"Hey Wake up," An unknown voice said.

As I open my eyes I see the face staring at me. "Who are you?" I barely mummer, as I try to sit up, and look around. The person who woke me up was a large man, who looked as genital as anything. My soundings looked as if I was in a Cell in a Cargo ship.

"Who am I?" man said. "I, am Orion, and you might be?"

Who am I? I ask myself this question, I can't seem to remember anything, then I remember. "My name is Noak." I now remember, everything, I was Framed for a robbery, that I did not commit, 3 years ago, and I was being shipped off to somewhere, where I can not remember.

"Well Noak," Orion said with a compassionate smile handing me a bowl with some food that a dog would not even eat. "You were Screaming in your sleep. 'I DIDN"T DO IT YOU HAVE THE WRONG MAN!', 'NOOOOOOOOOOO I'M NOOCENT!'."

I was screaming in my sleep? Those awful memories, That thief that framed me. My Rage and wish for revenge. My Love I was separated from 3 years ago. "Thank you for the food," I said as tore a hunk of moldy bread with my teeth. "How Long have I been asleep?"

"Since the Journeys start, about a week ago or so." Orin said as there was a sudden lurch. "It seems we have arrived were I do not know."

"QUITE DOWN IN THERE!" A Voice on the Other side of the door boomed. As the door opened I saw who had said it, A man, nor larger than I wearing boots of Polished steel and a Chain mail shirt with a Red and Blue Vest, I guard I suppose. "You," the guard said pointing with me. "Come with me." I obligingly get up, my legs weak from no being used carry me out of the cell into the hull of ship, "Here Put you hands being your back" The Guard says as he places Shackles around my hands. Then the guard pushes me to get me going once more up onto the main deck. The bright light of the mid day sun blinds me momentarily as I look around trying to see where I am. "Get a move on," The Guard says as he pushes me forward and down onto the dock.

"Is this him?" another Guard this one Dressed in Brown and Green Cloth, addressed the one leading me onto the dock.

"Yes this is him," The guard that was leading me scowled. "Don't know why the Emperor wants him here of all places."

"The Emperor sent me here?" I asked the Guard.

"Close your mouth you piece of filth," the guard in green said as he smacked me over the head with a hand clad in an Iron Gauntlet. "You will speak when spoken to."

Only if my hands were not in shackles behind my back. I would throttle the life out of this pompous prick.

"Got a little fight in this one eh?" the Guard said, seeing me struggle trying to get loose.

"Here," the Guard that lead me off the boat said as he handed the guard a key, and a package of papers. "He's your responsibility now." The Guard then proceeded back to the ship.

The guard that I was left with then proceeded to lead me into a Customs house. As I walked into the Building the guard stopped me and I saw three other people, A young Clerk, an Elderly man, and another Guard dressed in the same green and brown outfit.

"Ah, you must be Noak," the Elderly man said with a smile. "I am Liam, the Customs official here. Jode, I believe those are for me?" The Guard that lead me in handed Liam the packet, that was handed to him by the guard that lead me off the boat.

"Whats going on? Where am I?" I questioned, as Liam read the papers.

"Jode Release this man at once." Liam said as he finished reading the papers. "Mr. Noak I am terribly sorry, for any rough treatment you may have endured. It seems the Emperor has gave you a full pardon fro any crime you may have committed in the past, and you are to become a Citizen of Gorm.

"Gorm? Thats where I am?" I said as I was released from my shackles.

"Yes My dear boy, you are on the Continent of Gorm" Liam said laughing. "Hear are your papers and 50 gold coin. Make your way from here to the City of Balth, and find a man that goes by the name of Silas. He will tell you what you need to do."

"So I am free?" I asked not believing what I was hearing. "All I have to do is walk out that door, and then I can say Screw you and go and do whatever I want?"

"We are not forcing you to do anything Noak," Liam said, with a bemused smile. "But it is in your best interest to do this. But no one is forcing you to do anything. Now go, and speak with the captain on your way out, he will brief you more than I can."

