Holly & The Mystery Of Dragon's Blood

John Riddler

It had been a pleasant walk to the tavern. The Boiks had spent much of the journey singing, laughing, and making jokes. It had undoubtedly made Holly forget about things for a while. She'd never met anyone like them before. She still wasn't sure what trolls or goblins actually were, but Alzmif and Trout seemed nice enough.

They approached the tavern, The Stumpy Maiden, just as the sun was beginning to set. Holly could see the warm glow of a large fire through the windows, and outside someone was starting to light lanterns hanging on the walls. Several people were gathered at tables outside, empty tankards piled on the tables in front of them.

"This is it," said Max. "The Stumpy Maiden. Usually get a good reception here."

"I've never seen no stumpy maidens here," said Alzmif.

"It's just a name," said Trout.

"Buildings can't have names," said Alzmif, "only people can."

"Why've you got one, then?" asked Trout.

"Because I ain't-a building!"

"You ain't-a person neither."

"Come on, Trout, he's half a person," said Max.

"If anyone's half it's Trout. Little green snot."

Just as it looked like a fight was about to break out between Alzmif and Trout, a tall, wiry man came bounding from the tavern towards them.

"Hello, my lovely Boiks!" he cried merrily. "So good to have you back here!"

"Nice to be back, John," said Max, shaking John by the hand. "Nicer if you pay us the gold you owe us from last time."

John laughed, slapping his hand on Max's shoulder.

"Ah Max, you always were one for jokes!" He looked over at Holly, who was standing behind. "And who's this? A new member of the band? Backing singer or something?"

"No, this is our new friend Holly. We thought you might be able to help her out actually?"

"Is that so?" asked John. "Come a bit closer, let me see you."

Holly stepped forward, offering her hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr Riddler."

John Riddler laughed again and shook Holly's hand. "Call me John," he said. "But... have we met before? You look awfully familiar."

"No, I don't think so," Holly laughed nervously. "I'm new here."

"Hmm. Where are you from then?"

"That's a long story."

"Well, better come inside, and we'll talk," John said, as he gestured towards the tavern with a bow.

_____

Holly was sat with John Riddler in a quiet corner of the tavern. The Boiks were set up on a small stage at the far end of the room and had begun playing. Max had a guitar with a green body, almost the colour of Trout's skin. Trout was banging away on a large drum, nearly as big as he was, and Alzmif was doing something that Holly supposed was meant to be singing.

"Marvelous lads, aren't they?" John said with a smile.

"They seem very nice," Holly agreed.

"Well, Max is nice enough. Alzmif has an awful temper on him, though. And Trout... he's just weird, isn't he?"

Holly laughed. Trout did seem odd to her, but so did a lot of things she'd seen. A young lady came over with some drinks. John grabbed his tankard and took a large mouthful from it.