He tossed any thought of using the ladle. He had failed to scoop water before. So instead, he leaned down, beak to barrel, and drank. The first mouthful hit like a slap. A bitter, acrid taste spread across his tongue. Yu gagged and spat the water right back into the barrel, jerking his head up so fast his neck twinged. The foul taste clung stubbornly in his mouth. He scraped his beak and tongue against his wing, but it would not go away. His stomach lurched hard. For a terrifying second, he thought he might vomit. He probably would have, if there were anything in his stomach to bring up.
“Turn him on his stomach now,” Bubs instructed. “Hold him steady. Support the head. Watch the shoulder — What is this?”
“It’s fucking soap,” Yu rasped. He spat again, which was maddeningly difficult with a beak.
“This is from selder tribe,” the borman said.
“Yes. Yes, I know that,” said Bubs. A pause. “But it is … so much.”
“Sure is. Bubs, would that be all for now?”
“Thank you, yes. You see the leg? I will call you when we start.”
“Good. Kel-Khadar, please come to the reception with me. This way.”
“No. I stay.”
“I get that you’re anxious, but Bubs is the best medical care this guild has. Though, he is also the only one.”
“Not the time, Deltington.”
“There is no healer wizard on this mountain. But trust that he’ll do what is possible for your human. For them both.”
“Not if you’re in the way any longer.”
“I stay.”
“This is not your choice. I need to see your papers. Don’t forget, you came with a witch. We admitted you as an exception. You agreed to adhere to our commands. Either you come with me, or all of you leave together now.”
A pause.
“Send in the krynn, if you want someone with her.”
Another pause, short, but weighted. Then the slow scuff of feet and talons retreating.
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