Chapter 34

“Well, it appears we are about to enter the heart of Dogman country,” Bartz said, “Tomas, what more do you know about them?”

“Not much, they were a bit before my time. I know they were loyal but not overly bright.”

“Consult your database,” Bartz suggested.

“Oh yes,” Falca said, more than a bit cynically, “it’s been SO accurate so far.”

Tomas punched a few buttons on his wrist computer and stared at the screen. “It says ‘Dogmen: are not too bright and are probably extinct by now.’” Tomas looked up at the sky. “I am starting to think this database might have been my greatest waste of zinc ever...”

“What about that time you bought the scroll ‘How to Pick up Beautiful Young Wenches'?” Falca asked.

“I’m still hoping to benefit from that one.”

“The only way you are going to benefit from it is if it came with a double-your-zinc-back guarantee,” said Nata.

Bartz could have sworn that this time Nata’s voice wasn’t laced with as much venom