The lanky Mushroom Person ran across the spacious tabletop, which seemed a little too large for him. He struggled along, stopping before each guest to extend his little arms and twist them hard, as though wringing out water, filling every glass with mushroom wine. Once he had finished, he let out a long breath and burrowed back into the mushroom table.
Barry picked up his glass and looked at everyone seated around him.
It seemed the time had come to fulfill their earlier contract. The revelation of certain details also seemed to signal that this whole inexplicable affair was about to end.
Ruger did not particularly mind. In fact, he welcomed a chance to rest. He had already obtained an Oddity, and there was no need to pursue more out of greed.
Indeed, on closer consideration, everyone except Apprentice Varin had obtained an Oddity. Varin also had a share in their contract with Barry Danton, which meant that, if the contract was ultimately fulfilled as agreed, she would receive an Oddity too, while the others would receive their second since arriving on the island.
It was a haul that could only be called lavish.
Ruger picked up his glass, and the aroma of mushroom wine filled his nose.
Seeing him move, Big Guy and Mona raised their glasses as well.
Barry Danton smiled.
Everyone drained their glasses.
Then came conversation and tea, and finally, after a mushroom feast offered with hospitality beyond anything they could have imagined, this meeting between host and guests came to an end.
Barry Danton seemed to want to keep Ruger around for another chat, but he had said he had things to do, and Ruger had things to do as well. He had no time to sit around talking.
As he walked out through the