25 Departure (2/2)

Zed's glare intensified as he examined me. ”Now I really need to know who you are.”

Oh crap, I have to come up with something!

Miceter, dang it, why didn't you give me a nickname?!

I should have known this question would repeatedly come up!

Should I be Alex? Dylan? Bob? Caesar?

Nah, Caesar's too grand.

Ughhhh...

Uhh...

Rusoe! After that one poet--I forgot his full name, but that doesn't matter.

”My name is Rusoe.”

”Rusoe...” Zed repeated my name, obviously trying to remember something.

”Huh, I think I've heard that name before.” Miceter also puzzled over the name.

What, is there some fancy noble out there with the name ”Rusoe” in this world?

Crap, what if there is?!

What do I do then, play it off as me having the same name?!

Actually, now that I think about it, I could do just that...

”Your parents named you after a brand of beer?” Zed asked.

”My mother was an alcoholic.” I lied.

Sorry Mom, I love you and I hate to disgrace your name, but it has to happen. Otherwise, I can't guarantee my survival in this world.

”That's really sad.” Miceter started to tear up once more over the made up origins of my made up name.

”Miceter.” Zed suddenly growled, ruining the somber mood.

”What?”

”Don't try to wrestle your way out of this by pretending to be dumb.”

Miceter sighed. ”You realized it, huh? Bummer. I was so close, wasn't I?”

I watched their interaction in confusion.

”We're leaving, NOW.”

And then, true to his word, Zed immediately mounted his horse and left, taking a shouting Miceter with him.

”Wait, no, but seriously, I need to tell Mister something. Mister, wait for me, I'll come back for you!”

I couldn't help but feel like a young maiden at that moment.

...

It was the moment they had turned the corner and left my line of sight that I realized something really important.

So important, in fact, my life depnds on it.

WHAT ABOUT THOMAS HARK?!

Miceter, come back!!!

What do I do now?!

Wait?

I don't have that long!

I turned to face the tavern doors.

I guess I'll have to do this myself.

I gazed at the rusted silver knob.

Now how do I get inside?

Huh...