QUOTE : A young troll stepped through the entrance. “Your Highness.” He held out a tray with two crystal glasses filled with a glowing blue liquid. Tristan examined them. “Do you suppose it would be inappropriate,” he asked the servant, “for me to top them up a bit with some whiskey?”<br /><br />The servant stared at him, expression horrified, tray trembling in his hand. “I suppose you’re right,” Tristan said glumly, although the man hadn’t spoken a word. He took the two glasses and handed me one of them. “Cheers!”<br /><br />I took it and eyed the contents with suspicion. “What is it? Not some sort of poison, I hope?”<br /><br />“I call it Liquid Shackles. It has another name, but I prefer to use my own inventions. As to its nature, well…” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t say it isn’t harmful, but it certainly won’t kill you. At least it shouldn’t – we’ve never had a human drink any before.”<br /><br />“Why do you call it Liquid Shackles?” I asked, pursing my lips. I did not like the sound of that one bit.<br /><br />“Because it is a clever metaphor,” he replied, holding the glass up to examine it more closely. I waited for him to explain further, but it was clear he had no intention of elaborating.<br /><br />“And if I refuse?” I asked.<br /><br />He cocked one eyebrow and gave me a dour look.<br /><br />“I suppose you’ll just force it down my throat,” I muttered.<br /><br />“Certainly not,” he said, lowering the glass. “It is always better to delegate nefarious tasks. You know, to keep one’s reputation intact.”<br /><br />I scowled, but all my dark look garnered was a grin from him. “Keep in mind that I have to drink it too.”<br /><br />“What does it taste like?” I asked.<br /><br />“Having never been bonded before, I haven’t the foggiest idea. But I expect quite vile.” He clinked his glass against mine. “Bottoms up!” He drowned the liquid in one mouthful.