Mage Wind by Jason Damman

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There was a small rusty pot placed on a hearth where a fire was smouldering. An old wooden chair was next to the bed, empty. The previous occupant could be heard in the next room, bustling about. The clanging of pots and closing of cupboards was all that could be heard from the next room. I felt weak, falling back down onto the pillow. I closed my eyes and tryed to take my mind off the throbbing pain which filled my head. The door creaked open and an old man stepped into the room. My eyes flickered open and I sat up abruptly.
'Ah, you're awake young master. My name is Perin. My son Alba found you by the road last night. All of your items are under the bed. I trust you shall find it all there, for myself and my son don't steal.'
Perin walked over to the window and closed the curtains.
'Get some rest and we shall talk again soon. Alba has gone fishing so lunch won't be far off. There is water in the billy if you feel like getting up. I have some affairs to attend in Isaar so you'll be alone for an hour or so, until Alba comes in.'
My head ached and my ribs were sore. I needed to leave. I needed to be back on the road as soon as possible. I was to tired to think about it to much. So I made the decision. After some rest, I will leave and get as far away from Issar as possible.

Alba came in, some time after I had nodded off for the fourth time, with a grand supply of fish. He entered the room when I was asleep and begun to cook the fish for lunch. Perin came in when Alba had finished cooking, and together they ate and talked happily in front of the fire. I woke up, coughing gingerly.
'Ah. The young master is awake. Just in time for lunch,' said Perin. 'This man is a slave of Isaar. He bares the tatoo, recieved from child birth,' said Alba.
I sat up quickly and threw the sheets back. I fumbled for my rucksack under the bed and heaved it onto my shoulders.
'Wait!' boomed Alba. 'We have no intention of reporting you. I found you last night and I knew you were an Isaarian slave. That didn't stop me from saving you. I took you in to help you, not to use you as a pawn for my own fortune.' I stared at Alba. I started thinking. Slowly, I removed the rucksack from my shoulders and lowered it down onto the bed. I then slumped into the wooden chair next to me and sighed. Why would these people think of taking in a slave? Surely they knew of the consequences of helping one. I have nothing to offer them so why would they wanting me eating their food and drinking their ale?
'Don't fret young master,' said Perin, 'soon, Alba is going to Welterra to deliver some papers to Prince Treen, you can go with him at sunset. Alba will protect you. He has some battle experience though he may not be able to fend off three men on horseback. Before you leave, get plenty of rest. If you grow bored, come into the kitchen and we can exchange stories and drink merrily untill you have to leave.'
Perin dished out some fish onto a plate and handed it to me.
'Eat, you will feel better.'
I took the plate and sniffed at it.
'Just eat.' Said Alba, 'we wouldn't poison you.