As I walked to the door with my papers in hand, I walked into another room. Where the captain sat behind a desk. "Are you the Captain?" I asked.

"Papers please," the man asked, and I anded them over obligingly. "Your name is Noak?"

"Yes sir," I said in my most respectful voice I could muster.

"Noak, do you know why you were sent here?" The captain asked.

"No sir, I have no idea what the hell is going on." I replied truthfully.

"Nor do I, but I have orders to give you this," the captain said as he handed me a sealed roll of Parchment. "Open them once you are out of here. And here, this is a dangerous place it's wise to carry some protection." The Captain said handing small steel sword, that looked as if it had seen better days. "Oh and The Inn on the edge of town would be a nice place to head to head, to read those papers. It's private and by the looks of it you could use a good nights sleep, a nice bath, and something to eat as well."

"Will do," was all I could say as I headed out into the town. The town was a small port town, fashioned after the empires home lands, and looked a lot like my home 3 years ago. I looked about as I headed towards the Inn. 50 Gold Pieces was more than enough for me to rest and then some. "The Seagulls Nest?" The inn is called the Seagulls nest? Oh well Kinda homey. I opened the Door and Walked into the Inn, The Tavern was quite nice, full of sailor's but nothing much else.

"What can I do for you?" The inn keeper asked me as I approached him.

"How much for a room for the night, A nice hot meal and a bath?" I asked.

"The Room will be 10 gold pieces and a meal and bath will be an extra 5," the inn keeper replied. "Up front if you will."

"15 gold pieces," I said handing him the gold. "And an extra 5 if you can tell me how to get to Balth."

"Balth?" The inn keeper said. "Sure I know, take the road to the north and east, then follow the gorge road north and cross the bridge over the gorge, and follow the road right into Balth."

"Hear," I said as I handed him the 5 gold. "Thats all I wanted to know."

"Your room is number 7," the inn keeper said handing me a key. "Third floor last door on the right."

As I open the door to my room I notice this place was not that shabby, considering spending the last 3 years of my life locked in a dungeon with a bed of rotting straw, and sharing that with Mice. "Man A Guy could get used to this," I say as I sit down on the Bed. "No More Rotting Straw, but a nice soft bed."

*Knock Knock Knock*

"Hugh... Who's there?" I ask the person at the door, Grabbing the sword that was giving to me.

"Your Bath is Ready Sir," a muffled Female Voice on the other side of the Door replied. I put the Sword down on the table and then I open the door to see who the speaker was. Then I saw her, I would say she was at least 5 years younger than I. Her Hair fell to her waist and was a rich brown, in color. Her eyes, Grey as the steel of my sword. "If you will follow me, kind sir."

It has been a whole since I have seen a maiden so fair, I must keep my composure and wit, I do not want to end back in a hole in the ground. Onward in Silence I follow her till she leads me to the bath. "Is this it?" I ask her.

"Yes kind sir the bath is a hot spring," She said with her voice as sweet as stardust berries.

"A HOT SPRING!" I exclaim, not realizing how loud I had said that. "Sorry, I haven't had a nice soak in a Hot Spring in a Long Long Time. None the less this shall be a Nice Bath." I then look at my clothes that are still upon me, filthy rags from that god awful prison I had spent the last 3 years in. "Could I ask something f you?"

"W-what do you mean?" She stammered backing slowly away.

"Nothing like that. I assure you," I said laughing, as I reached into my pocket to pull out 5 gold coin. "Can you go to the Tailor and bring me Fresh Clothing a Needle and some thread? As you can see my clothes I have are rags to say the least, and if there is any left please keep it."

With a Sigh of relief she took the gold and replied to me. "I will do what I can, your clothing will be in your room within the hour. Please enjoy your bath." With that said she was off.

"Oh I will," I muttered to myself. It has been a long long time since I had a nice soak in a Hot spring. As I strip away the rags around me I slowly wade into the water. "AHHH this feels good," I gloat to myself, the hot water, sapping the soreness from my body and the filth and grim away. It has been over a month since the last time I bathed.

