The Bard

There weren’t always dragons in the valley, Korey thought to himself. But in recent weeks there have been reports of not just one but two dragons flying over valley. Korey knows that the valley is the only way to the Shadowfall Keep. If he is to get the spell he needs to cure his Ethereal Scratch, he must figure out a way through the valley and past those dragons. The Shadowfall Keep is home to the Shadowfall Warriors, a group of mercenary soldiers for hire. They are the best warriors from across the land. If you are a fighter of any kind, from any tribe, you want to be a Shadowfall Warrior. The Shadowfall are considered by most the most prestigious group in all of Alora.

Just when Korey thought all hope was lost, his wishes were answered when his good friend Gren walked in. Well maybe not good friend, but he is a friend Korey thought. Either way, this is the bards only chance to make into the keep, find the shaman women Takala and cure his affliction. At least it’s the only scenario he sees where he doesn’t die trying. Korey walks over to the giant barbarian man.

“Gren, my friend, am I glad to see you.” Gren reaches for the tall mug of ale that was just brought over to him and in one long gulp he empties the mug. He slides the mug back to the bartender and motions for another.

“I told you before, we ain’t friends.” Gren says in a gruff voice.

“Oh, come on, how many adventures have we gone on together, five, six? We are practically partners.”

“It’s been one.” The barbarian says. “And I never asked you to come, you just followed me through the woods singing your stupid songs.” The bard was slightly offended by that last comment but that didn’t stop him from asking for the Grens help anyway.

“Alright alright, I can pay you.” Korey says in a long exasperated voice. He knows how this works. He’s not stupid and knows that Gren and the rest of these barbarian types are only interested in one thing, money. “I can pay you two gold marks.”

“Make it five and you have yourself a deal” Gren says after gulping down the second mug of ale.

“Five gold.” Korey says in disbelief. “That’s robbery!”

“I can show you robbery if you prefer.” Gren says with a grin, cracking his knuckles.

“Fine” Korey says in an irritated voice. “Two now and the rest when the job is done.” The bard reaches into his sack and pulls out a leather coin purse. He places two gold coins next to the barbarian’s giant hand. Gren grabs the coins and placing them in his pouch.

“So, what’s the job?” He asks,

“Oh, it will be easy. All you must do is go with me to Shadowfall Keep.”

“Shadowfall Keep?” Gren says. “What does someone like you want with the Shadowfall?” “There’s someone there I need to talk to about a spell.” Gren looks over at the bard with disbelief.

“You want to cross the valley?” Gren asks. “The same valley that’s been surrounded by not just one dragon, but two, you’re crazy. That’s a death wish.”

“That’s why you’re coming with me. Are you telling me a big, angry barbarian like you is afraid of a couple dragons?” Korey says, playfully punching Gren on the shoulder.

“Afraid? No. I’m also not stupid. Make it double and you have yourself a deal.” Korey sits in silence for a moment scratching at his chest. He knows this is the only way to cure his affliction. He decides he has no other choice but to pay the man and reaches back into his purse and pulls out three more gold coins and slams them onto the counter.

“Deal, the other half when we get back.” Korey says, feeling hopeful.

Both Gren and Korey get up from the wooden stools and Korey extends his hand to the barbarian. Gren’s hand devours the bard’s tiny hand in his. He picks the smaller man into the air with a bear hug and swings him back and forth. Gren places Korey back on the floor and sees the bard’s shirt ripped at the collar.

“Sorry about that.” Gren says. Korey ignores the barbarian’s apology and frantically tries to pull his shirt up over his exposed chest. Gren notices a stone sized black and crimson mark on Korey’s chest.

“You’re a lot more delicate than I thought.” Gren says with a giant belly laugh.

“It’s ok, lets just go. I want to get this over with as soon as possible.” Korey tries to rush to the door leading out of the tavern but can’t move. Gren has him by the back of his shirt and pulls him back. Gren notices the sudden change in the bard’s demeanor and wants to know what’s going on.

“You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what’s really going on.” The playfulness in Gren’s voice is now gone.

“Ok, ok. That healer in Shadowfall, her name is Takala. She’s the only healer I know that has a spell that will heal me.”

“Heal you from what? What’s that mark on your chest?”

“It’s an Ethereal Scratch.” Korey says, looking down at the floor. Gren jumps up from the stool in a panic.

“You have an Ethereal Scratch.” Gren screams. “Deals off.” Gren reaches into his pouch and pulls the five gold coins back out and throws them at the bard. Two of the coins bounce off Korey and fall to the floor. Gren runs out of the tavern with the other patrons close behind. The bartender yells at Korey to get out and never come back. Korey bends down and grabs one of the coins off the floor. A hand with the other gold coin reaches out to Korey and places the coin in his hand. He looks up and sees a beautiful young woman standing in front of him. She is tall and has a slim but toned figure. What Korey notices first though is the women’s long fiery red hair. The fire haired women has a wooden bow strapped to her back and a quiver of arrows at her side. She offers her hand to Korey and helps him to his feet.

“I hear you’re looking for some help.” The mystery woman says with a smile.