“He is mistaken.”
“That seems unlikely.”
Garth shrugged again.
“And what of the old man you spoke with?”
“He seemed congenial, and I needed to learn the route to Mormoreth.”
“I see. He must have been very congenial indeed.”
Another shrug.
“However, I have heard otherwise from every other person who has spoken with this old man.”
“Oh?”
“He is well known in Skelleth as the surliest, most unfriendly creature in Eramma.”
“Perhaps he likes overmen.”
“Perhaps.” The Baron shifted position, so that he was sitting up. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, and put his hands together, resting his chin on his fingers. “Do you know his name?”
“No.”
“You didn’t ask?”
“It seemed unimportant.”
“I would be interested in learning his name.”
“Why?”
“That man has lived in the Kin
