Emrick & The Staff

Chapter 1

“There weren’t always dragons in the valley,” the old man’s voice echoed throughout the inn as he began his tale. “Almost 200 years ago, this land was rich with life and beauty the likes of which you wouldn’t believe! if only its people had been as content with what they had been given.”

there was a murmur of agreement throughout the inn, many of which we’re familiar with the story

“but instead, they stole powers they could not control. They built a great city, and using their magic the sorcerers began to hoard all manner of treasures and weapons. The more they used their magic, the angrier and angrier the gods became, until they were left with no choice but to punish the blasphemers.” His voice darkened as he stared into the flames, as if he could see the blackened bodies staring back at him with they’re lifeless eyes.

“The sky exploded with fire and smoke as the gates of hell opened above, releasing its Demons onto the people of Delgara, killing all who stood in its walls of corruption, and when they all lay dead, the gods ripped the city from the very ground itself and placed it in the sky a blackened city high above a constant reminder to us of our sins.”

Emrick looked up from his sweeping and turned to look. The moon stood high above, giving plenty of light to see the great city high in the clouds. Even at this great distance, he could still see the occasional burst of light from one of the dragons sending shivers down his spine.

“BOY, QUIT YOUR DREAMING AND GET BACK TO WORK, YA LAZY RETCH,” Harth, the innkeeper (and Emrick’s stepfather), never liked Emrick. He thought he was weak and lazy and needed toughening up, “and when you're done with that, go muck out the stable.”

“it’s almost midnight!” Emrick blurted out before he could stop himself, “please, you can’t be serious.”

Harth moved from behind the bar and stood right In front of him before speaking in a low tone.

“what did you say?” Harth towered above Emrick’s small frame, clearly not in the mood, “because it almost sounded like you were disobeying an order.”

“no sir, I’ll get it done,” Emrick said, looking down at the floor

“see to it that you do.”

“muck the stable, mop the floor, wash the dishes,” Emrick continued to mutter to himself as he did his best in the dim light of the stable “Hey Emrick, when you are done with that, why don’t you kill all the Northmen, and sink all their ships, hey well you’re at it go kill all the dragons too.”

“that would be rather helpful if you’re not too busy, of course,” Emrick jumped out of his skin as his step sister appeared out of the darkness “you’d actually make a pretty cute dragon slayer.”

“Funny” Emrick was not amused.

Raven was Harth’s 15-year-old daughter. She had jet black hair that was tied back with a green ribbon, and she wore a typical tavern dress made up of white and brown with a dark green apron.

“dad says you can do the rest tomorrow,” Raven said smiling, “as long as you do half tonight.

“how’d you manage that?” Emrick said, putting down his shovel

“it’s all about how you talk to him,” she said. “I find flattery to be the most successful.”

“maybe for you, he treats you like a princess,” Emrick said, “and I’m his useless slave.”

“don’t be so hard on yourself. Harth can be a donkey sometimes, sure, but he’s still our father,” she gently pushed him inside before adding, “or at the very least, he’s your boss and the only reason we can eat at night.”