The Beast Uglig

Chapter 5- Nethemore

Erion and his slightly diminished company journeyed on for some days in the wild before they came to the land of Nethemore. Nethemore was a sand stone city, fair to behold yet some said it was rotten to the core for it was widely known that the King of these parts had not a heart of gold but one of snakes; cunning and treacherous. Erion was a little fearful of visiting this particular land because he was unsure of the welcome they would receive.

The company rode through Nethemore slowly and at first warily, their horses tossing their heads in frustration at being consigned to a sedate walking pace after having miles and miles of a free gentle canter.

"What are we doing here Erion?" Vidien had jostled his horse forward so that he was level with Vidien. "The King here is not one I would like to trust, he is not known for friendliness at the best of times and Imrandir and Nethemore haven't been on the best of terms of late."

"I know Vidien, pray do not take me for a fool. However the troop needs refreshment and we need to stock up on food and drink for the rest of the trip. For these reasons I am afraid this must be one of our stops." The crowd of people that had flocked to the streets to see the gentlemen from another land at that moment separated them so they had no further opportunity to discuss the halt.

Fifna gazed up in wonder at the great palace as they all approached. It was so grand it quite took his breath away. It was in quite a different style to the historic and slightly rambling castle in Deraim, it had been built but fifteen years ago when Nethemore had had a boom in trade and production and as such was stupendous. It was in sandstone (as was the rest of the city) and towered far above the surrounding buildings. The pathway towards it was decorated with ornate carvings of the Kings that had guarded the land since it was created by Imrandir and the lordship was gifted to Nadwen for his brave captainship in the great war between them and the land of Henquen and specifically for his exceptional conduct at the great battle of Gothfar fields. The entrance was as grand as the pathway, it was filled with pillars that reached to at least the second floor of the building and four guards stood in a constant state of readiness in front of the great doors.

As they rode up on their steeds the guards blocked their passage.

"I am prince Erion of Imrandir, son of Gwin the Kings, and I come here to seek rest on my journey to slay Uglig the beast that ransacks both our lands, surely that is a cause common to both our countries?"

"Yes, I dare say it is, but have you apprised our Lord and King of your intention to visit us; he was not, I think, expecting you." The guard clung obstinately to his purpose.

"No, he was not aware of mine intentions yet we have lived in peace for so many years, my family even founded this land, so I thought he was receive me into his care for but a few days." Erion spoke with a certain haughtiness and aloofness that he could, when he chose, assume, to mask his fears that they might be turned away like beggars from the front door of this inhospitable King!

Slightly overawed by this speech the captain gave way enough to send one of his men to discover what it was their King desired them to do with the visitors.

The youth, a short and stocky one, sent to inquire of the King what they would do came back shortly bearing with him the grateful news that the company were of course to be welcomed as friends, how could they expect otherwise? A great wave of relief swept over Eroin at these words and he smiled delightedly upon the somewhat scrubby bearer of this incredible news.

"Now please will you let us pass for my men and I are rather weary." Erion jumped down from his horse and the rest followed suit, they consigned their horses to the care of the stable boys who came rushing out to meet them and strolled into the palace.