Turron made his way through the humans' village with a poorly concealed sneer. Nakko, his security, trailed behind him, laughing at the chickens wandering the worn path. Both had strapped massive battleaxes across their backs in a show of peace. Without weapons in their hands they were, in their culture, technically unarmed.
"Chickens?" the smaller minotaur rumbled, "The humans eat chickens? No wonder they don't grow. Puny." He spat on the ground in a show of contempt.
Turron stopped, turned. Nakko nearly ran into him.
"Hear me, Warrior," Turron rumbled, "This human we seek is to receive a reward from the Grand Lord Thane Zerok for a reason. He may not look as so, but he is a great fighter. I witnessed him slaying many of the Grand Lord Thane's orcish enemies during the Westerly Campaign last year. He would best you in single combat."
Nakko snorted, his nostrils flaring. Only discipline controlled his response. Turron was in command and could best Nakko in battle too. As such, Nakko said nothing. They walked on.
"Here," Turron rumbled. They stood in front of the heavy oaken door of the town's tavern. It was evening and a low roar of humanity seeped out of the building. Turron pushed the door open and twisted his head, angling his massive black horns to clear the low frame. Nakko followed closely behind, one hand on the axe handle strapped to his back.
The noise of drinking and eating and laughter and shouting stopped immediately. Heads turned and people stared up at the two minotaurs, distrust and anger shining in their eyes. The minotaurs faced them, shoulders rolled back, proud and tall.
"Can I, uh, help you?" the tavern owner, a portly man called Hops, called from behind the bar.
"We are here for the one named Treefeller," Turron rumbled.
No one answered. The minotaurs expected a hostile reception. It had only been two years since the border clashes between them and the humans. Turron was aware he had killed brothers and sons, friends and husbands of the people seated before him. The humans were aware too.
There was finally a stirring in the back. A man, large and well-muscled for a human, stood up.
"I am Thomas Treefeller. What do you want, bullman?"
Neither minotaur reacted to the name. They placed humans slightly above cattle regarding importance. The insult failed to hit its mark and get any kind of rise from the minotaurs.
"I have a message and a gift from the Grand Lord Thane Zerok. I request you step outside for parley."
Thomas stood. Duncan, a friend seated next to him, put a hand on his arm. Thomas shook him off.
"I can handle the shorter one," Thomas said, "That is enough."
Thomas stood and weaved through the tables, head swimming with ale, stomach full of mutton. The minotaurs let him walk out first and followed, courteously pulling the massive door closed behind them. He immediately positioned himself with his back against the outer wall of the tavern. Turron stood several paces away from Thomas to give him space. Nakko stood just behind Turron's shoulder and faced away, scanning the village behind them for threats.
"Thomas Treefeller, the Grand Lord Thane Zerok wishes to commend you for your efforts in the destruction of His Lord's enemies at Maidenhall, Manonfeld, and Lutz. You have covered yourself in glory and the Grand Lord Thane grants you a boon. It is well-known humans," Turron almost spat out the word, "Enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. You will find a nymph near your cabin. The Grand Lord Thank Zerok invites you to enjoy her to your total satisfaction."
Thomas stepped a foot forward half a pace and bent at the waist, bowing over his knee. Turron nodded in acceptance of the show of deference to the Grand Lord Thane.
"I accept your thane's congratulations and his gift. I am humbled to bring glory to the race of men as warriors, though it will never be enough to match that of your kind." It was known minotaurs would never view humans as equals and Thomas had no ego here. He wasn't usually an ass-kisser but anything other than total humility and he might end up cleaved in half by the axe strapped to the minotaur's back. Even if he were battle-tested and a skilled warmaker, Thomas was no match for two minotaurs who bore insults upon their liege.
The minotaur nodded again. Business with Thomas finished. Both massive warriors turned and strode away, heads high, looking neither left nor right.
Thomas had built his home several years earlier. He required no help and would not have accepted any had it been offered. Duke Armon granted the piece of land after Thomas's involvement in building the new castle defenses at Ridgewater.
"You were clever in your design of this barbican," the Duke told Thomas, "We would not be nearly as secure in our defenses without your help."