Pursue the chalice

Alex decides he will go after the thieves and pursue the chalice. Roderick slaps him on the back and says, “That’s my boy! I knew you had it in you!”

As they make arrangements for Horglesby to return to his home, Roderick takes Alex aside to give him further instructions.

He hands Alex his sword. “Won’t you need this?” asks Alex.

“Not as much as you will when you encounter those ruffians. Besides,” says Roderick, glancing at the carriage, “you should see the granddaughters! The only sword I’ll be using for the next few days is this one!” He grabs his crotch and tugs on it.

Alex looks at him in disbelief. “You promised Horglesby that we would treat them as if they were our sisters!”

Roderick shrugs. “And so I shall. You should see my sister. A finer ass you will not find this side of the River Xathastar! In fact, once we are done with this quest, I’ll take you to meet my sister, and you’ll see why I spent my formative years with my hand firmly wrapped around my pecker!”

Alex shakes his head in disbelief, but completes his task of getting ready to go after the chalice. Roderick supplies him with rations and spending money before adding his horse to the ones drawing the carriage. With a wave and a sly wink, Roderick climbs in the driver’s seat and departs.

Left alone for the first time in days, Alex takes a deep breath and decides what to do.