I spent a good long hour wading around in the spring my Grizzly main of Hair tangled up in itself and not full of dirt anymore, all the Grime and Dirt that covered my body, washed away. I grabbed the Rags that I was wearing and scrubbed them as well and let them dry a bit before I finished my bath. As I got out I felt like a new man, so full of energy. "Ah Not completely dry but still I should have some new Clothes by now. Waiting for me," I Mused to myself as I donned the cleaner rags that I was wearing that were still a little Damp, and headed back to my room.

"Whats this?" I said as I reached the clothes on the bed. "A Note?"

"I hope these are to your liking, there is a thimble of thread and a needle as you asked as well. When you are ready, the meal you requested will be served in the Inn's Tavern.
Rose"

"So Her name is Rose," I said to myself. "A lovely name for a Lovely Maiden." The Clothes were of a stock that I would have robbed a Tailor for because of how nice they were. "Ah a Perfect fit" I mused as I tried them on. "The Pants are a little too long but I can fix that." With a few simple stitches I had the pants were hemmed to the right length and the shoes were a fine fit as well.

"By the Goddess I am starving," I mumble as I head down the stairs and into the tavern which at this time was filled with more of the towns men, and flagons of ale, than before. "My meal I paid for with my room if you please. I am rather famished."

"Here you are sir," The Barkeep said, handing over a plate. "The Inn's Special. Venison, Grunt Root Salad, a loaf of bread, and a Flagon of the Inn's finest ale. Enjoy."

"Thank you kind sir," I said as I ripped my teeth into the bread. "By the Goddess, Rye Bread?" It has been many a year since I have had rye anything. "If the rest of this meal is as good as this bread, I am in for a real treat." As I take the fork and knife in hand, someone starts to play a slow and somber tune on a flute, then more and more instruments kick in. Till Someone starts singing.

Over the Mountain's and far away
My son has gone for another day
Lost to the World in which I live
My tears flow and are all I can give
Lost in a sea of blood
His Soul has joined the flood
into the pits of hell
A place where no one will tell
Over the Mountain's and far away
My son has gone for another day
Lost to the World in which I live
My tears flow and are all I can give

As the song comes to an end, I come to think of the torment that song must have brought to those that have lost loved ones in great wars past. "HEY!" I hear my self shouting, as everyone looks over at me. "Whats with the somber attitude? Don't You know anything cheerful?" I don't think I should have said that, but what was said was said. But then my words seemed to get to them, because the tune picked up to a lively melody and the drunkards all sang a song in some tongue I have heard never before. "Must be a drinking song from the local area before the empire took over." with that said I fell silent for the rest of my meal.

I was able to sip away quietly from the tavern an hour or so latter, the locals insisted on me staying for a drink with them. "Time for a nice long rest." I yawned as I climbed into the bed. Knowing that my body will fully enjoy the rest, and comfort of the feathers that made up the Mattress I lay upon. I was out like a light within minutes time.

I awoke bright and early the next morning, quite refreshed, though my mind still buzzing with the dreams of the night past. Good dreams one that I wished I could hold onto forever. A nice change from the nightmares that haunted me for the past 3 years. As I dressed I took the sword that was given to me to look it over in the light of day, Te edge was dull and when in the light I could tell this was no virgin blade, the light tint of red along the edge spoke for itself.

"Morning to you," A Local said, one I recognized from the previous night as the one that begged me to say for a drink. "A beautiful day."

"Yes it is," I said looking around the town in the morning glow the sun had set upon it. "Tell me kind sir. Where is a smith?"

"A Smith," the man repeated. "Just down the road there and to the right, you will hear the clanking of hammer on steel before you see it."

"Thank you," I replied with a slight bow. "And have a wonderful day."

"And you the same," the man said with a smile and an bow in return.

"Well first thing first," I told myself. "Get this sword worth of battle."

