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. "Thus
he was given the choice. His family was disgraced. Combat
was their only hope. We would see if his cowardice was so
great that he would pull his family down with him, for they
would have suffered if he had refused combat. Such
weakness can only be inherited."
Torbin sheathed his weapon, but did not otherwise
move from his place. "This? This is combat?"
"He could have run. We gave him days to prepare or
flee. The choice was his."
"That is no choice."
The minotaur sighed once more. "As I said, you would
not understand our way of honor. It is not your fault.
Forget it and return to your kind. The scales have been
balanced; honor has been returned to his family."
"He deserves burial."
"His honor has been vindicated. His crimes can never
be. It is forbidden to bury criminals on home soil."
One of the other minotaurs came up behind the leader
and whispered something. The leader thought for a
moment and nodded. "This one would speak to you alone.
He is kin to the condemned."
The leader returned to the boat. The newcomer sniffed
in the direction of Torbin, apparently finding his odor
offensive. He pointed at the body. "I have been given
permission to make a request of you."
Puzzled, the knight allowed the minotaur to continue
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