Orc Café Adventures — Chapter 10

Mick led Bob through the village’s winding streets. A picturesque scene was created by cobblestone paths lined with quaint buildings and their variedly sloping roofs. Although Mick, familiar with the town from previous visits with Rick, moved confidently, Bob couldn’t help but feel lost. The twisting and turning alleys seemed indistinguishable, intensifying Bob’s frustration with Mick.

Outside a bookstore, Mick gazed at the sign, puzzled. “If I could read,” he mused, scratching his chin, “I would know what that said.”

Bob, looking down at Mick, grunted in agreement. “Mick, we’re lost,” he declared, his frustration growing.

“Don’t worry, Great Orc Bob,” Mick said confidently, still staring at the sign. “I can’t read, but I’ve been here many times with Rick to pick up bacon. I know these streets like the back of my right hand.” Mick held up his left hand.

Mick felt it wasn’t a good time to share the story of when he led a hunting party of imps into the plains. They were lost for days. It wasn’t until their mother walked over the hill and shouted for them to come home. They had been walking in circles for days, and if they had gone right instead of left, they would have been home.

Bob looked around, taking in the sights and smells of the busy marketplace. Humans scurried about, darting in…