As I rounded the corner onto a side street, I heard the clanging of a hammer on Steel just as the man had said I knew I was on the right path. Then I saw it, a Small open shack where the furnace roared and the steel on an Anvil was being pounded into a Blade. "Excuse me kind sir I am in need of the assistance of a smith." The man who looked up looked as if he had seen a few battles in his day, one ear missing and his face mawed and scared by countless blades. "If you are busy I can come back at another time."

"Well you came to the right place," The man laughed. "I'm the only smith for miles. What can I do for you?"

I handed over the sword. "I need this sharpened if that is possible."

"Ah this blade has seen some battles," The man said after inspecting the sword. "Enemies you have slew no doubt." He added looking over at me.

"Quite the opposite," I laughed. "This blade was given to me, by the guard after I was set free from the ship. I have never killed anything in my life, besides a few pesky rats."

"Well in that case what will you say to my proposition then?" He asked. "A Man who has never slew anything minus a few rats needs to dig the Blade of a Virgin sword into the flesh of a beast to please the Warrior within. I will give you a message to give to my brother who sells the weapons I make at the Scale and the Claw, for a sword more worth of a virgin kill. Besides, this sword has seen better days and has said goodbye to its youth. To give this sword an edge, would mean losing its stability and strength."

"You have yourself a deal," I said. Knowing this man spoke the truth. "Where can I find this place?"

"Head on up the road, you will see a sign panted with a sword and shield," The Smith said pointing the Sword up the road. "The message I want you to give him is. 'The Blades of past have grown week, and not fit for a virgin hand.' He will know what it means and tell him his brother Thorn has sent you."

"I will and thank you kindly," I said as I walked up the road. And to the building with the sign that was described to me. As I walked in I was taken aback to see all the bows, ringmail, shields, and swords that lined the walls.

"Welcome to the Scale and Claw," A Man behind the counter said, giving me a small start. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Yes, I have a message from thorn," I said getting down to business. "'The Blades of past have grown week, and not fit for a virgin hand.'"

"Oh I see, you are here for a trade then?" The man said with a bit of a perk in his awareness. "Did Thorn keep the blade for scrap or do you have it here?"

"I left it with him," I said. "It was a blade the guard gave me as I was released."

"Imperial Steel," The man said with a slight glazed look over his face. "That is worth any sword we have here. Come with me."

I followed the man into a back room where he handed me a sword. "Here, A nice sturdy Steel longsword. Sharp as a razor. Take it and Swing it around a bit to get use to the feel of it."

I take the sword in my hand and swing it around, it was slightly heaver than the short sword that was given to me but its movement was much more fluid. "This Blade, it's heavier than the blade that was given to me, but its movement was much much more fluid."

"Thats because the blade is longer," He laughed. "The center of the blades Gravity is different. Take the sword, it seems to call to you. A virgin blade for a virgin strike."

"You Serious?" I ask with an tone that spoke for it self.

"Yes," He said in a serious tone. "It is yours. Now Go."

I could not believe it, I was given a brand new sword. I had is strapped to my waist, and was out the door. And on to the rest of my list before I set out. "Okay, I got my weapons taken care of. Now I need Food and supply's."

After heading to the General Trader, I had everything I needed to head out. Flint, a knife, Candles, Torches, A Blanket, and food. "Well I have everything now," I mused to myself. "Time to move on out. May the path I take be full of adventure." With that I was on my way out of the town and into the wild.

With the Town behind me and the road in front I head out into the wild unknown. As I travel the houses grow farther and farther apart, and the wilderness of this strange place takes more of a hold.. "Such a Beautiful land. One that is not tainted by the Empire to such great extents." I find myself musing to no one. As I walk I pass streams, and what looks to be the remains of campsites, from weeks past. There inhabitants hunters or Travelers I know not. But clearly a place where someone has stopped to rest.

Along the road, There are many forks in the road. Where signs have been posted, telling which way to go if you had any place in particular, that you needed to be. As I came to the one that I needed The Gorge side Road, was to the left and another Place I might visit latter to the right. The Fortress City of Anaath the Empires capital of this land. But that is for another time.

