Chapter Eighty Five: Otter

It was an otter. 

And a very confused one. At first, it was the careful rustling of the leaves that gave him away. But when he was being threatened to show himself by no less than a fully licensed Publisher (who was shouting at him, by no less), he decided to immediately obey the order for fear of being cited for contempt, and incarcerated for absolutely no reason at all.

"Please don't hurt me, I am only passing by! I just came from a spiraling portal, got confused and then before I knew it, I landed right in the middle of these bushes. Please forgive me."

The otter gave him a mischievous smile.

"And what is your name, sir?" Theo asked, believing the innocence of the little creature. He smiled back in a cunning way.

The otter's smile responded with a wider grin, and then nodded. "My name is Gapsworth," he said. "I am looking for the Principality of Kenwit to retrieve a flask, but I am for certain now that I got lost."

"Lost?" Theo replied in a joking manner. "How come you are lost? Do you have company? Where is your master?"

Gapsworth turned his head left and right, seriously looking by the frown on his face that he was lost, indeed, and wasn't playing around. Theo gave a very silly laugh at the cute gestures of the little one.

"It was for my master that I was doing this for. It is meant as a surprise!"

Gapsworth's tone was full of excitement whenever he is referring to his beloved master. "I was following somebody, I think it was a pretty lady with a crown on her head, hoping that she will lead me to the road to the Principality, but she has brought me here instead. I was told that all princesses wear a crown, but I guess I misunderstood everything my Master has told me."

Theo returned a concerned look to the innocent little fella. "This part of the world is too dangerous for an otter like you to be wandering around. Let me take you to the main road to Kenwit, and I will show you where you can buy that Flask. Do you have travel documents with you?"

"Of course, sir. I have it right here. I don't leave our simple abode without taking the papers with me. Master Cabot was very clear about these trivial matters, and I always want to follow the instructions. I always need to be responsible."

Gapsworth nodded vigorously. He is so pleased with himself.

"Then let me help you buy that Flask. I think I have a spare change somewhere. I can even pay for one piece on your behalf."

"Really?" the otter was amazed with the Publisher's generosity. "Well, I have my own money for the purchase. But thank you for your kindness, sir."

"Theo," the Publisher said with a laugh. "Call me by my name."

"Okay, sir. Thank you, Master Theo."

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The Chapter is sponsored by Fitbit.