United Dragons

by Calista Lambrechts

  As timing would have it, we arrived at the town by nightfall. The skies were dark and stars decorated the sky in a sheet of stardust, accompanying the three moons of Ysellian.

  I must admit that Doyelna was a rather nice town, quite large, but not too bad from what I’ve heard. The streets were of earthen ground and houses were either built from stone or sturdy wood. Torches were lit in attempt to aid these wandering the streets at a time like this.

  Pedestrians we passed had the oddest attires. Most of the woman had beyond long hair, braided into one or two braids. Most men’s hair was shoulder length, some even much longer. Occasionally, you’d find a man with the thickets beard you’ve ever seen.

  Not to mention their eccentric armour or their regular rags decorated in the most fascinating way.

  Doyelna was home to the savages sailing the seas these days. The villagers call them Vikings. The fine wooden carvings and structures only strengthened the idea.

  Oh! And there was that smell of typical pig and chicken… I failed to fight back a cringe.

  The town was silent but for the sound of crackling fires, but it was soon interrupted by deafened sounds erupting from a nearby tavern. We approached it in hope of finding Yoldrig within.

  We stopped outside the tavern.

  A single weathered wooden sign hung from above. It read:

  The Prancing Goblin.

  I was questioning the very name, but I figured it was either The Prancing Goblin or the inn, Oden’s Fish n’ Beds. I figured this one to be the best option.

  “Odd name…” Nemtris murmured with her gaze focused on the sign.

  “It kind of reminds me of a tavern I once visited in Suntaria,” I started, memories coming to mind, “They call it The Dancing Dwarf. I advise you not to go in there. I once found a dwarf nibbling on my ankle. I found it strange to tickle instead of agonizing pain. I shortly understood as soon as we drank an earthworm float together. Turns out ole Boris lost most his teeth during the fight to regain Suntaria. Poor guy was shot out of a catapult…”

  I stopped the moment I noticed both Justin and Nemtris to be staring at me with questioning expressions.

  “Oh, sorry. I got carried away there,” I apologized with an innocent smile planted on my lips.

  “You think?” Nemtris answered sassily. I frowned as my eyes narrowed into an uncomfortable stare.

  “Watch it, dead-breath. I can always send you back to Elimor.”

  Before I knew it, both her hands were held akimbo, ready to insult again. I found it hard not to think of the words: Take cover!

  “Well, anything would be better than traveling with you bloats. Perhaps I could persuade Kilmore to-”

  “Leave their bodies at peace!” I rapidly interjected. There was a moment of silence as I shook my head in doubt. I couldn’t help but sigh and mutter, “Gosh, you’re worse than Tarauntis!”

  I returned my gaze to the sign.

  On to the business at hand… perhaps it would be wise to take care of safety precautions first before entering the lion’s den. I swung around and looked at my little group.

  “Listen up.” I said, sounding rather strict as I clapped my hands together. Both Nemtris and Justin leaned in closer to listen. The only difference between the two at the moment was that Nemtris didn’t seem interested.

  “Nemtris, it would be best if you try to stay as unnoticeable as possible. I mean it! And Justin… I know you’re used to gentle flutes and songs usually played by your elven brethren, but this…” I paused for a second or two to study his expression. I noticed he was eager to hear what I was about to say. It was clear that curiosity had his eyes widened.

  “This is the real world, kid. It’s harsh out here. Try to stay out of this and be ready to expect anything!”

  It felt like one of those moments when explaining the terrors of reality to the newest and youngest soldier about to go into war.

  As I took a deep breath, ready to face the terrors of The Prancing Goblin, Nemtris interrupted my courage by saying, “Where is Ramses?”

  Shocking. It actually looked as though she might have cared.

  “I would not like to be taken by surprise.”

  Moment gone.

  I gave a proud smirk. “Oh, I parked him in the stables just outside town.”

  Nemtris raised an eyebrow, filled with inquiry and uncertainty.

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

  “No, but it was the only thing I could think of at the moment.”

