Tavern of the Spear: Desire for Pleasure

The two arrived at the entrance to the lizardman tribe, an archway formed by interwoven massive trees and lush vines, exuding a rich plant scent. Looking at this primitive and mysterious scene, Roshke couldn't help but ask, "Evind, can you tell me about this tribe?"

Evand nodded and began to introduce the lizardman tribe to Roshke. "The chief of this tribe is called Nexus. He is a very charismatic chief and is deeply loved by his people."

Roshke raised an eyebrow and said meaningfully, "Oh? Very charming? It seems you two have a close relationship; you've even described him as your 'future partner.'"

Evand coughed awkwardly. "Ahem, that was just a misunderstanding. We're just friends." He quickly changed the subject. "The culture of the Lizardmen tribe is very unique. They revere nature and are skilled at using herbs and plants for healing and magic. There's also a priest in the tribe named Seyle, who is proficient in all kinds of magic and is very prestigious in the tribe."

“That sounds amazing,” Roshke exclaimed. “Magic is very rare where we are; we usually rely on herbs and enchanted items to use it.”

“Oh, right,” Evand suddenly remembered something, “there’s been some conflict between the Minotaur tribe and the Lizardman tribe recently, and the situation isn’t good.”

"Oh? How big of a conflict?" Roshke asked curiously.

Evan's expression turned serious. "It's very bad. It's gotten to the point where they're killing each other."

Roshke asked with some concern, "Then should we come back here? Wouldn't it be safer to go to the Minotaur tribe?"

Evand shook his head. "The war hasn't really started yet, and we need to find someone who is proficient in magic. There aren't many such people around, so we can only try our luck at the lizardman tribe."

Roshke nodded in understanding. The two passed through the archway and officially entered the lizardman tribe. The scene inside the tribe was quite different from what they had imagined; it wasn't as tense and grim as they had expected, but rather peaceful and serene. Children played happily in the open space, while the adults were busy with their own tasks—some repairing houses, some gathering herbs, and some making tools.

"It seems the situation isn't as bad as I thought," Roshke breathed a sigh of relief.

“Yes,” Evand was also somewhat surprised, “it might just be a minor skirmish, not yet at the point of a full-scale war.”

The two continued towards the center of the tribe, hoping to find Priest Seyle as soon as possible. Along the way, they encountered many lizardmen, who all cast curious glances at Evand and Roshke, but showed no hostility.

Suddenly, a burly lizardman blocked their path. Holding a spear, he stared sharply at the two men and asked in a deep voice, "Who are you? What is your purpose here?"

"It's me! Hey, don't you recognize me?"

"Oh, so it's Madam who's back. I'm sorry, Madam! My eyes have some problems, I didn't see you clearly!"

"What the hell?!" Evand's face instantly turned red. When did these guys start calling me "Madam"?

"Madam, are you here to see the chief? He is not in the tribe right now. If you wish to see him, you will have to wait a while."

"I understand. And please don't call me 'Madam,' okay?"

Roshke, watching Evand's embarrassed expression, couldn't help but chuckle softly. Evand's face flushed even more; he glared at Roshke but offered no explanation. After the lizardman guards left, the two continued wandering aimlessly through the tribe, waiting for Nexus's return.

“By the way, Roshke,” Evand asked, trying to break the awkward silence, “could you tell me about your tribe?”

“Of course,” Roshke readily agreed. “My tribe is also located in a swamp, where many powerful lizardman warriors live. We are skilled in hunting and fighting, protecting our homeland. Our tribe also has a highly skilled healing mage who is proficient in all kinds of healing magic and can cure all kinds of injuries and illnesses.” He paused, his tone softening. “My partner, Othra, is a priestess in the tribal temple; she is also a magic expert, proficient in all kinds of nature magic.”

“Wow,” Evand exclaimed, “I’m so envious that you found a partner so early.”

Roshke smiled. "Othra is a very beautiful lizard woman, and I cannot live without her. She is calm, composed, and possesses unparalleled wisdom, always guiding me when I am lost."

“She sounds like a wonderful partner,” Evand exclaimed sincerely.

“Thank you.” Roshke smiled gratefully. “And you, Evand? Do you have someone you like?”

Evans' face flushed red again. "How did we get onto this topic again?" he stammered.

