Chapter 26: Naming Names

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Oz limped his way to the kitchen, trying not to put too much weight on his leg. Whatever was going on in White Marsh, he wanted to be ready for it. Book was already in the dining room when Oz got there. "Hey Book." He said as he grabbed some of the leftovers from two nights ago and sat down at the table.

"So where's River? She seemed to be your second shadow the past few days." Book asked from across the table.

"Infirmary with her brother." Oz said before digging into his food.

"I'm debating whether or not I need to give you my special hell speech." Book said after a minute.

Oz raised an eyebrow, "Special hell?"

"River is only sixteen. You look about, what, twenty, twenty-two. Normally that wouldn't be any problem. But River is no normal girl." Book said.

"I know that." Oz said.

"Do you really?" Book asked.

"Is this what you wanted to talk to me about, before?" Oz put down his food, "Me and River?"

"Partially." Book clasped his hands together.

"Don't worry. I won't hurt River. I understand her." Oz said looking Book in the eye.

"That's good I'm glad to hear that. Because River is very special. She has a gift that is not so popular in verse anymore. And I don't think she'd be able to handle your gift." Book tilted his head to the side.

"I don't really think you could call me being a werewolf a gift." Oz scoffed before taking swig of his drink.

"That was not what I was referring to Daniel Ozbourne." Book stopped as Oz spit all over the Shepherd. Book grabbed some towels, "Perhaps I should not have said that when you took a drink."

"How do you know that name?" Oz asked.

"I have many friends both monks and other shepherds. There are many tales of Daniel Ozbourne in the religious circles. Not many Shepherds believe in him but the monks do. But you can never really get much out of them. But the story goes that he is a werewolf with total control of his wolf who has taught countless others and has been around for ages. The only thing that stays the same about his appearance is that he is short, young, and the meditation beads that he wears around his neck and wrists." Book paused for a moment and looked pointedly at Oz's beads. "Not many people out here believe in the supernatural anymore. Demons, vampires, werewolves, they're things of ancient history. But those of the faith still occasional talk of them."

Oz sighed, "When did you figure out who I was?"

"When you were explaining everything after you changed. It just clicked." Book shrugged. "I suppose you are going to White Marsh to visit the Blue Moon Monastery."

"Yea, they needed my help for something." Oz shook his head, "So what are you going to do now that you know?"

Book smiled, "Nothing my dear boy. Who you are harms no one on this ship. I just wanted to let you know that I knew in case you wanted to talk. I've a good ear and I've been told I give pretty good advice or comments if you ever've the need."

"Thanks."

Book stood up, "Well I'll leave you to finish your meal." Book began walking out of the room but when he got to the door he turned around, "Be sure to tell Xu Bai that Shepherd Book is here if he needs him."

"Kay." Oz said as Book left the room. Then Oz shook his head, "Huh."