  Without another word I stepped forth in direction of the tavern and gestured my companions to follow me inside.

  I never thought it to be necessary to wear a helmet when in a local tavern, but The Prancing Goblin proved me wrong. A mug filled with ice cold beer hit the wall right beside me and smashed into million glass shards.

  I covered myself from the impact by lifting my arms to shield myself, but luckily I remained unscathed.

  Even though the sudden flying beer, I have to admit that these barbarians knew how to party!

  Savages occupied almost every table littered with dirty plates, various mugs, other drinks, a candle or two that were forced into an unfortunate skull and left over pieces of food, mostly meat such as venison, fowl and fish.

  Crowds of thugs filled the tavern to the brim and the mugs kept on flying nonstop. I think I even saw a drunkard hanging from the chandelier.

  The chandelier’s candles were mostly melted and reached the iron frame, dripping onto the wooden floorboards.

  Well, I can’t lie, the chandelier really did a great job with lighting.

  In this case, I do believe that the lighting was necessary; for it is essential to see where the target is you wish to punch.

  Before I could grab a mug and join the uncontrollable chaos, Justin reminded me of the little sanity I had left. Besides, I think it might be for the best… I can honestly say that I have injured more than a few men with only a metal mug at hand.

  Perhaps it would be best if I rather stayed focused on the task at hand.

  Within the loud noise of the crowds and flirting women, I could hear the sound of a single lute playing. The rhythm was calm and each cord was played perfectly. I was mesmerized by the song’s heavenly tune, but the singing was a complete different case. It filled me with horror and despair.

  Was I scarred for life? Nothing is impossible…

  I pushed my way through the masses, trying to keep Justin and Nemtris close by, but obviously I lost Nemtris along the way. I found her to be flirting with a group of men, but I decided to leave her be. I really didn’t have time for this and only wished for a quick escape before I could get sent to the Realm of the Void again by hazardous beer.

  It was already taunting me.

  I was starting to think that Oden’s Fish n’ Beds wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Well, ignoring the strong stench of rotten seafood escaping from the windows that is.

  I’d rather be cautious of that since I saw some homeless vagrants unconscious in the dark alleyway close by.

  At least Justin stayed loyal and remained by my – and I lost him too.

  I gave a miserable sigh right before I tried to ignore the crisis and confront this brilliant bard.

  The bard took his place at the edge of the bar, singing as though he might have been a professional.

  My advice: keep dreaming, Twinkletoes!

  Great choice of nickname since this guy just loved to jump and leap around, playing his lute, ignoring those unnaturally tight brown tights of his. His boots were a dark brown and reached his knees. He wore a rather loose white shirt with a weathered purplish waistcoat with the middle tide together with black twine. His hair hung loose, neatly combed.

  The bard played a famous tune, perhaps known as Greensleeves, and began to sing.

  Oh, hear ye, hear ye, I sing my song

  For the faith of ye ole men and far

  For hearts as brave and bold as stories once told

  For a hero with a soul o
f gold

  Hear ye, hear ye

  My song of the days of old,

  For the faith of ye ole men.

  Without warning a drumstick flew through the air and hit the poor bard in the face.

  Throwing ye meat at a bard is a bad omen!

  He sang harshly as he brushed a piece of aged fish from his shoulder. I leaned on the bar and slid closer, clearing my throat for secretive attention.

  “Um, Yoldrig I presume?”

  The bard snorted and threw a piece of meat off his shoulder.

  “That would be Master Yoldrig to you, miss.”

  I shot him a doubted look right as his eyes met mine.

  “Not a chance.” Yoldrig sighed, clearly not up for this conversation. He was as vain as he was an idiot.

  “What do you want? Can’t you see that I am busy performing?”

  He played a single tune to prove his point. I shook my head in objection.

  “Before you let my eardrums burst, just hear me out, okay?”

  Of course this brilliant man had to hesitate before he could finally come to a final decision: listening to what this mere commoner had to say or not.

  “Yes?”

  “I want you to take me to Imperion.”

