Chapter 25

Rory held up his hands helplessly. He didn't understand what the man was saying.

"Money!Mon-ey. Are you just going to stand there all night?" said the barkeep.

Heads began to turn at the commotion. Rory tried to simply walk away, but he was stopped by a much larger man. "You've got to pay for that, you know," he said.

Rory felt bewildered. Clearly this man wanted some sort of tribute, but he didn't have anything to give. Humans were clearly cruel and selfish creatures.

"I said, pay up!" said the barkeep, thumping his fist on the bar.

Suddenly, a young man strode up to the bar.

"What are you going on about, Ivan?" he said.

"This bloke's going to walk off with a pint and a plate without paying for it," said the barkeep.

The young man pulled out a small pouch and fished a shiny coin out. Flicking it toward the man behind the bar, he said, "Here-keep the extra if it will keep you fat trap shut."

The bartender started to turn red. "Ronnie, you're a good lad, but if you-"