe him away.

“Okay well I just wanted to stop by, Thokk says. "I’m gonna go grab Zoe and head out for a little getaway for a few days at the Shimmering Pools. Sort of a belated ... what did she call it? Ah, a Honey Moon."

"Ooh, how romantic," I tease, “Try not to scandalize any innocent woodland creatures."

“Actually, we plan on scandalizing them all.” Thokk gives me a wink and he and Koda make their way out.

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