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In the village over the mountain. You had a carriage. Yes! The old man is enjoying this game, usually he plays only with himself, but with someone else taking an interest, he is free to search his mind, and remember things that he had forgotten for decades. Fine horses I had too, they were well-cared for. Animals are the most difficult things to treat well, it's against our nature to do so. Easier to kick a dog when it annoys you. Horses, you must be careful with them, but when you break them, they are the most beautiful -- Old Lau. The monk. Remember him? What? This is unexpected, the old man thinks; this isn't playing by the rules. Monk? I don't remember any monks. Why should I --  |
You had him killed. The old man is not listening. He is murmuring to himself: People are just not worthy of discus- sion. The other day I was walking down the street and a man bumped into me. On purpose! Just walked up and pushed me aside as he walked, like I was less than dog shit. If I could I would have him put to death for that discourtesy -- The woman has returned, her head bent low, the hood obscuring her face. She stands between the old man and the stranger. She stares at the stranger's sword. Where did you get that? she asks.  |
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