Part 12: Horses

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"Are you sure this is the right way?"

"Of course," Mordicelli said uncertainly. He glanced around at the dark, towering forest ahead of them, then back at the small town on the hill behind them. "This is where the path leads, after all."

"I don't know...in any case, we go back to the town, get some rest, and continue on tomorrow. It's getting dark."

"And think of how far Seobaak will get while we sit around! No, we have to continue, at least until nightfall."

Broferlug paused. "What if we bought horses? We would go faster, and it would give us time to rest."

"Do we even have enough money?" Mordicelli asked skeptically. Broferlug reached into his pouch and brought out a leather bag of coins.

Mordicelli sighed. "Fine, but let's make this quick."

They trudged back up the hill to the small, worn-down town. 

Remnants of old buildings and ruins still stood, scattered among tiny stone farmhouses. A mossy road snaked its way through the town square, which consisted of a crumbling inn and several run-down stores. Behind one of the farmhouses was a cramped stable with two thin horses.

Mordicelli walked briskly up to the house and knocked on the tiny green door. After a few seconds it creaked open, revealing an old, tired man with a long grey beard.

"Good evening, sir. My friend and I were on our way through the forest," Mordicelli gestured behind him, "and realized our desperate need for horses. If you would be so kind as to loan us yours, we can pay 50 dreoruna and have them back in three days time."

The old man squinted at them for a moment. "Hm, Scardrak'æ forest aye?" He chuckled darkly. "That aint th' best forests to pass through, even worse at night, mm hm. Worse than Battlebrook, so I hear. Say, where're ye goin' at this hour, anyway?"

"The elf castle, we have business with the king."

At this, the old man laughed wildly. "Th' elf castle eh? HA! I'll tell ya what. Take my horses 'n give me 50 dreoruna. If you come back alive, I'll give you back your money n' ole betsy. She's me finest horse." At this, he hobbled off to the stable behind his house.

Broferlug glanced at Mordicelli, who shrugged and followed the man.

"Here ye go lads, an' a safe journey to ye as well," he said as he handed the horses to Broferlug and Mordicelli.

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⏰ Last updated: Dec 05, 2019 ⏰

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