Kaz the Minotaur

Only when he was back in the tent, alone, did Kaz relax. Exhaling sharply, he threw his battle-axe on top of the mat where he had slept and, smiling tiredly, whispered to himself, “At last!”

Chapter Twenty Four

Be

Be

As for his own people, Kaz saw them off the very next morning. Scurn was in no condition to lead the party; he was one of those who had lived believing in his invincibility, and with that illusion shattered, he seemed to have nothing left. The others were surprised when Kaz refused to return with them. They had grown accustomed to thinking that the only reason he roamed throughout Ansalon was to escape his shame. Only two of them could understand his desire to travel and live among the “lesser” races.

Hecar and his sister Helati were staying behind as well. Kaz was pleased to have them, especially Helati, who attracted his eye. The smiles she returned gave him hope for the future.

At the moment, Kaz walked with Be

“Where will you go next?” Be

“I don’t really know. I think I’ll let them decide,” Kaz replied, indicating the other two. “As long as it’s peaceful, that’s all I ask.”

Be

Kaz grunted. “Maybe, but not as much as I used to. I’ve had enough to last me for some time.”

Helati looked up, saw Kaz, and smiled. He could not help but smile back.

“Is she… pretty?” the knight asked quietly, almost reluctant to broach such a personal matter.

“One of the most beautiful females I’ve ever seen.”

“Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, then.”

“We’re ready,” Helati called out to them.

“Mount up. I’ll be with you in a moment.” He reached out and shook hands with Be

“Yours as well, Kaz.”

“Kaz! Wait up! I think I’ve got everything, but people keep asking me to return things that don’t belong to me even though I don’t know how they got into my pockets and where they-”

“Take a breath, Delbin.” The kender, leading his pony by its reins, hurried over to the others.

“You’re taking him with you?” Be

“Someone has to watch over him.” There was genuine affection for the kender in Kaz’s eyes.

“Do you think that three minotaurs are enough?” Be

Kaz shook his head in a display of mock sorrow. “I doubt it.”

The minotaur mounted, and as he did, Be

Assuring himself that the others, especially Delbin, were ready, Kaz looked down at the human one more time. His mood grew serious.

“Keep the knighthood vigilant, Be

“We have learned, Kaz. We will be more careful.”

“I hope so.” With an abrupt change of emotion, he turned with a smile to Helati and asked, “Well, where would you like to go first?”

She looked at her brother, then returned her gaze to Kaz. “You mentioned something about the icy regions to the south…”

“South it is, then!” Kaz saluted Be

“It should be fairly quiet down there this time of year!” The human chuckled and watched as the minotaur led his companions away. Kaz looked back once and waved. Be

Be