Clan Leader Challenge

"Imar!"

The stocky figure atop the pass shouted down.

"You no longer belong here! Why have you come back?"

"Damn you, Ramsden!"

Imar recognized that figure. He would never forget that when the old fool had ordered his expulsion, Ramsden had been the first to respond—and had even shoved him out of the council hall.

When old enemies met, their eyes blazed with hatred.

Imar's eyes bulged wide, the muscles in his arms swelling as a torrent of filthy curses shot toward the pass.

"By the Hammer Above, Ramsden, I should have shoved a thorn-covered stick right up your ass long ago."

"Oh, I know. You've got so much crap in your belly that it's even poisoned your brain."

Ramsden above did not back down, hurling abuse right back one line at a time.

"Imar, you're the disgrace of the Stonemason Clan!"

"A bastard who rebelled against his own father."

"Of course, now you're just a pitiful homeless wretch—a stray dog who's lost its kennel. Ahahahaha!"

Ramsden's counterattacks struck Imar where it hurt, making him jump furiously in place. Even the beard braided into a little plait beneath his chin stood on end.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh—!"

As Imar roared with bloodshot eyes, one of his followers came up from behind and restrained him.

"Lord Imar, don't waste time on pointless insults. Just explain our purpose to them directly."

"Huh? Ah!"

Imar rubbed his flushed, bulbous nose. "You're right. But did you know I was only pretending to be furious just now? I wanted that idiot up there to lower his guard."

He really looked like he'd lost his temper just now! the follower silently grumbled inwardly, but said aloud, "Your wisdom is broader than the mountains."

As the two spoke, Ramsden's voice came from atop the pass again. "By the Hammer