"Richard A. Knaak - Dragonlance - Lost Histories 4 - Land of the Minotaurs" - читать интересную книгу автора (Knaak Richard A)

the friendliest of comrades, but he still considered those years better spent than if he had been forced to
abide in squalor. Of course, many minotaurs had no choice.

The marks on the wall were the same ones that he recalled from when he had last visited. Hecar was
pleased that the one he sought still lived here, but oddly disappointed at the same time. Surely Jopfer
could have raised his status in three years. While more studious than some minotaurs, Jopfer de-Teskos,
youngest son of the master of the Teskos clan, had been a favorite of one member of the Supreme Circle.
In fact, when last they had talked, Jopfer had hinted that his master intended to groom him for a position
as one of his senior aides.

By this time you'd think Jopfer would have risen to be one of the Eight, Hecar thought. Certainly if he
knew anyone who fit the criteria for becoming one of the eight minotaurs overseeing the administration
of the empire, it was old Jopfer. Yet an aide to a member of the circle would certainly not choose to
reside in a place such as this. Such status demanded something larger and more impressive, nearer his
master's quarters.

"Only one way to find out," he grunted. Marching to the tall, wooden door, Hecar slammed his fist
against it. The sound against the wood echoed loudly. Anyone within would have to acknowledge such a
racket.

Yet there was no answer. Hecar slammed his fist against the door again. He waited for what he thought a
reasonable time, then snorted in annoyance. Either Jopfer's entire household had departed or everyone
within was ignoring visitors. His short time in Nethosak made Hecar seriously consider the latter. Was
there some reason that Jopfer would fear visitors?

"Come on, you bookworm!" he growled under his : breath. "Answer!"

Still no one came. Stubborn as he was, the minotaur finally tired of waiting. If his friend was not
available, then Hecar's only recourse was to go to his own clan house. He was not certain how the clan
would greet him . after his and his sister's decision to stay away, but certainly, after all this time, they

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could not still be angry with the pair. The others of their party who had returned to Nethosak after that
idiotic chase would have explained Hecar's and Helati's reasons for remaining behind. All except Scum,
of course, but then he would have returned in shame. No one would have listened much to him.

The sun was already dipping downward. Hecar grimaced, realizing that if he visited the House of Orilg,
he would be required to stay the night. It would be a dishonor to the clan if he appeared after an absence
so long, only to leave again an hour or two later. The patriarch would certainly think ill of him,
something Hecar did not desire. Orilg could not boast of an emperor on the throne in some seven
generationsтАФa point of great aggravationтАФyet Orilg was still one of the strongest clans. Falling out of
favor with the present patriarch would have repercussions, especially where Hecar's immediate family
was concerned.

His thoughts entangled over the proper way to present himself to his lord, Hecar did not at first notice
the small form darting by. Only when it collided with him did the minotaur take notice of the gully
dwarf.