Terrific. I had been hoping that Chumley’s analytic approach would simplify things for me. Instead, he had simply added a wagon load of other factors to be considered. I needed that like Deva needed more merchants.
“Well, I appreciate the input, Chumley,” I said, rising from my seat. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“Think nothing of it, old boy. Glad to help.”
“And you’re all set with the assignment? Guido told you how to hook up with Pookie?”
“Right-o.”
I started to go, but paused for one more question.
“By the way, Chumley. Have you ever been married yourself?”
“Me?” the troll seemed genuinely surprised. “Gracious no. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious,” I said, and headed out the door.
Chapter Seventeen:
“What am I supposed to do with all this gold?”
-MIDAS, REX
AT THIS POINT, I had to admit that I was more confused than ever. It seemed that everyone I talked to had a different view of marriage, which wasn’t making my decision any easier. One thing everyone seemed to agree on, though: A bad marriage could be a living Hell.
Of course, defining what a good marriage was and how to avoid a bad one seemed to defy simple explanation … or, at least, one simple enough that I could grasp.
The problem was, as limited as my experience with the opposite sex was, my knowledge of marriages, good or bad, was even sketchier. I could barely remember my own family, I had left home so long ago. The only married couple I had met on my adventures was the Woof Writers, and realizing they were werewolves I somehow didn’t think they were a valid role model for me. Then again, Massha and Badaxe were talking about getting married. Maybe they could provide some insight for me.