Beauty of the Beast #1 The Mystic Rose- Part A- The Flower, The Sword, And The Kiss

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  At the docks, Parry dunked Sinew’s head into a rain barrel several times.

  “Enough!” Sinew yelled as he freed himself from the blond man’s grip as water dripped from him. “I’m sober.”

  “Perhaps. Stand on one foot and touch your nose.”

  Sinew tried but couldn’t and then he questioned, “What does that prove? I couldn’t do that even when I was sober.”

  Parry laughed and then he said, “I wanted to see if you would try.”

  Sinew punched his arm as he grumbled, “Blond Ox, why don’t you pick on someone your own size?”

  He laughed some more and then he replied, “If I did that, I’d have no one to pick on.”

  Fracas bought a Jewel Apple from a peddler, bit into the amber fruit, and stated, “Look the prince has returned.” He continued up the docks, boarding the ship.

  Parry and Sinew bought Sun Oranges from the peddler.

  “What do you think is going on?” Sinew asked as he motioned to the Breakneck with his orange. “The discussion seems heated.”

  Parry shaded his eyes from the high sun and then answered, “Perhaps something has happened.” He finished peeling his fruit, took a bite of the juicy yellow flesh, and then said, “Look... Ardor and Pluck have drawn their weapons. Could Pluck have challenged his position?”

  Sinew squinted and twisted his mustache as he spoke, “Perhaps... But then the prince would not step in.” He finished his orange and started peeling another. “Now Pluck is heading below. That was most odd.”

  “Is Pluck on duty tonight?” Parry asked with a hint of mischief in his blue eyes.

  “No. Why?” Sinew questioned and then he recognized the look on his friend’s face. “What trouble are you planning?”

  An expression of devilment appeared on the large man’s face as he replied, “We have yet to initiate this High Guard from the North. Tonight we shall use the Night Prowlers Raid.”