Inn of the Forsaken
We awoke at around dawn. The innkeep wasn't kidding about the lack of stuffing - we ended up using our sleeping bags from the camp equipment to help make the hard, wooden bed more bearable. We left the forsaken place to get some fresh air; we hadn't truly made a plan beyond this leg of the journey.
After some discussion, we decided to head further east, towards the sound of trickling water. Before long we happened upon the source of the sound; a small, clear pond. We gladly quenched our thirst and filled our skins - but before being able to continue on, a grizzled voice echoed from the hilltop above, "Halt!"
The voice belonged to a tall, sallow-faced man with squinting eyes. Before we had chance to respond, the man was joined by three more similarly unhealthy-looking men, this time with bows notched in our direction. A sinister smirk spread across the leader's foul features before he shouted, "This land belongs to Sharkey, give us yer belongings or we'll feed you to the beasts." As if by command, two large, wolf-like beasts emerged from the shadows; encircling us like prey. We stood back to back and held steadfast, facing the encroaching predators.
Without warning, one of the creatures leapt towards me with snarling fangs. I managed a quick step to the side and brought my blade down towards the beast's neck. The blow missed; the creature was fast. The man shouted once more, "Have it your way then, we'll just pilfer yer corpses!"
The wolf-like creatures leapt again and again, as Kirseth and I fought them off. I heard a faint whistling sound followed by a metallic thud. An arrow had bounced off my pauldron. I heard a shrill cry as Kirseth had managed to plunge a dagger deep in to the the belly of one of the leaping creatures. Arrows were still flying, and only narrowly missing their mark. The second beast lowered itself again, ready to pounce. I watched for the moment and sidestepped once more, this time in the opposite direction and my blade cut through the neck of the beast, almost taking off the head. The beast staggered back before slumping to the ground.
Kirseth and I shared a glance, and we knew our only option was to charge the men on the hilltop, or stand and wait for an arrow to strike. Kirseth returned fire at the attackers; I blew my horn before charging up the hill, sword raised. As I was almost upon them, I felt an arrow pierce my breastplate, luckily not deep enough to cause more than a scratch. I broke the arrow and removed it from my chest, whilst continuing my chage. Suddenly, one of the men fell to the ground. Taken by surprise, the two remaining men turned to see what had happened. I used this opportunity to run the leader through. Confused, the remaining man turned tail and ran. He did not make it far, as a swift arrow pierced his ribs. The arrow wasn't Kirseth's.