As the day grew long, I decided to Stop for the night, when I came to the remains of a hunters camp from what I could tell. "Here we go," I say to myself. "Plenty of dead wood for a nice camp fire and plenty of material to make a small shelter from the storm that looks as if it might come tonight." I set to gathering wood for a fire and then found some sturdy fallen trees to use as a base for the shelter. "Now, all I need are leaves for the roof." I say as I look around me, and find a cluster of Palm Trees thats leaves were big as a Stretched out Wolf's Hide. "Perfect, A few of those and I will have my roof." I grab my Knife and then proceed to climb the tree cutting 5 leaves out of the tree and then back down and to another for 5 more. As I set to building the shelter I used some of the Thread that I had left to tow the thatches of leaves to the poles that would serve as the base.

The Fire was not that hard to make plenty of dead wood around for a nice warm fire, for the night. Once it was Roaring, I walked a bit back down the road to gather some watter at the stream I had passed. And back to my camp where I there was someone, just poking around a bit wondering if this camps inhabitants where nearby. I unsheathed my sword not knowing what to expect from this strange person. "Who Are you?" I called as I drew closer.

"Who am I?" A mans voice said. "A better question is, who are you?"

"I am the one who has set up this Camp," I retorted. "Now answer my question, or face my blade."

"Put that Dammed thing away before you hurt yourself," Them man laughed. "I mean you no harm. I am but a simple traveling bard, on his way to the city of Anaath. All I wish is a place to rest for the night."

"So we are both travelers then?" I ask. "I am sorry for any hostility on my part. I have only been in this land for 2 days now."

"Oh?" The Bard piped. "A wayfarer? Then I humbly welcome you to our lands."

"Your Lands are amazing from what I have seen," I replied. "And so are the inhabitants."

"Aye they are," The Bard agreed. "The people about the town in this region are the friendliest people you will ever meet. But be wary of the slums, The people there are not to be trusted with the time of day. If you are 'ear to stay I would say Join one of the Great Clans."

"Excuse me," I butted in. "What are the great clans? I have never heard of them, are the factions of some sort?"

"Nigh, they are the lords of this land. The Clan Thorin rules this region, Clan Dantus Rules the Northern Grasslands, and Clan Oren Rules the Western Lands." The Bard Answered.

"But doesn't the Empire control the continent?" I questioned.

"That they do me boy," the Bard replied once more. "The Clan Heads answer to the Empires Sire here in these lands and the sire answers to no one but the Emperor himself. Basically the Members of the Clan become the Law of the Clans Lands, and the Head of the Clan the king of the lands."

With that said we both fell silent for a while while the Rice that I was boiling was cooking with some Dak Meat the Bard had. There was nothing to be heard but the blowing wind rustling through the trees, the cackle of the fire, an the rushing of the stream. I was tending the pot when I heard a beautiful melody erupt from the direction of the Bard who had taken out his Lute and began to play a tune. Neither of us spoke or sang I just sat there listening to the music.

When the food was cooked, I took the Ladle and served it out to both of us. As we ate we talked a little more, about what we do and where we were going. After the meal was finished, we said nothing and I went to sleep, With my sword at my ready and my belongings bound to me. When I awoke the next morning the ground around me dry inside my little shelter while everything else was drenched from the storm that passed though the night, and my Bard friend Packing his Things away ready to head out, back on his journey to the City of Anaath.

"May Our Paths Cross again," I said bidding him goodbye. As I took the shelter that had kept me dry through the night apart.

"An May the Goddess Watch over you my friend," He returned as he set out. "As for your journey, you are about a day and a half from the city of Balth. Keep going you come to a shrine, stop there for the night, because the patch of road between there and Balth is that of a Dangerous one at night. The Keeper is a Good friend of mine, tell him Brode the Bard Sent you there, he will give you a room for the night."

Packed up once more I took my leave and headed towards the City of Balth, along the Gorge road, the birds chirping and the sun rising higher and higher into the sky. As I heard a Voice ahead of me. "HELP ME HELP ME HELP ME!" I drew my Sword and Ran Towards the commotion to see a Midget running Towards me being chased by a Bandit. Apparently the Bandit was trying to mug the midget, which was fleeing from him.

