Page 87 of Swordheart
Zale grinned broadly.
“Halla?” said Sarkis.
“Yes?”
“Do you really not know why people say, ‘It’s not the size of the sword that matters’?”
A flush began to creep up Halla’s neck. “Of course I know! I’m not a—I’ve—I’m a widow, not a virgin!”
“But arespectablewidow,” said Sarkis mildly.
She elbowed him in the ribs. The flush reached her ears.
“It’s fine,” he said, trying to hide a grin. “I just didn’t know if you needed it explained.”
“What a fascinating explanation that might be…” said Zale. “Please, feel free to do so.”
“Oh… well…”
Halla was still bright pink, but her expression changed from horror to sly amusement. “Yes, Sarkis, why don’tyouexplain? After all, they might mean something different by it in the Weeping Lands…”
He held up both hands. “I’m sure it’s fine.”
“No, no,” Zale said. “Priests must always pursue knowledge.”
“And I of course have such limited firsthand knowledge,” said Halla. “I’ve only ever had theonesword.” She still blushed when she said it, but apparently she’d decided it was worth it to make him squirm.
Sarkis had led a mercenary company and was certainly not going to be out-euphemismed by a priest and a sheltered widow. “Well, I do havequitea large sword,” he admitted.
Zale dropped their eyes to the blade at his waist and said, “Eh, I’ve seen bigger.”
Sarkis reeled back on the seat. “Ouch. That was cold, priest.”
“A gnole thinks humans have lost their damn minds,” muttered Brindle.
Sarkis was grateful for the reprieve. “Your people aren’t worried about the size of their… ah… swords?” He wasn’t sure if the gnole understood the euphemisms or not.
Brindle gave him a sidelong look. “A gnole’s ox is bigger than a human’s sword.”
The three humans sat blinking at each other.
“Was that…”
“Did he just…”
“Look, do you want be the one to try and figure out if he means…”
Brindle said nothing, driving the ox forward with a small, entirely satisfied smile.
CHAPTER 28
“Brindle?”
“Eh?”
“Does your ox have a name?”
Zale had gone to buy food at an inn, and Sarkis had gone with them. Halla and Brindle were left sitting on the wagon together, and Halla was attempting to make conversation.
