12/03/21 Snippet, THE STARS ARE WRONG.

Detective work!

“Out of town, you say?” I looked at him. “You buy from the Kee?”

“Those scum?” Osco spit. “I wouldn’t buy a spavined goat from them. Not that they’d sell to me, the filthy degenerates. No, I buy from good, honest folk, herders and stockmen my family’s bought from for centuries.” He winked. “Now, if, some stock that came from the Kee happened to fall into their clutches, it’s none of my concern, is it?”

From the corner of my eye I saw one of the apprentices stiffen. It was only for a moment, but to be a Guardian is to see. Aloud, I said, “Well, Butcher Osco, we thank you for your help. If you should remember anything further, come to us.” I looked directly in the apprentice’s eyes and said, “We will be waiting.

Osco noticed nothing, but Jak did. He was wise enough to wait until we were clear of Osco’s yard before speaking. “You set a hook, back there?”

“More like gaffed the fish. And he will follow us out, if he is wise…