Never Ending Tale

Chapter 7

It was a quiet night in the street. The only noise was a small tavern near the north river bridge.

“Another round for the guild members in the back!” A drunk man had climbed upon the bar and was waving a bag of gold around. Ignoring the drunks, I was able to overhear some other patrons talking about some enforcers leaving the city.

“Don't be crazy, They never leave the city.” one man said as he slammed his tankard down.

“I know what I saw, you twit. The large shadowy one got his buddies went after some girl that stole somethin’. Not just that but they came back with some guy. I think he started a fire or somethin’.” That's all I needed. I got up from my stool and started to leave. As I exited an Enforcer rode past me and glared at me. This one looked like his clothes were constantly smoldering.

“So they're not all ‘Shadowy’ as that guy put it.” I decided to head out of the city to see about this fire that was started and if anyone needed my help. On my way, I found two Enforcers dead by the river. Not far off I had found the remains of a camp. From there I followed wagon wheel tracks to a clearing.

“Oh hell.” The clearing was filled with ash. Scattered through the ash were belongings and equipment. A wagon sat near the entrance.

“So this was started by one guy? Seems unlikely.” as I looked around I found hoof prints. “A horse? Just one Enforcer? I thought there was more.” Looking around again I noticed that some trees were blown up. “Lightning? So there were more than one. I have a feeling that this wasn't one guy. Let's see, the Enforcers came in. At least a lightning and a fire, then obviously the shadow one.” By the look of the mess and the wagon, there was a whole party. There weren't any bodies.” From behind a bush, I heard rustling. Investigating led me to find the bodies. It was a pile of burnt corpses. I felt something rush past me. A cold chill went up my spine.

“Ghouls. Should have known they would mess with the dead.” Cautiously I left the clearing and returned to the city. I had to help the guy the Enforcers took.

“I knew they seemed out of place once I came to this city. But nowhere’s perfect.” Looking up at the sky it was almost noon. Had I really been out here for twelve hours?

“If I want to get there before something happens to this guy then I need to hurry.” I broke into a sprint. As I ran, mist spread from my feet. Not long after a trail of ice followed my feet.

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I have high hopes for this story. If anyone wants to continue with Aaquin in the story all you need to know is these good with a sword and has ice magic. And yes I blame the ghouls for moving the bodies

Aaquin J. Prime