From Blood and Magic

by Dave Skinner

  As the horse moved slowly along the street, people stopped what they were doing to stare. Brayson could see that the rider was a big-person, so drawing the attention of the people he passed was not surprising, but he was surprised when people started following along behind. Brayson got up from his chair and walked around the inn until he could see the doors of the barn.

  “Timit,” he called. “We have a customer coming.”

  Timit was one of Brayson and Moiya’s sons. He had inherited his father’s ability with animals, which led him to become their stable master. Timit appeared in the doorway to the barn and, in a few moments, he stepped up beside Brayson.

  “Big horse,” Timit said.

  “Big man,” Brayson added.

  “Why are people following him?”

  “I have no idea.” Brayson looked around. “Where is your brother?”

  “I sent him to the blacksmith’s for nails. There he is.” Timit pointed down the street.

  Brayson saw his youngest son, Paulson, running past the rider and then racing up the road. He skidded to a stop in front of them. Brayson could now hear that the crowd behind the rider was chanting something.

  “What are they saying?” he asked Paulson.

  “Savior,” Paulson replied.

  “What does that mean?” Timit asked.

  Brayson’s face split into a grin at the possibility that came to mind. A few moments later, the man was close enough to make out his features, and eventually the horse stopped in front of Brayson and the man stepped down from the saddle.

  His face was lined, the eyes sunk deeper than Brayson remembered, and the top part of one ear was missing. The forehead was wrinkled, and there was a scar down one cheek as far as the upper lip. It made the lip curl up when he smiled.

  “Hello, Brayson,” Nails said.

  Brayson stepped forward and wrapped his arms around his friend. He could feel tears starting.

  “Nails, it is so good to see you. Where have you been?”

  “To the end of the world,” Nails said. “I have many stories to tell, but first, tell me why all these people are chanting savior?”

  “Most of these people were saved from the Empire. I think they recognized you. Welcome to Nailsville, my friend, the city built with Empire gems.”

  The End