Forged In Dragons' Breath by Michael Lomonte

Author:Michael Lomonte [Lomonte, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-11T16:00:00+00:00

As they drew nearer to the village, Kheldour scouted for a place to camp their party for the night. He chose a small farm with a large barn that looked to be better kept than the farmhouse was. The fences were in some disrepair. There was no evidence of children. Here is a poor farmer who puts more of his earnings into his animals than he does into his own well-being. A couple of silvers should do. He produced three silver coins and summoned Elton, the least intimidating of them, to approach the farmer and offer to buy shelter in the barn for the night.

After several minutes, Elton returned.

“The man has just recently buried two children, his wife is ill and he cannot afford to pay for the village healer. He wants to know if we are willing to pay five,” came the report.

Bargaining away a sum that equals a season’s worth of crops. A sad story he tells, but if he were so hard up, he would jump at the offer. “Tell the man three. No more. There are plenty of other farmers nearby who could use the coin,” said Kheldour.

Elton shrugged and turned back. After another few moments, he returned with the following, “He will agree to the three if we will agree to stack his firewood ‘round back. Says he’s no one else to help.”

At this, Orvelle stepped up and announced, “The BEAR and I shall stack the wood, shan’t we?” with a raised eyebrow toward Balto. At Balto’s nod, he continued, “Let us commence then, my large hairy new friend.”

The thief led Balto to a haphazardly strewn pile of wood, immediately gathering a large armful and transporting it around the side of the barn, as if in challenge to the Bear. Balto scooped up twice as much and followed him around the back of the barn.

“I guess this is home for the night,” said Yrick, and the remaining three men led the horses to the barn.

Once the wood had been stacked and the horses’ needs taken care of, the men settled on piles of hay in an empty stall of the barn to stretch out and relax. After tonight, they will be in the wild lands. Predators, other beasts and halfmen would be about, which would necessitate night watch shifts. The only shelter from here on would be whatever nature could provide them. A good night’s rest was in order for all.

Balto had been the first to drift off. His first full day in the saddle had taken its toll on the man. He was followed by Elton, whose skills would become more necessary over the next few days. Orvelle had stayed up a while with Yrick and Kheldour, though he had seated himself apart from them. Mercifully quiet for a change, thought Yrick. Eventually, the thief lay back, turned over and began to snore, leaving the two old comrades awake.

It was not until several weeks after their return that the signs had started. Sir Andrew

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