The kingdom is going to be at war soon. Alred stands there, looking at the last spot he saw the dragon.

‘A dragon has requested me to look for her lair.’ Alred knows this is a long shot. ‘What am I supposed to do?’

He turns around walking down the same path he had before. Each step feeling his legs ache. He has to be half way to the kingdom. He looks at the setting sun. Seems he only has half an hour left before the sun sets and now he’s not sure what to do.

Although he’s strong, fight his way through a forest at night can be hard. Between werewolves and badger-bears there are plenty of creature that hunt at night.

“It’ll be better to hide for the night and continue in the morning.” Alred mumbles as he rubs his temples.

He keeps walking until he finds the perfect tree for the night. Thunking oaks are the best to sleep. Their branch is extra wide and are very high up. This way he can feel if any creatures try to climb their way up.

Alred pulls a pair of daggers out from under his robe. The black damascus blades with silver spider web pattern across them. One of the last gifts he got from his Grandfather.

He walks around the tree, scars mark the base on one side. As he looks closer he can see the hoof prints, Elder Stags.

“Must be a good size one to leave these prints. It will be a good idea to sleep up there. There are bond to be wild werewolves running around her.” Alred reinsures himself as he pats the tree trunk. He trust the daggers into the tree, slowly climbing his way up. Hoping tonight will be peaceful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ogden Kingdom, Nookie Port

The old ship creeks as the waves splash against it hull. The cry of sea birds trying to get a free meal. The rich salt water filling his nose.

“Young Master, this is Nookie port of the Ogden Kingdom.” James spoke to his master. The older man watches the young master, his back firm, almost under moving in the waves.

It has taken them four months to reach this port. Between the sea and the monsters it holds within it, this ship is lucky it has made this far. Though luck didn’t really play its role very well. These two men made sure it was safe.

“It will be nice to be on dry land, won’t it James.” The young masters voice crackles.

“Aye, that it will be Young Master. Seems we are about to dock, I will retrieve our luggage.” Without waiting for a command the older man turn and darted away.

His young master stares at the port city they are coming to. Even from here he can tell this kingdom is poor. The pier supports looks if they are about to buckle from the crashing waves. This ship is the largest by far and even it is a small ship back home.

As the ship arrives, it bumps the dock. A dockworker falls from the dock into the frigid water. The ladder slides down with a thud. The young master turns and walk towards it. James is already waiting for him.

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They mange to walk across the dock without breaking a single broad. Some of the men here, watching them. Greed filling their eyes. If only they really were a threat to either of them.

James can see the look of disappointment on the young masters face, the town around the port isn’t any better. The wood of the house long ago have turned gray. Green moss covers most of the roofs. Puddles and mud make most of the street. Rotten fish, the only other then you can smell is the peoples waste.

Most signs for the shop have long fell down, they lean against the wall now. Most of them unable to be read. Down near the end of the street, a building just as run down as the rest. A older man, l rocking on its front porch. A black pipe hanging out from his white an yellow beard.

“Ye two seems to be a bit lost, eh?” The old pipe smoker speaks up as they get close.

“We are looking for a room for the night and some information.” James hurry and spoke to the man with the pipe.

“It seems ye have found the right place.” He wheeze as he tries to laugh. “I have ye a couple bed ye can use. Thy info though. I’ll see what I can dig up.” With that he stands up and waves his hand for them to follow. Each step clacks, the brown wooden leg wiggles with each step.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alred leans against the trunk of the tree. His feet dangle in the air. To spun a rope around the branch and tied himself to the branch. He sits there looking into the night sky. Chewing on a piece of jerky for his dinner. He’s lucky he even had some left. It had taken him a couple days to make the ride down to the Havricks Manor. Only to find out of their horde truth. They are flat broke and they are getting ready to rebel.

He saw the signs. Portholes the tracks of extra carts leaving ruts in the area. They should have waited for the land to dry a little better.

He had been to the Havricks manor before. They wanted to marry him to Lords Havricks youngest daughter. Alred shutters at the thought of her. The first time they meet. Well, let’s not go down that path. He’s not quite ready to cross this path.

Alred shifts on his branch and sinks into sleep. The cool night breeze blowing the fresh sea smell in land. The far howls of werewolves singing to the moon.

“AHHH!” A shrieking scream fills the night. Alred launches up from his sleep. The moons not much higher then when he laid down. Howls growing closer. He can hear them smashing their way through the forest.

Alred yawns and looks towards the screaming. Cracking his neck as he stands up. He can catch glimpses of the black shadows weaving through the trees.

He pulls a dagger out, sticking it into the tree and jumping off. The dagger slices the tree open as Alred slides down.

“A Kings Mage should always help their people.” Alred reminds himself. He knows what he needs to do now. Putting a earth crystal in his staff, he runs towards the hunting pack.