“Tomato-man is a job-human,” said Earstripe. “Bone-doctor is our priest-human.” “I’m not a priest,” said Piper, bemused. Earstripe flicked his ears. “No, a priest.” Piper looked at Galen for explanation. “Priests and healers are the same caste among gnoles,” said Galen. “Also, you’re…” He turned to Earstripe and held up his hands over his ears, cupping them forward in imitation of Earstripe. “He? His?” “Close enough. Humans don’t have whiskers.” Earstripe’s voice dropped on the last word, as if he were bringing up a terrible deformity. “A gnole won’t take offense if bone-doctor doesn’t.” Piper
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