Stories Befor the Fire 2

1

Now let me wet my lips with a little more mead as I compose my mind.2

As I leave the tavern I hasten about to gather my supplies and prepare my steed for travel. For in the morning I wish to leave. I will need magic herbs to cure poisons, perhaps a little mead… alas no. To much the spirits within call out to me and push me to there way. Water then and blankets, it grows chill of late, food will I gather on my journey. Having completed my errands I return to the Inn for the night… Now rested, I set out leaving this miserable town.3

Heading out of town in the cool early morning air, I consider the choices of directions I must take.  As you know my Lord there be but two paths from Socwedth to Old Farendell, that of the mountain trail that takes several days or that of the Dragons Cave. That path through the cave is faster taking only a day once reached, but filled with great peril, for should the dragon catch scent of me it could end in my demise. I can only hope that the story of the wisdom of the dragons be true, for surely if he reads my heart he’ll let me pass. Well my purpose is urgent and I must in haste take only my good intentions as my shield and try this perilous path. 4

I ride late into the evening through the forest.  The sounds of the creatures abound.  When suddenly silence…. I am wise to the woods and silence means something or someone is near.  I move slowly and quietly keeping to the darker edges of the path. My steed snickers giving my location away.  There ahead something moves in the shadows and again to my right.  I know this now to be a band of bandits. Seeing a traveler riding alone they wish to rob me, first of my steed and then my life. I have seen there like before. This fine black stallion I ride is well trained and will hold the path alone as well as be a dangerous foe with its teeth and hooves to any man alone.5

With my left hand I grab the rains the other my sword. As I draw my sword from its scabbard, fire glows from the blade. My steed rears back his paws cleaving the air. I strike to the right… an arm that was reaching is severed.  The night fills with his screams. My steed comes down on another. On my left another comes I kick out knocking him down. I kick in with my heels signaling my horse ahead. Ha, they think I’m running off. That is to be there second and last mistake. As I break free ahead I stop and turn. My heart pounding in anger. I let go of the rains, reach into my jacket and pull out a knife.  Again my horse rears up and we charge back in. I throw my knife at one, piercing him through the throat.  Then grab my pummel and lean to the right, slicing off the head of another. Breaking free, again I stop and turn. There gone, disappearing into the night. I wait for a moment calming myself. Then dismount from my horse and walk over to the bodies and retrieve my knife cleaning it upon this would be thief’s jerkin. I search them but little do I find. Remounting my horse I walk on deeper into the forest. I will reach the cave by morning.6