A bite of Deception

 “What do you make of ‘em?” Tom asked as they scooped hay down to the horses.

     “Well, they’re different that’s for sure.” Draven said. “But by the looks of ‘em they’ll pay good an’ I bet ‘ole Bard is already spinning new tales of their daring deeds.”

     And so he was. When Draven and Tom came back in they found the five knights sitting in front of the fire, drinking ale and laughing gaily. At least half of the town sat in the small dining area of the inn listening with rapt attention to the handsome knight as he told a tale of how he single handedly slew a dragon with nothing but a broken sword and his wits to protect him.

    “If he had just his wits to protect him then I’m surprised that he’s still alive.” Someone said. Draven turned to see Astrid standing next to him with another round of ale in her hands. “They’ve been at it for hours and I fear there’s no chance of them stopping until morning.”

     “Aye, they do seem to like to talk.” Draven said.

     “Still, he is rather handsome. Don’t you think?” Astrid asked as she gazed at the tall knight dreamily.

     Draven resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “A handsome face does you no good if you have nothing to back it up.”

      “Aye, that be true enough.” Astrid said as she glided into the dining room and set the ale on the table next to the knights. Draven scanned the room until he saw Bard sitting in the corner and hanging onto every word that was being said. Draven sat next to him and listened with half hearted interest to more of the knights’ fantastic tales.

    “What brings you to these mountains?” The innkeeper asked later that night when things had settled down some.

     Sir Pellaus leaned back in his chair and stared into the fire for several minutes before he spoke. “Let me tell one final tale this night.” He said in a low voice. “Long ago, in these very mountains, there lived a great king. He ruled over a peaceful kingdom and for many years they lived in happiness; but happiness is never meant to last. For the peace of this kingdom was hard won with many a sacrifice. The king made many enemies, especially in a king from the south.

     “Now this king had heard about the fairness and beauty of the mountain kings daughter and wanted her for his own. He offered half of his kingdoms riches as well as never ending trade between the two countries in exchange for the girls hand in marriage. But the mountain king refused, for she was already engaged to a prince from the lowlands.  

     “Angered, the southern king sent his mightiest sorceress to lay a curse on the princess and her father. The sorceress set them and the whole castle into a deep sleep from which they would never awaken, except by true loves first kiss; for true love, she believed, didn’t exist.

     “And so, with the gates of the castle sealed tight, the people from the surrounding towns and villages left to seek their fortunes in the lower lands. And no one has dared venture near there in hundreds of years. In fact many have forgotten that it even exists. However there still is one family that remembers. My ancestor was the prince that was betrothed to the princess and the story has been passed down from generation to generation in the hopes that someday someone will be able to rescue the princess and restore honor to the family’s name. Now it has come my turn to search for this lost kingdom and reclaim my rightful inheritance.” Upon finishing Sir Pellaus declared that they would stay in Nazov for three more days before resuming their quest. They soon retired to their rooms and the dining area slowly emptied as everyone headed back to their homes.

     “What do you make of it, lad?” Bard asked when they were alone.

     “I think they’re fantastic tales made to make them sound brave when in fact they’re all selfish cowards.” Draven said.

     “Of course they are, lad, that’s what all the old heroes were. See, its bards like me who make them great.” He pulled on his pipe then blew smoke rings to the ceiling. “But alas, this is one adventure that I am unable to go on. Nay, I need someone young and strong to go for me and tell me exactly what happens.” He glanced at Draven out of the corner of his eye. “You wouldn’t know anyone willing to help an old friend out, would you?” He casually leaned forward and dumped the ashes from his pipe into the fire.

     Draven sighed. “Very well. I’ll go, even though I believe it to be a fool’s quest.”

     Bard grinned and leaned back in his chair. “Aren’t they all, lad? Aren’t they all.”