And from the dark he risesThe Room is dark, The smell of wheat, stale alcohol, an vomit fills the room. A knock at the door…From an unseen male voice.” think he is alive.” a female voice answers ” the bar girl says he was, when he paid her” ” knock again…….”
the knock is repeated. A mug shatters as it hits the door. “yep he’s alive”. Mumbles and the sound of crashing bottles, and swearing can be heard. The female asks, ” should we go in?” the male voice replies, ” ya its almost sun up, we should be off.” The Female replies, ” like he will be able to ride in this condition”. The male answers, “He lives, he can ride”
Hearing the knock at the door and the Words he grabs a mug and throws it. It smashes, ringing in his head He thinks …… Not a great idea,. . …. another night of nightmares, …… the black sleep of the dead, . . did I pay her last night, . . did I pay my mead bill, . . . how the hell did I end up in a bed. . this day will suck. . . As the door opens the Light washes over him. SHUT THE DAMN DOOR he groans as the two enter the room. . .
The door closes, the male speaks. ” we ride in a short order. throw up and be done with it or drink more your, choice”. The female replies” More drink, he drank enough to kill 12 men. You want him to drink more?”
I raise up. “I did not drink enough to kill 12 men for I’m still alive,. . . why I have no idea.”. Issue is he knows why he is alive. . . I look over to the night table. Grabbing a bottle of tablets. I pours out a few and toss them in my mouth. I swallows them down with stale mead.
The male voice answers yes, that’s the answer, more pills that will do it. Look Ranger you and the Elf know this is me. You still ride with me… The Ranger’s about as tall as a strong horse. He is keen of eye. Bearded and speaks little. Light chain mail shirt. A thin jerkin covers him, all in a forest brown.
She is of Elvin decent skilled in many thing. prayers. daggers. the bow. A fine chain armor shines. a fine bow across her back. short sword hang at her hip. .
The Ranger draws the drapes. I role over to avoid the light. The Ranger speaks. It still amazes me how you vanish in shadows,. . . Its a gift. Gray, can I ask WHY the hell we are riding at this hour. . . The Gray replies well your little brawl last night will not go over to well and we have a job. . “Joy” I reply “what is it this time” I mumble. Will talk on the way. “Fine go get the food and I will armor up”. . The two leave the room. . . From my saddle bag I pull out an Image stone and set it upon the table. The stone comes to life and there is a tall woman, Long dark hair pale skin and fangs can be seen. The curves of a stunning woman can be observed. It speaks ” I love you ” is all it says.
I rise from the bed, bones crack and snap in to place. . scars from many battles can be seen. The scars in my mind are worse. . The woman, Vampire really. Is my,.. It does not matter . . . In the silver glass I see a heavy man of many seasons long flowing hair. Closing the shades it becomes clear why I disappear in the shadows. I grab my Armor, leather chain, leather pants riding boots I sling my twin short swords over my shoulder. my Ear ring where the hell is it . . tossing the table to the side there it is and adds it back to my ear. I have few items left. My armor, my two mystical swords, a ring of protection the ear ring and a chains of charms around my neck. That’s all I have left after the . . . Again it does not matter… Placing the Image stone back in the saddle bag along with the tablets, pouch of gold. I tossing 3 gold coins on the table “I pity the chamber wench that has to clean this place”.
I descend the stairs to enter the main room of the tavern. Blood can be seen on the floor. Leers from the staff and owner as I enter the room. The Ranger speaks. “and you say I have a bad way with taverns”. I reply “do you ever not have to point out the obvious”. Its “My gift” is his retort. The owner rambles over. . “you, your a menace, beating them half to death, all the mead, the broken chairs and tables….”. Oh do shut up Rastan. Just give me the damn bill and shut your hole”,… Is my only reply. Rastan looks me over and says “50 gold!” “Rastan. I could as easily kill you as pay”. Yes Airister you could. But when you and the riders need a place to stay, would you stay then?”. “He has a point.” Pipes in the Ranger,… “He is always good for a bed and a Pint.” “Who’s side are you On Ranger? mine or Rastan’s ?” ” Well that’s Obvious. his. now pay the man and lets be off.”…”Fine Ranger.” “Airister. You know You caused the fight. Now pay up and shut up..” I toss Rastan the 50 gold. “that is also to cover when the constable comes asking questions.” “Fine, fine. Airister I would have taken 30 for it all but. 50 works.”. . . I mumble “I would have paid 100. I wonder off…”
The light hurts my eyes. 4 mounted riders await. A Paladin in bright shining armor, a thief in stolen garb, the Elf and The Gray Ranger. With distain the Paladin looks over. I see it was another drunk’n night for you. “Look metal man not all of us live by an honor code.” Is my only reply. The Thief laughs. The elf shakes her head. The Ranger just tosses his head to my horse. My horse, a mount as black as night. Its eyes are like coal. ill tempered much like its rider….. As they ride out of town.
A woman looks out the tavern doors a large gem in her hand. A queens ransom its value. Her pay. For a night with Airister. She wont speak of the words, his screams in the night. The changes he goes through in the dark. The verbal abuse she takes from him. No she is well paid. Knows he will return and it will all happen again….
The_dragon_hide 