The Horn of Moran - Forman Mark L. Страница 52

As Otho spoke, Andy moved forward angrily, but Alex caught his arm and shook his head in warning. Otho’s words would have enraged him the last time he had been here, but now they didn’t bother him at all. They did, however, give him an idea.

“And all this talk about the Oracle of the White Tower and dragons and all. I’ll bet the Oracle is some old witch who lives in a cave, and the dragon was just a little lizard in the sun. And the company they keep—elves and dwarfs! Why, if I were Andy Goodseed, I’d wish to be anything—even an ox—instead of an adventurer.”

Alex smiled at Andy and motioned for him to follow, but remain silent. They turned the corner and came face-to-face with Otho and his group of unfriendly looking companions.

“Your wish is granted,” said Alex.

“What?” said Otho, turning to see who had spoken.

“I said, your wish is granted.”

Otho looked as if he was going to be sick, and the crowd of mostly young women all took several steps back.

Alex tried to look grim, and with a wave of his hand and a small popping sound, he changed Otho Longtree into a fat and bewildered-looking ox. The entire crowd gasped, but Alex took no notice.

“You there,” said Alex, pointing to one of Otho’s companions. “Run and tell this windbag’s father that his son’s wish has been granted.”

The boy seemed unable to move. He simply stood where he was, looking at Alex, dumbfounded.

“You two,” said Alex, pointing to two more of Otho’s companions. “Lead this fat animal home, as I don’t believe he has the brains to get there by himself. Tell his father that I’m staying at the Dragon’s Keep for the next few days. He can find me there if he wishes to discuss his son’s change of appearance. I can’t see why he would, however, as this seems a great improvement to me.”

As soon as Alex finished speaking, he turned and walked away. The crowd parted in front of him, and Andy came running up behind him, a stunned look on his face.

“I can’t . . .” Andy began, then stopped. “I can’t believe you did that.”

“It’s better than he deserves,” Alex replied.

“But his father—”

“It’s time his father learned the truth about his son,” said Alex. “And if his father won’t see the truth, I’ll have to leave Otho as he is.”

“Yes, but . . .” Andy began and stopped again.

Alex tried to look stern and wise as he met Andy’s eyes, and then they both burst into fits of laughter.

That night, as they ate dinner at Skeld’s house, Andy kept looking at Alex and trying, unsuccessfully, to hide his chuckles with his napkin.

“So,” said Skeld, trying to keep a straight face. “I understand you had a run-in with Otho Longtree today.”

“A small one,” Alex replied.

“Did you really turn that fat bully into an ox?” Skeld burst out suddenly, laughing so hard that tears came to his eyes.

“Yes, I did,” said Alex in a serious tone, but he had a hard time keeping a straight face.

“But his father is such a good man,” Lilly protested, giving Skeld a disapproving look.

“So I have heard,” said Alex. “However, a father’s goodness will not excuse a son’s bad behavior.”

“But surely you will change him back?” Indigo questioned. “I mean, he’s Osgood’s heir.”

“I see that you are both concerned for Osgood Longtree and this tells me that the father is worthy of some consideration,” said Alex. “Rest easy. I have sent word to Osgood and told him if he wishes to discuss his son’s appearance, he can call on me at the Dragon’s Keep.”

“Surely Osgood will come,” said Lilly.

“I don’t know,” Tayo commented. “I think Otho might make a wonderful ox—once he’s had some training, that is.”

Even Indigo and Lilly laughed at Tayo’s comment, but Alex could see they were both still concerned. As for his own feeling, Alex would be only too happy let Otho remain an ox for the rest of his days. He knew, however, that Osgood would come and he would have to tell him something, but he hadn’t decided what he would say.

The next morning, shortly after the company had finished their breakfast, a sad-looking old man entered Dragon’s Keep. Alex watched him ask the innkeeper a question and saw the innkeeper point in his direction.

“Do I have the honor of addressing Master Alexander Taylor?” the man asked nervously as he approached Alex.

“You do,” Alex answered, bowing slightly.

“I am Osgood Longtree, magistrate of Oslansk. I have come to discuss the . . . Well, the wish of my son, Otho.”

“I would be honored to talk to you,” Alex replied, motioning for Osgood to take a seat.

“I am told that Otho has in some way offended you, Master Taylor,” Osgood began, “and this is the reason for the, um, the change that has come over him.”

“Master Longtree, I do not know what you have been told, so allow me tell you why I have changed your son into an ox. Had your son’s insults been directed at me alone, I would have let them pass with perhaps a warning.”

“I am sorry if Otho has insulted you and your friends,” Osgood said quickly. “I’m sure that I can compensate you all for anything that Otho may have said or done. I’m sure—”

Alex held up his hand, cutting off Osgood’s words. “My dear sir, I have heard nothing but good about you from everyone in this city, which makes my current task very difficult. You see, you are well-loved and none of your people wish to see you miserable. So now, as a stranger, I must inform you of what others will not.”

“And what is that?”

“I must tell you, sir, that your son is a pompous blowhard and a bully,” said Alex. “He is most unpopular in this city and is only tolerated because the people of this city hold you in such high regard.”

“He is a bit headstrong, but I don’t think that—” Osgood began, and then stopped as Alex held up his hand again.

“Sir, if you do not face the truth in this matter, I will be forced to leave Otho as he is. For too long the honor of the father has protected the son, and the son has dishonored the father.”

“I see,” said Osgood, looking even sadder, though he no longer sounded quite as nervous.

“I hope that you do,” said Alex. “Because I have heard so much good about you, I am prepared to change your son back to his natural form.”

“Will you?” Osgood asked in a hopeful tone.

“I will,” Alex answered. “However, I have some conditions I must insist on.”

“Anything. I’m sure that Otho has learned his lesson and will do whatever you ask.”

“Perhaps he has,” Alex allowed. “Unfortunately, I will only be in Oslansk for a few days, and he may return to his old ways once I am gone.”

“I will not allow that,” said Osgood, in a tone that sounded like he meant it.

“I am sure that you will not,” said Alex. “Now, for my conditions. I require a public apology from Otho. He has slandered myself and many of my friends, and worst of all, he has slandered the Oracle of the White Tower. After the public apology, he must take an oath before the people of this city that he will never speak against myself or my friends again.”

“Of course,” Osgood agreed. “It is only right that he should make public amends for public insults.”

“This may seem a simple thing to you, but you are a man of honor,” said Alex. “I am not so sure of Otho or his honor, so I have one more condition.”

“And what is that?”

“I require a written copy of his apology and oath. This written copy will be signed by Otho and witnessed by yourself and any others you may wish,” answered Alex. “It is to be kept on record here in Oslansk. If Otho ever breaks his oath, he is to be banished from this city—forever.”

“Banishment seems a harsh punishment,” said Osgood in a sad and troubled tone.

“Do you doubt your son’s ability to keep his oath?”

“I must confess that I do,” answered Osgood. “I may have lived in darkness where my son is concerned, but I have not been completely blind.”