I awoke before the sun. The pub all around was quiet and cool in the morning. I had gently washed my nice clothes the night before and pulled them from where I hung them to dry. I folded and packed them tightly into my traveling pack. I put in my thicker outfit and light leather jerkin. I made sure my lute was secure and made my way to the front of the pub.

Frederick was sitting at the counter and had two glasses of milk before him. With a critical eye he motioned for me to sit next to him. I obeyed and sat gently beside him. We sipped the milk for a moment in silence.

Frederick cleared his throat, “Don’t think me so old and foolish that I don’t know what happened under my roof. I told you not to lay with my daughter.” There was a great disappointment in his voice.

“I won’t apologize,” I stated in return. “The road is a lonely one and so is being the one to live being left behind by those that die. I know what both feel like.”

Fredericks bushy eyebrows furrowed as he finished his glass. “I can’t guarantee you will be welcome here again, Dolan. You brought a great amount of business to my establishment during this festival when most would sit at home after the winter. But, you didn’t listen to what I asked.”

I polished off my glass and placed a half bit to pay for the drink. “I understand. If I ever do find myself back here I hope we can meet each other with smiles and not cold shoulders. Thank you for letting me stay here and share my stories. I’ll pray to Sondet that you remain prosperous.” I turned to walk out the front door.

Frederick cleared his throat softly, “How much of that story happened?”

I looked at him and half smiled, “Nearly every word. I’m sure you’ve heard tales of dragons before. The stories used to be commonplace enough.”

Looking away his voice was quiet, “They were all warnings of the destruction they would leave in their wake. You swear he left the capital to save this world?”

I sighed, most asked this question when I left. “I do believe that. The gods must have some reason to make them able to become strong with enough time and care.” My final words were met with silence as I departed. The sky was tinted red with the rising sun as I breathed in the fresh air.

The earliest of the merchants were setting up their stalls in the main courtyard and I went about trading my coin for a week of dried good and some mending on my bedroll. It was near noon when I had the goods I needed and I was approached by the most affluent of my patrons these last few nights.

He wore fine clothes that spoke of humble origins and tall leather boots dirty with long years of use. He did not have the weight of those who spoiled themselves with food and drink. His hair was short and his beard well trimmed but full. A young boy hung by his left hand and looked at me with noonish eyes. The man spoke with authority. “You’ve brought a great amount of joy to our humble festival to celebrate the spring growth. You call yourself Dolan you say?”

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“Yes good sir, you never introduced yourself these last few nights.”

The man chuckled merrily, “I am so used to everyone knowing who I am. Such is the luxury of a small town. I am the keeper of this village. I make sure our tithes are counted and our peacekeepers housed. As well as the taxes we owe the greater kingdom. The name is Samuel Mays.”

I bowed as to shake his hand when we were not equal would be improper. “I have been honored with your patronage these last few days. May I ask why you approach this day?”

“You are traveling to the next town and I have a satchel of letters that need transport. Five pence in advance for your help.” He motioned me to follow as we walked to the other large building I had noted in town.

“Five pence is far too much Sir Mays. The most I could take from you is two. That would give me plenty to resupply should I find a lack of work there.” I kept my tone humble, to travel with even a modicum of wealth that couldn’t be hid well invited danger.

Samuel called over his shoulder, “You must be wise to my testing. You can often measure a man’s honor on what price he asks for. Like the hero of your tale I am a stalwart believer in our lady Sondet. These missives are very important as they will help secure our town's future. I’ll give you a letter of introduction, you’ll seek out the lesser noble in the next town. The place is called…”

“Merryweather, I studied a map before I left the last large town I found myself in.” We entered what must be his manor as the child went off into the arms of a maid of the home. I was guided in the other direction and entered a study.

Samuel sat across from me at a desk and started penning a letter. “I know this noble has quite a thirst for legends and stories. I’m sure he will trade room and meal for your tales if you have more just as interesting. And if you ever find yourself back with us here I have a spare room you may find yourself welcome in.”

I approached the large satchel of good quality leather in the room. It wasn’t bulging with papers which was good and I ran my fingers over it. A coating of thin oils protected it from soaking up water so I wouldn’t have to worry about it in the rain. “I will keep it in mind but I often seek to speak with crowds. They’re more loose with their small coin. A noble’s coin usually comes with a burden.”

A dry chuckle came from Samuel, “Is that what you think of what I’m asking? That since I bought you a few drink you’d be willing to take my task easily?”

I looked at him and shook my head, “no it is always smart to help when it benefits both parties. It is one of the vows Sondet believers have. I dabble in each religion so I try to listen to a few of them.”

Samuel rang a bell and summoned a small snack of cheese and fruit. After bidding me to join him I waited for his letter to be finished. “Tell the guards at the next town that Samuel Mays has sent you. Should be good enough to get you in the right places.”

“You are most kind. I will deliver these letters for you and entertain your friend for at least a night.” I took the letter he wrote for me and tucked it in the satchel I’d use. He placed the two pence in my hand and nodded dismissing me.

By the time I was truly ready the sun was reaching down from the sky.