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Howard shot a resentful look at Albert, who answered, “Orc was picking cabbage”

“My name’s Charles Merriman,” Orc repeated “People should call me by my real name sometimes”

Lana’s gaze met Howard’s

Now, Lana thought, noants his old name back The bully who reveled in a monster’s name was now a monster in fact, and wanted to be called Charles

“You’re all better,” Lana announced

“Is it still skin?” Orc asked

“It is,” Lana reassured him “It’s still human”

Lana took Albert’s ar him into the worm field like that?”

Albert’s face went blank He was surprised at being reproached For a ht he would tell her to take a jump But that moone out of him

“I’ to help,” Albert said

“By paying him with beer?”

“I paid him what he wanted, and Sa,” Albert said “Look, how else do you think you get so? Astrid

seems to think people ork just because we ask them to Maybe some will But Orc?”

Lana could see his point “Okay I shouldn’t have jumped all over you”

“It’s okay I’uy But you knohat? I didn’tto work, they’re going to want so back”