Everything was a bit eerie outside the walls. Mist was present, but not overly abundant. The peace was more calming than anything and the sun shining was refreshing. Despite all this, it was still disconcerting. There was a sense of wrongness there.

That being, Truth took a tentative step forward. Then another. His eyes were darting around. He was in great need of water. He was going to live his own life out here… alone… with no one to talk with…

Ok, this might not have been a good idea.

Is it at all likely that there are any other dragons or griffins I could talk to out here? Perhaps… hopefully.

Trees were everywhere. Some only saplings, some all but that. As he walked, a thatched hut came into view. A chintzy, old, thatched, rotting hut. Another came into view. This one not so dilapidated. A few others came into his line of sight as well as other dragons along with griffins

They each took some amount of notice of Truth. Some barely glanced, some gawked, and a griffin even walked up to him with a spear strapped to his back. perhaps a guard. “Kid,” he said in a gruff voice, “ what reason for being here?”

“I came to escape the Sovereign,” Truth replied.

The guard looked slightly taken aback, but stayed relatively calm. “Come.”

Truth stayed put, Refusing to move.

The guard, not feeling Truth's presence, turned and walked back to Truth. He took his spear and prodded him with the butt of it, Coaxing Truth to move at least a few steps. It failed miserably. But that was to be expected.

Another guard came. “Trouble?” she said.

“Quite stubborn,” the first guard said.

The new guard just raised an eye ridge. “What is your name, kid?” she asked in a firm, but not angry or threatening voice.

“Truth. My name is Truth. I come here to escape the Sovereign.”

A strange look crossed this guard’s face. “You are really weird, young man. Well, in any case, you should see the matriarch of our village. She will want to speak with you.”

Truth took a tentative step forward as the two guards walked in front of him. Presumably, they were advancing toward the hut or something that the matriarch lived in. Truth quickened his pace as to keep up with the guards. The griffin gave Truth a look.

What was my plan for coming out of the kingdom? Is it really a good idea to run from the sovereign?

They passed a small market. But it was very small. Only four or five stalls selling goods and other bits and bobs.

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They came into a clearing where a tall, beautiful, mahogany hut stood. The dragon guard knocked twice on the door. A moment later, it swung open, and a ragged voice cried out: “Who dare disturb my slumber!” A griffin with grey feathers stuck her head out of the door.

“My lady,” said the dragon guard. “We have an escapee from the Providence Fjord.”

“Well, that is something.” the matriarch sounded a bit like an old witch. “Come, come. Can’t keep an old old lady waiting all day.”

What in the world is going on? Should I enter? Or should I not?

“Oh, don’t be so afraid, young man,” said the old lady. “It is only business… serious business that is… but i assure that I will not lay a claw on you.”

The guard with the gruff voice grunted and shoved Truth through the door. Truth stumbled and tripped over himself before regaining his footing.

The old lady was standing in front of him and smiled her old griffin smile. “Would you like some tea? Or coffee? Perhaps?”

Truth shook his head.

“Well at least tell me your name.”

Truth sighed and spoke. “My name is Truth, Mi-lady.” He then bowed.

“No need to be formal, Truth.” said the old lady.

There was a pause.

“Truth,” said the matriarch, “I hear you are running from the Providence Fjord. Is that correct?”

“Y-y-es.”

The matriarch made a thinking noise. “Perhaps you need some coaxing. How about this: I give you a room here until you can think. Do you mind?”

But before Truth could utter a word, the old lady walked him down a hall. She was tightly grabbing onto his arm.

“Oh, you are missing a claw, I see. Mind telling me why that piggy didn’t go home?”

Truth just stayed silent. What do I do? Am I, a pawn yet again? Can this be real? “How can I trust you?” he asked

The old lady only said, “All Things will happen as they may, not as they should.”

They came to and door and the matriarch opened it, revealing a comfortably small bedroom.

“You’ll be staying here,” said the old lady. “Make yourself at home. Take your time to make up your mind.”

“You first,” said Truth.

“Smart boy. I will oblige.” said the old lady. She walked into the room with a slight hobble. She turned back at Truth and smiled. “Come, now. Don’t be afraid.”

Truth tentatively walked into the room. Seeing the bed, a small kitchen area, and a sofa with a few books, Truth decided it was not entirely safe. The kitchen did have a few knives, but he had no option. Not wanting to hurt the matriarch due to gut feelings without evidence,

“What do you think of the room?” asked the old lady.

“Very… fine. I may fancy it. Thank you,” said Truth, hoping to get on the matriarch’s good side.

“Tell me if there is anything I can do.” then the old last left the room and left the door ajar.

The couch was very comfy. Truth liked the couch. But there weren’t many good books. So he go up to get some coffee.

He had never tried coffee and this would be a first. Well, to be fair, this whole experience was a first. He only hoped it would end in him not being a pawn. But, was that even possible? Could anyone not be a pawn for another? Perhaps even a superior being?

These question nagged at Truth as he brewed himself some coffee.