Matthew shuffled uneasily, not sure of what to make of this strange man who had sworn to acompany him on his travels.

"how do I know that I can trust you Rauxbak?" He asked.

Rauxbak looked sad and there was a long pause before he replied, "again it is a long story but the reason is thus; my family too were captured and tortured and also slain by the same king who's army killed your people, I escaped but only just as I was sorely wounded. From then i have roamed the land fighting for juistic and freedom. you have my word as a Wizard and a Mage and also that of a person who too has seen many terrible things and will do anything to free this land." As Rauxbak finished a single tear ran from his eye and fell down his cheek.

"I take your word and I am very grateful for your help and the skills you will be able to provide." Replied Matthew before both men fell into a silence as they both shared one anothers grief.

An hour later the two companions had broke camp and had set off on there travels heading yet again in an easterly direction towards the thriving city of Armand.

after a further two days if hard travel with little trouble, Matthew and Rauxbak reached the city of Armand. Both men were tired and so they decided to rest awhile in an inn before meeting the cities leader, Governor Volk, to warn him of the terror roaming the lands.

As they passed the city gates they noticed that the civillians had a scared and worried look about them. People where glancing about themselves looking terrifid and there was an unusual amount  of soliders on patrol in the city.

"something bad has happend here." Noted Rauxbak nodding towards the the glances hat the locals were giving the newcomers. "we need to speak to the govenor as soon as we can before the army arrives, so they have time to fortify themselves and get the women and children to safety."

They wandered the streets of the city trying to find an inn that would be suitable for them to stop in. Finally they settled on a tavern that looked cheery enough.

The barman was a grave looking fellow wearing glasses perched on his nose. He had a heavy set build and grey beard and scruffy shoulder length brown hair flecked with grey. He was wearing a grubby looking apron that was in dire need of a wash and he was polishing some tankards with a cloth.

"wha' can ah do fer yer?" he muttered, putting down the glass he had been polishing for the last five minutes and eyeing the strangers suspisiously.

"we need a place to stay for a few nights kind sir, we have travelled far and we are bone weary. Do you have a room?" Inquired Matthew.

"ah might do. Wha' you want round 'ere anyways? 'Cause you certainly ain't from these parts"

"We've travelled from the East and we need to talk to the governor about an urgent matter."

The bartender guffawed loudly, "yer gonnae have hard time. Volk's bin dead past six weeks. Murdered by the kings men they say. they's lookin' fer summat methinks, killed a fair few Dwarves too. I heard from the gossip in 'ere that one of the tribes cheiftains was also slain. So yer can imagine wha' the other cheiftains are like, they's fuming.

"Now the new gov'.......well he's a nasty piece of work. I heard teel that he tortures anyone who says bad agin him. i thinks his name is Sierk . Nasty piece of work i tell yer."

Matthew and Rauxbak exchanged worried looks.

"Would you be able to talk to us in private later? only you seem to know alot about the goings on in this cityadnwe would like to hear more." asked Rauxbak

"Aye lad, that would be a grand pleasure. Yore right though i do know quite alot of things that go on in this city. Guess it comes with twenty years as a barman hahahaha. By the way the Names Gregson, Charlie Gregson. Owner of this here Mucky Pig for the last eighteen years."

Charlie then lead the two travelers upstairs to a spare room and handed them a key. "supper will be served in about an hour if your hungry. you may join me and me wife." He smiled and went back downstairs.

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this is a book i am currently working on in my spare time. i am writing it on here to get other peoples opinions as i would at some point like to see if i can get this published :)
if anyone reads this and enjoys it and would like to leave me a few tips then feel free to.
i feel a bit selfish saying this but leave the story as i write it and i will try to update everyday to keep the story fresh :)
thankyou so much for reading the story all comments (good or bad) are greatly apprieciated
thankyou
Colleen Bray
bullfringe@hotmail.co.uk

updated Sep 5, 2008 by Colly