The First Tale of the Chromatic Dragons - Chapter 2

Gerontius and his younger brother, known as "Ragnarok" woke up deliberately early. It was just beginning to get light as they dressed and found their ready-made packs. Gerontius picked up a rolled blanket, which clunked as he did so, Ragnarok opened the window and carefully dropped the blanket, which promptly clunked on landing. They both double-checked their money pouches smiling at each other at the satisfying tinkle of gold and silver coins. It was their hard earned cash - being sons of a well known blacksmith had its advantages! Now they were ready to go.1

Easing open the door, Gerontius checked that the coast was clear and waved to his brother, as he snuck onto the empty landing heading straight for the stairs, keeping his eyes and ears open. Caressing the banister rail he turned waiting for his brother and watched as Ragnarok closed the door. When Ragnarok joined him, Gerontius began silently pointing out the steps that they should strive to avoid. He had carefully studied them the night before, wanted to be sure their departure went unnoticed. Gerontius went first, taking his time, step by step, sweating slightly the closer he got to the bottom, holding the banister for dear life hating the thought of going off-balance, heaving a quiet sigh of relief as he reached the bottom. Turing to see how his younger brother was doing, he was surprised to see him slide down the banister with childish grace, landing softly with a huge grin on his face.2

"And you consider yourself a man" Gerontius whispered, ruffling his brother’s hair. "For that you can go and collect our weapons.”3

His grin shrinking to a smirk, Ragnarok headed out the back door, shortly returning, hugging the blanket to him and he followed Gerontius out the front door.4

While he had waited for Ragnarok to return with their weapons, Gerontius had placed two silver coins on the desk by the front door as a thank you to the strangers who owned the house. Gingerly he opened the front door to admire the sunrise as Ragnarok made his way back down the hall. Certain they had everything, Gerontius softly closed the door and led the way on the footpath, heading northwards. A pair of watchful eyes followed their movements from the near-by woodlands.5

Stopping at an empty crossroads they stepped off the path to sort out their gear. Rolling out the blanket, Ragnarok scooped up his long sword and swung it over his back, checking the rings tightness. He then did the same with his short sword around his waist. He neatly plucked up his dagger and tucked it behind his belt, he checked the strength of his bowstring - handing it to Gerontius realising it was not his own. He picked up and checked his, arming it with an arrow just for show. Happily replacing the arrow in its quiver, he slung the quiver over his shoulder, settling into a leaning stance using his bow as a staff, as he awaited patiently his brother.6

Having accepted and checked his own bow, Gerontius picked up his sword and tied it to his waist. Putting his fingers to his lips he whistled once and heard a soft grunt in reply. It took a few moments before those watchful eyes appeared with a form of a wolf attached to them. The wolf was a mixture of grey and white with dazzling light blue eyes that were ever vigilant. It crept out of the bushes and eagerly greeted Gerontius, licking his hand.7

"There you are Fenris!" He said, greeting the wolf with a stroke behind its ears. He undid a knot at the wolf’s stomach and lifted his shield from its back. "I'm sorry boy, I didn't know where else to hide it. You did a very good job." Fenris only nuzzled his left pocket, causing him to laugh out loud. Reaching into his pocket Gerontius retrieve the treat and fed it to Fenris. "Can't keep any of those from you can I?" Laughing still he rolled up the blanket and tied it to his pack. Holding his bow in his left hand, he attached his shield to his left wrist. Pointing at the crossroads he asked "So which way?" Taking up a coin, Ragnarok flipped it once then again and pointed eastwards.8

"After you Fenris." Spoke Gerontius as he stood side by side with his brother, walking at a decent pace behind Fenris. Glancing up at the signpost it read "Horns Breach"9