The Epic of Dalen Grey

I returned to the fireside the next afternoon. With any luck I would be able to find a less rowdy crowd. The crowd I did find was even less troublesome then I was expecting. There was a couple thirsty travelers and some drunks that looked as if they didn't go home the night before. My biggest fear is that they might pass out on top of me.

I sat down at the bar and ordered myself a mug of ale. It wasn't easy to drink. I wasn't ever allowed to drink growing up. As strange as it seems, the half of mug I drank the night before was my first taste of any spirits. The only way I can stand it is to gulp and swallow and try not to look like its my first time in a tavern. I didn't come to drink, but I don't have too much of a choice. If I came in Just to ask a few questions I would have been gotten no further. The last thing a person wants is to look like an outsider or even worse off as the law.

I talked to the bartender. Nothing was really sad that would matter any. He complained alot about politics. He mentioned he liked to watch the arena games, he even had favorites he liked to see. I told him about my hometown of Drivendale and of life in the slums. It wasn't until three pints later I finally thought he trusted me enough to ask a few questions. Maybe after drinking enough, everyone seems like your friend.

All I said was "do you know where I could find Delick." His expression turned stone cold and silent.

"You have five seconds to leave before I have you thrown out."

Such a cruel response I was not expecting. I don't think I would have been easily thrown out, but spending time in a dungeon was not on my leisure list. In a single moment I had to think. I dropped the note on the bar that I retrieved from that thug a few nights before. "I believe he might be the head of a street gang I have vowed to destroy. You can let him know he won't hide forever." With those few words, I left quietly.

I was never trained in stealth. So when I'm being followed, I'm not always aware of it. I turned the corner in a dark ally in the slums only to find someone behind me. I turned and tried to draw my sword. When I reached it wasn't there.

"looking for this" the stranger spoke. I was about to fight bare fisted. until he spoke again. "Delick is not someone to be found, he comes to you. Are you serious in battle against the Dragon Foot Clan?"

"I have sworn there demise."

"Delick is not the man you seek to destroy. If you wish to meet with him, you have to prove yourself. I will meet you behind the Fireside Inn Just before dark, they are planning an attack and I have a surprise."

He tossed my sword to the ground and when I ran to retrieve it I looked up and he was gone. I didn't see where he went, but I can't waste this chance to face my enemy. So now I wait for tomorrow night.