Vanza and the scent of Don Q

When Vanza became Don Q’s squire, he wondered about the noticeable smell. There was something musty and sweaty about it, with an insufficient touch of cologne. He knew at once he should never mention it to Don Q himself, or even to anyone else. So when Vanza and Don Q saw a frenetic man come down the road and reach out his hand to them, Vanza also said nothing about the potent scent, reminiscent of forests, that mingled with the now familiar aroma of his master. After praising Don Q for his vision and vigor, the man pointed to the windmills and introduced himself, “Lone Odor. Let’s fight the giants together.” (Andrew Shields, #111words, 4 February 2025)