The midget ran right past me and stopped to see what I was doing. As the Bandit drew nearer I readied my sword waiting for him to come closer and as he came into reach I swung the blade with all my might at his neck cleaving his head clean off, As the Bandits head Flew over the cliff into the Gorge the body, came to a halt landing at my feet. "A Virgin Blade Baptized by death." I then kicked the Body of the bandit into the Gorge where the river below roared with ferocity. "May the Goddess have mercy on your soul." I took a piece of the cloth from my rags that I was wearing when I arrived here and cleaned the blood from the blade, and walked on.

"Hey Wait up," the midget yelled chasing after me. "Who are you? And why did you help me?"

I stopped and looked down into his eyes. "I helped you because it was the right thing to do. No Be gone with you, I have matters to attend to." I then proceeded back on my journey Ignoring the midget chasing after me. Begging me to stop and talk to him.

The Sun was starting to set casting a Fiery Red Glow over the land as I came to the Shrine the Bard had told me about. The midget Long given up on following me gone to where I do not know. At the Entrance to the Shrine there laid a small altar, at which I stopped and Prayed to the Goddess for strength, and safe travels along my journey to it's end. As I stood up I saw a man walking out of the house on the Sanctuary grounds. "Hello Sir are you the Shrine Keeper?" I called out questioningly.

"Yes I am child," The Shrine Keeper replied. "What is your business, at this shrine?"

"Brode the Bard Told me to stop here on my travels," I answered. "If it is possible a Room for the night would be greatly appreciated."

"Brode is a Dear friend of mine," The Shrine Keeper said fondly. "And a Friend of his is always welcome to stay here. Come, come inside."

I walked into the shrine house to see a nice Warm fire burning in the Stone Hearth, and a small table and a cot with a few mats rolled up and against the wall. "Your home is quite lovely." I said which was true considering I spent the most art of the past 3 years inside a dark, dank, bare cell deep underground.

"Thank you," The Shrine keeper said. "There is only one bed but the mats that are over in the corner are for those who need a place of refuge for the night."

"Thank you for your kindness," I said bowing to the man. I then waked over to the table where the Shrine Keeper Had is diner that I must have interrupted sitting, and took some of my own food out and ate my meal along side him talking of the Goddess and My travels. After the meal I went to the Spring behind the building with a lantern in hand to wash myself, and then back into the house for a long nights rest.

As I awoke the next morning, the smell of cooking meat met my nostrils and the smell of something I have never smelled before as well. As I raised off the mat I stretched and groaned, while adjusting my focus to the dim indoors light.

"Good Morning," The Shrine Keeper cheerfully said. "Sleep well I hope?"

"Better than I did the night before," I admitted. "At least I was inside away from the weather. I was under a makeshift shelter hiding from a storm."

"Yes that was a bad storm 2 nights ago," The Shrine Keeper agreed. "Kept me up all night. I don;t like foul weather too much. I lost my Father to a lightning strike a few years back."

I did not know what to say so I just bowed my head and stayed silent. I could tell he knew I had no idea what to say, so he did not press the matter any farther.

After a few moments of Silence The Shrine Keeper said, "I hope you are hungry."

The Truth was I was famished. All I had for dinner the night before was a loaf of bread and a hunk of cheese. "Yeah I am kinda hungry." I then Helped him put the meat and the pot of dark brown liquid that I smelled and had no idea of what it was on the table.

"Troll meat, and Coffee," He said pouring me a cup of the brown liquid.

"Coffee?" I asked. "I have never heard of the stuff."

"My lord you really are a wayfarer aren't you?" The Shrine keeper Chuckled. "Coffee is the fruit of trees that grow in the grasslands of this continent. Go on try it."

I took a sip of the scalding liquid, and to my surprise it was very bitter. I think the Shrine Keeper could tell that I thought it was bitter because the face it caused me to make. "By the Goddess!" I shouted as I sat the cup down. "That was more bitter than bungu root."

