Read Online Adventurers Wanted 2) The Horn of Moran by M.L. Forman - Free Book Online

unpleasant-looking young man. Alex wondered who he was, and how Andy knew him.
     
    “Been off fighting dragons again, have you?” the fat young man sneered. The two companions behind him chuckled.
     
    “Hello, Otho,” Andy replied pleasantly. “I see you’re still trying to eat everything in the city.”
     
    Otho didn’t say anything, but turned red as he stuffed his half-finished sandwich into his mouth.
     
    Andy turned and walked away, and Alex and Halfdan followed after a slight delay.
     
    “Who is that overweight windbag?” asked Halfdan once he and Alex had caught up to Andy.
     
    “Otho Longtree,” said Andy, his voice tight with anger. “He’s the heir of Osgood Longtree.”
     
    “And who is Osgood Longtree?” Alex questioned.
     
    “He’s the city magistrate,” said Andy, slowing his pace and softening his tone. “Osgood is a good man, but Otho . . .”
     
    Andy didn’t finish and started to walk faster again.
     
    “Otho seems to be a bit of a bully,” Halfdan observed thoughtfully.
     
    “He is,” said Andy shortly. “He thinks that just because his father is the magistrate, he’s a big deal around here.”
     
    “I really don’t like bullies,” said Alex, looking back over his shoulder at the fat Otho Longtree.
     
    “Nobody does,” said Andy, a slight smile returning to his face. “In fact, it would be hard to find anyone the people here in Oslansk like less than Otho.”
     
    “Then why hasn’t someone put him in his place?” Halfdan questioned.
     
    Andy paused for a moment. “It’s because his father is such a good man and an excellent magistrate. Nobody wants to tell Osgood that his son is a bully—or worse.”
     
    “Someone should,” said Halfdan in a serious tone.
     
    “I suppose so,” said Andy. “But I think the news would break Osgood’s heart. Most people think that Osgood’s sorrow would be worse than putting up with Otho, so no one says anything.”
     
    “What was his crack about fighting dragons?” Alex asked.
     
    “I told Michael about our last adventure,” Andy answered with a shrug of his shoulders. “It seems he’s been telling the story to anyone who will listen—you know, about Slathbog and all.”
     
    Alex knew that Andy was proud of his little brother and pleased that Michael believed the story about Slathbog. It didn’t seem to matter very much to Andy that Otho didn’t believe any of it.
     
    They continued across the square until they reached a large tavern on the far side. The sign in front read The Dragon’s Keep. The three of them laughed when they saw the poor replica of a dragon painted above the name.
     
    “Skeld and Tayo have been staying here,” said Andy as they entered. “They’ve both bought houses, of course, but tradition won’t let them move in until they’re married.”
     
    “This isn’t what we ordered,” they heard Skeld say loudly. “If you can’t get it right, we’ll just have to find someone who can.”
     
    “And who might that be?” Alex asked in a loud voice, spotting Skeld and Tayo standing at the bar next to a nervous-looking man.
     
    “What?” said Skeld, turning to see who had spoken. His eyes widened, and he poked Tayo in the side, making him turn around as well.
     
    “Alex?” Skeld said in amazement.
     
    “Halfdan?” Tayo echoed.
     
    “What—didn’t you think we’d show up?” Halfdan asked with a grunting laugh.
     
    There were no more words for several minutes as Tayo and Skeld rushed across the room and started hugging Alex, Halfdan, and Andy.
     
    “We didn’t expect to see you so soon,” said Tayo.
     
    “Andy said he was going to join Bregnest’s new adventure and that he hoped you would both be joining as well,” said Skeld to Alex and Halfdan. “But we weren’t sure either of you would be coming.”
     
    “Well, we have come,” said Halfdan. “So why don’t you finish your business and then we can talk in peace.”
     
    “What? Oh,” said Skeld.