Ignoring Evand's embarrassment, Roshke began to guess, "Is it your friend from the tavern? Or the lizardman chieftain? Or perhaps that mysterious great magician?" He joked with a smile, "Evand, you're really popular. Even I can't help but like you."

Evand was even more embarrassed; he didn't know how to answer Roshke's question. Just then, a lizardman child ran over, holding a letter, and handed it to Evand.

“Mr. Evand, this is a letter left for you by Chief Nexus.” After saying this, the child turned and ran away.

Evand took the letter with a puzzled look, opened it, and his expression immediately turned serious. The letter contained only a few short sentences: The Minotaur tribe has assembled its army and is preparing to attack the Lizardman tribe. I must return to command the battle. Please give my regards to that red Lizardman.

"What's wrong?" Roshke noticed Evan's unusual behavior and asked with concern.

Evand handed the letter to Roshke, "The Minotaur tribe is going to attack the Lizardman tribe."

After reading the letter, Roshke's expression turned serious. "It seems we must find Seyle as soon as possible, lift the curse on you, and then work together to find a way to stop this war."

“That’s right,” Evand said firmly. “Let’s go find Seyle.”

The two quickened their pace, heading towards the priest's residence. They passed through a series of low houses and finally arrived at a wooden hut built from giant trees. The hut was surrounded by various strange plants, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.

“This is where leaders like Nexus live, and Seyle lives here too,” Evand said.

Evand led Roshke upstairs and then into the room on the right side of the treehouse.

The two walked to the front of the wooden house and gently knocked on the door.

However, there was no response from inside. Instead, the door was violently pushed open, and three figures jumped out, striking what they thought were cool poses.

"Halt! Foolish intruders!" shouted the slightly shorter lizardman in the lead, his voice high-pitched and shrill. "You are about to face the three lizard brothers, Blep, Nuo, and Duo! Tremble!"

Evand stared at the three bizarrely dressed lizardmen before him, striking various exaggerated poses, and his lips twitched involuntarily. Their clothes were brightly colored and strangely designed, clearly intended to attract attention. Moreover, their movements were stiff and their expressions exaggerated, completely lacking the demeanor expected of a master.

Roshke observed the three lizardmen with interest. He turned his head and whispered to Evand, "Is this some kind of strange welcoming ceremony? Or is it some kind of tradition unique to their tribe?"

Evand felt his cheeks burning; today's experience had been absolutely terrible. He took a deep breath and tried to remain calm as he said, "Whoever you are, get out of the way! We have important business with Priestess Seyle!"

"Hmph, we are the priest's most loyal guards!" the tall lizardman in the middle said arrogantly. "The priest does not want to see you, especially you, Evand!"

"Why?" Evand frowned and asked, puzzled.

"Because you've actually forgotten our names!" said the shortest lizardman, Blep, who had just shouted. "You clearly saw us last time, but now you don't remember us at all. You've really disappointed us!"

Evans tried to recall, but found he had absolutely no recollection of the three lizardmen. He sighed helplessly and said, "Sorry, I really don't remember. So, why are you dressed like this?"

"Hmph, this is called repackaging!" The tallest lizardman, Nuo, said smugly, "We will appear before the High Priest with a completely new image and demonstrate our strength!"

Roshke looked at the three clowns in front of him, feeling his temples throbbing. He desperately needed Priestess Seyle's help, but these three were causing trouble. Trying to suppress his anger, he said, "Listen, we really have an urgent matter. Could you please step aside and let us see Priestess Seyle?"

"No!" the three of them refused in unison. "This is the High Priest's order!"

Roshke felt his patience was wearing thin. He glanced at Evand and said in a low voice, "Looks like these three are impossible to communicate with. Maybe you could try flattering them; perhaps they'll let us in."

Evans gave a wry smile. He couldn't even remember the other person's name, so how could he possibly flatter them? But in order to see Seyle as soon as possible, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and try. He cleared his throat and asked, "Um, may I ask what your names are?"

"I'll go first!" Nuo stepped forward, striking an even more flamboyant pose. "My name is Nuo, and I'm the leader of the three lizard brothers!"

Then, Duo struck the same pose and said, "My name is Duo, and I'm the strategist of the team!"

Finally, Blep struck a pose and shouted, "My name is Blep, and I'm the speedster in the team!"

The three shouted in unison, "We are the Lizard Brothers! Remember our names!"

Roshke and Evand exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes. It seemed that a tough battle was ahead before they could see Priestess Seyle.