The Shrine Keeper laughed, and offered me some sugar and some goats milk for it. "Sugar and Milk helps with the bitterness."

I put some sugar and milk into the coffee and then stirred it in, and took another sip. The bitterness was still there but then it was not that bad anymore. "Thats much better," I laughed. "Not as bitter anymore."

"Yes, Coffee is very bitter," The Shrine Keeper agreed. "The first time I tried it I almost puked, because it was so bitter. It takes time to get used to it." He took a sip of it grimacing a bit. "I still haven't gotten completely used to it but I can't stand putting sugar or milk into it."

After the meal was finished, and everything was put away I left 3 gold coins on the table to pay for the nights rest and food and out the door. In the light of day the Shrine was a lot more beautiful than I say the night before. Rose Bushes lined the garden where vegetables where growing, There was a Cat Prowling around hunting out rats. And the Altar which I prayed at the night before, shone in the light that it was made of carved white marble. There was a fountain bubbling in the center of a meditation garden to the left of the altar and birds chirped in the trees. If I could I would have stayed here forever but as a man of honor I had to do my duty and find the man named Silas in the City of Balth.

"May peace be with you until the end of your days," I called out as I left the shrine. "As for me I do not know if Peace is in my future but an adventure is better when it has some danger to it."

"And may your Travels be safe," The Shrine Keeper Replied. "And Good luck with your Journey, May you come to its end safely. And Please if you ever come by this route again, Stop in and stay for a while and let us talk once again."

The Path that laid ahead of me was filled with the pungent smell of decomposing bodies, of bandits and travelers alike. In the distances off the path I could hear the laughter of bandits gloating over the loot that had taken from innocent travelers. I hurried my step to get away as fast as I could. But I made to much noise the Laughter stopped and they cam after me. As they drew near I unsheathed my sword.

"Whut's dis?" One of the bandits questioned cocking his head looking at me.

"Looks like, 'e 'aunts to play," said the other.

"I do not wish any harm to you or me," I calmly said still on my guard. "Leave me be to go on my way and no harm shall befall any of us."

Both of them laughed. Then one of them spoke. "Let 'ou go? Why should we?, you got gold I smell it. Hand it over and well let you go." The other one Cackled and repeated what the first said.

"If you do not let me go," I threatened, Brandishing my sword. "I will be forced to kill you. Now Let me go or face my blade and be judged by the goddess for your crimes."

At this they cam at me drawing out daggers, and trying to stab me. But to there stupidity and my luck, my reach was greater than theres. The tip of my blade priced the skull of the first and I cleaved it out of the bone leaving the skull partially sliced open as the second came at me and successfully wounding me. My left arm was sliced open my shirt turning red from the blood that it was soaking up, If I did not finish this soon I would surely die from blood loss. With all my Strength I cleaved the Hand holding the Dagger off of the bandit. Staggering away holding the stump where his hand was the bandit was raging in pain of loosing the limb and not paying attention to where he was going. And over the cliff into the gorge below.

The bandits both dead or at least one of them anyways. I had to act fast. I took one of the torches from my pack and lit it. Letting it burn into a flame I took the blade of my sword heated it till it turned red. I pressed the red hot steel to the flesh of my arm searing the wound closed. The pain almost unbearable the smell and sound of my own flesh sizzling under the heat. At last I could not bare it anymore. I had to remove the blade from my arm. "I am going to need to find a healer when I reach the town," I told myself.

The Sun was high in the sky as the town of Balth started to show in the distance. Across the gorge with the bridge looming ever closer. I quickened my pace to get there because I needed medical attention as soon as possible due to the wound that was dealt to me. The bridge it self had seen better days, worn and rotting, I would have to take great care to cross over it.

As I crossed the bridge it swayed a bit in the wind, and CRACK one of the boards broke and fell as I stepped off of it. "Damn that was close," I said as I wiped my brow and proceeded even more carefully. A few minutes latter I was able to cross the bridge unharmed, and was right to the town.

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