  Yoldrig looked a bit uncertain at first.

  “What do you mean?” I gave an impatient sigh. “You know very well what I mean. Take me to him and I promise that you shall be rewarded most handsomely.”

  Yoldrig shook his head as he shrugged, “I am sorry, but I assure you that I haven’t got the slightest clue about what you are blabbering on about.”

  I question the people who dared to drive my patience… Oh, he’s gonna get it!

  Before Yoldrig could torture others with his song once again, I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer with all the force I could muster. Suffocation was always a bright matter to deal with someone who’s uncooperative. I didn’t even require the need for words. Instead I shot him a deadly stare, which seemed to frighten him.

  “Alright! Alright! I’ll take you to the ole scaly fella! Just let go of me!”

  With a sinister smile of satisfaction, I let go of his collar and gave him a moment to catch his breath.

  “But first we’ll have to make a stop at Hayley.” I shot one last glance at Yoldrig who was leaning against the counter, coughing. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “Come on. Let’s go. I don’t have all week.”

  I made my way towards the exit, gathering my group as I enhanced onwards, giving Yoldrig a chance to catch up once he was done taking pieces of foul to the face. I could honestly say, on behalf of all the barbarians spending their nights at the tavern, ridding them of Yoldrig was probably the greatest miracle since Sir Daniel slayed Thorodan and Knight Draco releasing the people of Ysellian from the slavery of King Mordos.

  By the time we reached the stables, we noticed a man to be taking ‘inventory’. The man seemed to be counting the horses to himself.

  “Horse, horse, horse, horse, tiger, horse, horse. Wait!”

  His finger swiftly swept across the stables until pointing directly at the tiger.

  “There’s a horse missing.” I smiled and whistled. Ramses was sure to run him over and come to my side. That horse was never to be seen again…

  CHAPTER 10

  ABNORMAL, NO LIES

  CARLAYLIN

  “ACT NORMAL,” I whispered to the others, but as I looked back over my shoulder I said, “Oh, who am I kidding?” It’s true! If you were traveling with a tiger, a pessimist elf, a half-dressed egoistic necromancer and a tone death bard, people might start asking questions.

  It was about morning – a few days later – and the skies were somewhat peppered by clouds. Blue sky was still visible and sunlight still tried to force its way through. At the moment we were hiding ourselves behind one of the forest trees, masked by the forest shadows as we stared at the large stone bridge that stretched across the moat, leading to Hayley. The gates to the city were heavily guarded, but hopefully nothing I couldn’t handle.

  “Is this really necessary?” Nemtris whined.

  “Yes! Now stop complaining and follow my lead!” I gestured them to follow.

  Once we reached the gates, as expected, the guards stopped us in our tracks.

  “Halt! Where do you think you’re going?”

  I shot them a nonchalant stare.

  “Um, in there?”

  The guard straightened himself. “I am sorry, but I will not allow you to enter this city!” Before any arguments could begin and get out of hand and we end up getting ourselves thrown into the abyss or the moat, I got a brilliant plan… as usual.

  “Uh, Yoldrig. Perhaps your talented singing can help change this man’s mind. Care to entertain us?” Yoldrig was the happiest man in Ysellian the soon as he heard that someone actually appreciated his ‘much adored’ talent, but the others kept their distances.

  “Days have passed, oh, days have gone, but twas nothing for the man from Alfaron. He killed a griff, caught the whiff and jumped off a cliff, but yet twas nothing for the man from Alfaron!”

  The guards’ expressions were those of eternal horror. Not only was his singing bad, but his lyrics… don’t let me get started!

  “Let us enter Hayley!” I demanded over the sound of screeching… sorry… singing.

  “Never!”

  Tough ones, aren’t we? No worries, I knew that they would soon break. At least one of the two gave in eventually.

  “Oh, by all that is holey, make it stop!”

  I gave a sly grin as I leaned in closer, both arms folded. “Perhaps I could be of service, but…”

  “Fine!” he one snapped, “If you make him stop we will let you enter the city!”

