Dragonquest - Donita K. Paul [80]
“No, I guess I don’t know anything about it except what I’ve read or been told.”
Kale glanced sideways at her friend.
Along with the minor dragons sitting among the patrons of The Horn, other animals sat at a few tables.
What an odd assortment of pets. Some look bored, and some look more intelligent than their owners.
Kale identified two monkeys. A few dogs sat in their masters’ laps, and some curled up asleep under the chairs or tables. One bisonbeck had a massive, catlike creature on a leash. Large, colorful birds perched on shoulders. And animals Kale could not begin to identify also accompanied a few of the rougher-looking men in the room.
Kale stepped closer to Regidor where she felt safer. The meech dragon had shown reassuring skill in numerous forms of combat.
From the band in the corner of the room, a drumroll drowned out most of the chaotic noise in the spacious hall. A large curtain across one wall parted in the center and opened in short, jerky movements. Kale saw a stage and knew this entertainment would not be like anything she had ever seen at the tavern in River Away.
“Let’s find a table and order some supper,” said Dar. “Kale, ask the minor dragons out so they can gather information too.”
They sat at the only table available with four vacant seats. Two bisonbecks occupied the other chairs, but they had surrendered to a multitude of hefty tankards of strong ale. One snored, and the other drooled on the table. After the questing party had seated themselves, a urohm came over and hoisted the two bisonbecks out of their seats. He dragged them to a side door and tossed them out. A quick and efficient marione mopped up the table with a limp, grimy rag. Right behind her came a marione wearing superior clothes.
“Rosey, bring a clean rag and wipe this table again. These are fine gentlemen, come from Greater Prushing, no doubt.”
He bowed before Dar. “What would be your pleasure, sir? We have fish from the ocean, beef from the pastures of Trese, a duckling purchased only yesterday.”
Dar ordered a meal for all of them.
Kale knew Regidor would have been better pleased had their seating been more in the shadows. He could have loosened his tail from the belt that confined it. And he would have been able to eat more comfortably without exposing his reptilian-featured face.
The minor dragons crawled out from the moonbeam cape but didn’t venture forth to explore this loud and colorful new place. They sat on Kale’s head and shoulders and scowled at their surroundings. Even Dibl hunched his shoulders and dug his tiny claws into Kale’s scalp.
“Ouch!” Kale lifted the yellow dragon from her hair and gave him to Bardon to hold.
The performers came onto the stage. Three singers harmonized well and sang loud enough to be heard over the continued chatter of the patrons.
Metta slid off Kale’s shoulder and stretched out on the sleeve of her blouse. The little dragon relaxed. Her tail swept back and forth, and her head bobbed to the beat of the music.
Metta! You are not to remember the lyrics to this song.
The end of the purple dragon’s tail twitched in annoyance.
Of course you can help it! insisted Kale. Think about something else.
Metta sat up and glanced over her shoulder at Kale.
I know the tune is catchy. Why don’t you make up words we can share with Toopka while you listen to the music?
The little dragon stretched out her neck and nodded. Then she returned her attention to the stage.
Kale breathed a sigh of relief. Metta did not take correction easily. Kale congratulated herself for steering the stubborn minor dragon away from learning the lurid lyrics sung by the three on stage.
Next, jugglers threw plates, balls, painted clubs, and knives in the air with dazzling skill.
“I’m going to try that,” murmured Regidor.
A row of dancers kicked their heels up behind a man singing. Then another man with a female assistant came out on the stage with dogs that performed amazing tricks.
The noise in the room fell during the singing but gained strength during the animal act. Kale had