|
|
| Story |
 
|
(Page 3 of 6) Mage Wind by Jason DammanYou'd be more valuable to us alive.'
I scooped up a fork full. I ate slowly, lingering on every bite, letting the taste of cooked fish fill my body. I immediately felt better. My head felt clear again. I sat by the fireplace with the two men, their eyes continually fixed on me.
'So, whats your story,' I asked Perin.
'Well, young master,' said Perin, 'when I was younger, about five and thirty years old, I was venturing to Isaar to begin a new life. I fought in the old wars, against Orc's in Ghorn. My division lost, when we returned home we were turned away at the gates. I travelled to Isaar. I knew I could find refuge there. Halfway to Isaar, I found a village called Prin and the village was being used and guarded by Orc's for reasons, I do not know of. I found a small battle outfit that called themselves FreeLand and Alba was in this group. The battle that we had with the Orc's was long and bloody. Alba and myself were the only survivors as the village was burn't to the ground. Alba had no place to go as he was a slave in Ghell, so I took him in and we have lived here quite comfortably ever since.'
Alba sat staring into the coals of the fire while listening.
'I originally lived in Ghell. My family decided to move to the Old Lands and help fight for freedom. I haven't seen them since the bloodbath in Ghorn.'
Alba got a tear in his eye and wiped it away. 'Maybe they are alive, I do not know.'
A sadness then came over me and I longed for my own family, even though I didn't even remember them.
'And what of you young master?' asked Perin.
'Well,' I began, 'I was born into slavery. Up untill now I have lived and slaved in Isaar. My mother and father both died from disease before the old wars.'
I stared out the window that overlooked a garden. I longed for adventure but I also wished I could stay here in this little house and live out my life with these men, but, that wasn't going to happen and I knew it.
As the sun was setting low behind the hills, Alba came through the front gate with two black horses.They were both strong and woulded have costed Alba plenty but it was a necessity for the trip to Welterra.
'You can have this one,' said Alba as he handed me the reigns of the horse on his left. 'Give him a name as he will be your most trusted travel companion. Speaking of names, what is yours?'
I looked at him blankly. 'My name is Gellin, a common name among slaves. I prefer the name of Gennady. If someone knew my real name they'd be sure to capture me and sell me back to the slave pits of Isaar.'
'I have no intention of selling you. You must learn to trust me as no trust in a travel companion could kill us both. The road is long and hard, especially on virgin travellers. Stick by me and you will be safe, dare to cross me and I will kill you instantly.'
I stared at Alba. He was right in what he said. I lead my horse to a wooden fence and tied him there. I still had to pack food for the journey and Alba hadn't even packed a sleeping mat yet. I was beginning to think we wouldn't bew leaving untill tomorrow morning.
| |
|
|
|
(13 ratings)