  I gave a smile of satisfaction. “Hey, Yoldrig!” The bard paused and faced me. “Yes?” I gave him a warm grin. “Put a cork in it! I think these gents have had enough of your brilliance… for now.”

  Luckily, the bard was obedient. It made up for the lack of talent. Look, I have nothing against the guy. His lute skills were impeccable, but the rest…? Nope.

  We entered Hayley, attracting more than enough attention, especially Yoldrig unable to stop singing. At least he stopped when he ‘mysteriously’ disappeared in one of these dark alleys alongside Nemtris.

  Unfortunately, I needed him and went back to untie him.

  We wandered bewilderedly through the cold streets. It felt rather strange to be within the crowds of a largely populated city once again. Perhaps I was mostly used to a company of just a few or at least a measly town with more than enough barbarians and taverns to keep myself busy with.

  I missed the days when I could pick out a fight with any savage I chose, sending them from whence they came… meaning to one of the back seats of the tavern that is.

  Anyways, we had the brilliant idea of stopping by at Terrowin’s house, but first we needed to find it.

  This was, quite in fact, my very first stop in Hayley. It was impressive yes, to my astonishment, but to be honest, I had no idea where I was going.

  This is where I gave Ramses his moment to shine.

  I withdrew an arrow from my belt. It was the same arrow that was once lodged in Terrowin’s shoulder. It was Thomason’s, but no doubt it would lead us straight to the House of Belanos. How did I know Terrowin’s last name?

  He talked in his sleep.

  I gave Ramses a chance to thoroughly sniff the arrow, especially the hard bits of blood on the tip. What? I’m no cleaning lady.

  “Go, boy! Take us to Terrowin’s house!” Before Ramses had the chance to take action, Nemtris stepped forward in protest.

  “I have held my mouth for far too long. This isn’t part of the deal!”

  Yoldrig stepped forth to join her, saying, “For once, I agree with the necromancer.”

  I clenched my hands into fists.

  “Firstly: Yoldrig, I told you that we were going to make a stop here.” It seemed as though the bard
was starting to recall. “Oh yeah.”

  I turned to face Nemtris.

  “And secondly: You follow me by my orders!”

  Nemtris raised an eyebrows in disbelief.

  “Your orders? Who made you the leader of this party?!”

  “I did the soon as I formed this posse!” I paused to take a deep breath, trying to stay calm not let my anger get out of control. The last thing I wanted was for them to lose their respect for me.

  “Look. Want to see Merlin again? Then I suggest you’d rather shut it. And you-”

  I turned to face Yoldrig to give him one final warning.

  “Watch your actions. I’m the only one keeping you alive.”

  “From who?”

  “From me!”

  There was a moment of silence and Yoldrig looked as though he had seen the devil himself.

  “Now, any questions?” No one dared to say another word.

  “Good.” I ducked down to meet Ramses face to face.

  “Come on, boy. Take us to Terrowin.” As expected, Nemtris just couldn’t keep quiet and said, “Can’t we just leave him? He-” I instantly stood and shot my hand out to her. “Hey! I need him.”

  Nemtris was at a loss for words and crossed her arms. “Fine,” she sighed miserably.

  I could only imagine what would happen when Terrowin met his murderer…

  Ramses didn’t hesitate to immediately take us there. He began to sniff the streets and followed the path. On our way we seemed to have passed a house familiar to me. Familiar, meaning the name I knew was written on a wooden sign that jutted out from the paving.

  PASS AT OWN RISK – THYSERIS

  Thyseris…

  I quickly froze in my tracks.

  “Go on ahead,” I started as I stared at the house, “I’ll meet you there. I have something to deal with first.”

  Fortunately, the group didn’t dare ask, nodded and continued their way. It wouldn’t be hard to find them. The tiger made it pretty obvious.

  I swiftly popped by at that certain person’s house, leaving my companions elsewhere of course.

  I decided since I was in Hayley, I might as well stop by Thyseris’ house. He was the man who had hired me to kill Edward in the first place and now…? I wanted my money.