by Wilson, Rena
"I believe your dog doesn't like me," the man from a few nights ago is sitting in my store again.
"What is it you want from me? You never did say," I try to stay lighthearted.
The man smiles, "Don't worry, Charles. The powers that be understand what happened here. Your punishment will not be death."
I snort, "Yeah, well you and I both know there are punishments out there worse than death."
"You are quite right," the man stands. "Servitude to the Queen."
"For how long?" I swallow. Of all the punishments, it wasn't the worst.
"100 years," he says solemnly.
I nod. "And Fred?"
"I will ensure that he is taken to a new home."
"Don't suppose I will be brining anything with me, so let's just get it over with," I say not wanting to prolong things. "What is your name by the way?"
The man smiles, "You may call me Terp."
"Alright, Terp, let's do this," I say as we begin walking out. I couldn't help but think of the Goddess marked Lady. In the pit of my stomach, I know we will meet again when it matters the most.