Novels2Search

B#1 - C#6

            Mr. Taurus went to the most prominent beastman tavern in London. The Raging Cock, known for its animal fights in the cellar, was one of six taverns in all of London that was owned by a beastman. At five feet Mr. Taurus was tall for a Highland Minotaur... and pathetically short for a London beastman. Most of the beastmen that patroned this tavern were around seven feet. The occasional ogre that came in were around eight.

            Mr. Taurus punched his way to the bar. He knew that if he wanted villains instead of cheep beer he needed to pay admission to the basement. Of course, that wasn't to say he didn't want to have a chat with Fred the bartender. Fred heard everything that could be heard this part of town.

            "What can I do you for?"

            With his snout just over the bar he replied, "A pint and-"

            Fred cut him off, "Georgie!" His eyes, which had been focused on Mr. Taurus were now focused much higher.

            Mr. Taurus was ready to sock whoever had taken the bartender's attention. It had been the work of blood and sweat - other people's blood, his sweat - to get this far. He turned around and came face first with George's belt buckle. The ogre was massive and almost twice Mr. Taurus's size. He decided to let George finish his conversation with Fred.

            The ogre moved passed him without noticing him. Mr. Taurus ground his teeth without noticing. "Fred, George needs your help?"

            The ogre was simple, that was certain.

            "Georgie! I heard about your mum. How are you holding up?" Fred grabbed a wooden tankard and knocked it against the wall, calling for milk.

            "Fred, George found this little girl and George was trying to find her heart."

            Mr. Taurus craned his neck back. The ogre was holding a lizard and given its chirping it probably was one of those exotic lizards from Africa. He had heard they were smarter than a dog (commoner according to high society) and well worth their 300₤ price tag. However, the comment about finding her heart made no sense. The creature was clearly alive, to not have a heart it would have to be dead or something of that nature.

            "This guy must be an idiot bringing such a valuable creature here," He thought. Looking at the ogre again he noticed the odd shape of his face. It was hard to see from below the man's belt buckle, but he was certain of it. Mr. Taurus waited for their conversation to finish before he made his request to Fred. Slipping a coin to the barkeep he headed towards the secret entrance to the fights.

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            He found George wandering in front of the secret entrance when he arrived. While the ogre was petting the lizard and looking away at something, Mr. Taurus snuck past him into the cavern bellow. Mr. Taurus mused that the coins he gave Fred were probably for nothing. The old beastman had been so distracted, he couldn't be certain he had even heard his request.

            The smell of blood and the yips of pain reached him before he saw the dog fight. Normally, they had ratters to catch rats so they could pit the dogs against a horde of rats. But today was odd. Two dogs in the same ring. Someone had paid a lot of money to see two dogs fight.

            Mr. Taurus placed his bets cautiously. Something he could lose at without looking like a rube. He knew that a nab that was winning drew envy, but a man that was just south of even was someone the fellows could talk to. He had just started up a conversation with a few lads when a shot was fired. The din of gambling men changed in an instant to a mad rush of men fleeing a crime. Dog fighting was illegal, as were all blood sports. Anyone caught would have a serious problem. They were fleeing like their tails were on fire.

            Mr. Taurus cursed. It was a huge disappointment. He used his broad shoulders to force his way to a back exit he knew of. After his time on the ship, he didn't go anywhere without an exit strategy.

            His exit left him in an empty street. He looked around, seeing no one he stuck his hands in his pockets and began sauntering home. As he passed by an alley he heard a rustling sound. He glanced out of the corner of his eye, hoping to not be noticed.

            "Mr. Taurus!" Cat called.

            Mr. Taurus swore under his breath, "Kitten, lad. Why are you on this side of town?"

            "Quick! Mr. Taurus, my friend needs your help."

            Mr. Taurus hurried over to her. Inside the alley was Georgie, the very large ogre. Mr. Taurus crouched by the ogre. The ogre had blood on his shirt, when Mr. Taurus looked for the source of the blood there was a bullet hole in the shirt, but the ogre's skin was pink and healthy.

            The lizard chirped as he poked around. Mr. Taurus knew Frenzy Lizards were magical, but could they heal? This was certainly magical in nature and Dravan would want to know about it.

            "Kitten," he held out a few coins, "please request Master Dravan's assistance. Have a sturdy coach, one that can haul this man, come to fetch us. Tell Master Dravan that I would not request his presence lightly. Now go lad."

            Mr. Taurus watched Cat run off. Once the lad was gone, he began trying to search the ogre, but the lizard was having none of it. They were obliged to wait for Dravan and his carriage.