To ‘keep things fair’, I was allowed to stand behind the bar, which gave me a good view.
A crowd gathered. The bartender, who seemed to be referee, stated the rules to everybody. Then it was go time. “Alright fellows, introduce yourselves,” said the bartender.
“Ah be Kobin Lonkenteb, from the est’ side ‘o town.” A few cheers rose, mostly from men.
“Legend Sunsmith, from the Wilderness.” A couple women whistled, but no men cheered. Legend, spotting girls in the crowd, took off his button-up shirt and handed it to me.
“Alright then,” the bartender said, “all drinks in the contest are on the house. Kobin, you can start us off with the challenges. The first man who is unable to perform a task, is the loser.”
Kobin grinned again, showing broken teeth. “Giv’ me two mugs ‘o beer.” Two foaming mugs were handed to him, and he downed them with well-practiced ease. “Let’s see yer’ do that.”
Two mugs were given to Legend. He tipped the first up, tasting it. Kobin laughed, sure that Legend could never drink both–until he did. Legend gave a nod to the bartender, “Good stuff you got here.” His voice was still clear, and his words unslurred.
It was Legend’s turn to set a challenge. He drank a small glass–about twice the size of a shot-glass--of rum. Then another. Then another. And another. That was his challenge. Kobin drank the first three easily, and the third more slowly.
Kobin’s next challenge was to drink a small glass of whiskey, which he had little trouble with. “Match that,” he said, leering, “shorty.” Legend’s eyes narrowed. He hated being called short, and evidently decided that it was time to put this thick-headed jerk in his place.
“How much is this worth?” he asked the bartender, gesturing to the small glass.
“Ten gold.”
“Here’s twenty. Please give me another one.”
14-Mar-2007 03:00:11
