I had a little difficulties in writing the scene with Fanor. To me it seems a little...stiff I guess. And right after the bar fight seemed blah, but that's my opinion. And sorry I haven't posted in awhile. Critic away!
Max was sitting at a table by the counter. It was two weeks later and the tavern was quite empty. Everyone was either upstairs in their room or down in the main room. Leratta was in the cellar organizing things and Edwurd was in his room writing letters to people in Mayac. People from Lords Cove kept coming to Avalon, looking for Max. Leratta learned what Max did and always told them that she had passed by to Murcia’s plains. But they always came back. Rumours were floating around that Max was in Murica. But then some got all exaggerated and were saying she left the continent or was living in the Forest and other things.
Max sighed and looked about herself. Besides her, there was only two other people in the room. She was sitting alone writing a letter to her mother, eating a quick meal and drinking a small glass of wine. It was quite windy outside. A storm was swiftly coming in and Max was sure it was a big one. Lightning was flashing across the sky and thunder was shaking the town. The windows were constantly rattling and even some of the glasses in the cupboards were moving. Rain was pouring off the buildings like the waterfall that flowed beneath the city. Puddles were forming on the cobblestone roads. Nobody would dare travel in such weather.
Suddenly the door blew open. Max’s papers flew upwards and her candle went out. She glanced up and set eyes on a dark figure. The person strolled forwards into the inn, closing the door.
Max immediately jumped to her feet, gathered up her papers and set them back onto the table. She scrambled over to the new customer to see what he wanted.
“Could I get you anything sir?” she inquired, taking note of his soaked black jacket. Water dribbled onto the hardwood floor from his jacket.
“Nothing I need,” came her hoarse reply.
“Would you like a dry jacket? It’s ghastly weather out there,” Max urged. “Or even a warm meal?”
“No thanks miss. I just came in to warm up,” the man responded. “I won’t be staying long.”
“But wouldn’t you warm up if you had a dry jacket on?” Max questioned. “Or you could sit beside the fire. Nobody is over there. Or an ale?”
“I’m fine,” insisted the stranger. “But if you want, you could get me a small ale.”
Max nodded, got him his drink and returned back to her table. She grabbed another candle and lit her dead one. She then plopped down into her chair and continued writing her letter. She was soon finished and sat back and read it.
‘Dear Havi. Hi mother, I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I’m fine and living well. Don’t worry there are no dragonriders where I am. I have a job and it is good pay. I really don’t want to tell you where I am currently residing right now, in fear of someone from Lords Cove coming to find me. Namely Guy. Well, I have made a few friends. One is my boss. She’s very kind is letting me live with her. I still am in Murcia don’t worry, but when I get enough money I am heading to the hills of Duniden. All my animals are living here, except Malto who ran away and found his way to Crystal Valley. I hope nobody is bothering you about me. Well, I have work to do. Love Max.’
“Not bad,” Max murmured to herself. She looked up just as Leratta came back upstairs.
“Any new customers Max?” the woman asked.
“Uh, yea just one. Nobody wants to be out in this weather anyways Leratta,” Max answered. She folded up her letter and sealed it. She stood up and walked to the counter.
“You done?” Leratta questioned, taking the letter.
Max nodded. “Yes. Hopefully I didn’t write anything in it to offend her,” she said.
“She’ll be glad to have some news of you,” the tavern owner responded. “Now, can you wash all the tables off for me? They should be done.”
Max bobbed her head went to do her job. She came to the stranger’s table and noticed he hadn’t touched his ale. “Is there something the matter?”
“No, nothing’s the matter. I was merely thinking,” the man answered. He lifted his ale and gestured for her to wash the table. Max swept the cloth across the table till it was spotless. She moved on to the next one. The man placed his tankard back onto the table and returned to the still position.
“Anything else Leratta?” Max returned the cloth to the water bucket and plopped herself onto a stool at the counter. She yawned and rubbed her eyes.
“I think this storm is going to get worse. Why don’t you go check on the horses in the stable?”
Max nodded. “I can do that,” she said. She grabbed her blue cloak and threw the hood onto her head. She lit a lantern and left the inn. Lightning lit the streets and the whole town shook as a clap of thunder sounded. A pure black stallion stood tethered to the hitching post. Max raised the lantern up to see its face. The war horse raised his head with nervousness. Its light brown eyes had a wild look in them and it pawed the ground vigorously. She ignored the horse, remembering the mans words.
Max hurried through the mud to the stable. She pushed the door open and entered the dark building. She smelt the hay and the horses. She could hear them snorting and knocking about in their stalls.
“Hey guys, it’s okay. The storm will pass soon,” she said to the horses as she walked passed them all. She was just comforting Epona when the door opened.
Max turned her head to see who had entered. It was no other than the stranger leading his black war horse. She hid her surprise.
“Is there any room in here for my horse?” he asked in the same hoarse voice.
“Uh…yes there is. The very back there is an extra,” Max replied, pointing to the back.
The man bowed his head and led his horse down to the end. Max watched him unsaddle the stallion and put it into the stall after a quick rubbing down. Just as he was walking past Max, she stopped him.
“Excuse me. I’m sorry but what’s your name?” she asked.
The man looked at her in a quizzical way. “Fanor,” he responded. “Now you know mine. Could I know yours?”
“Maxenne. But please, call me Max,” the girl replied. “It’s a pleasure.”
“Indeed it is,” Fanor said, bowing. “Anything else you’d like to know?”
Max knew perfectly well he could see her blushing face. “I’m sorry. My curiosity sometimes runs away with me.”
Fanor smiled. “Yes. That happens with a lot of young people. I was the same way.” His smile faded. “You’d best keep your curiosity in check. It could get you into a lot of trouble.”
Max looked down at the lantern in her hand. “Yes I know it can. Did that happen to you?” she inquired.
Fanor nodded. “I suppose. But I need to go Max. I need a good nights rest before I set off tomorrow.” A sly smile crept onto his face. “Would you like to know where I’m going too?”
Max let a laugh slip. “I was wondering. But you needn’t tell me. I’m sure it’s a personal matter.”
“Just back to my hometown. I know I won’t be welcome there but it’s worth a try. And for your next question, I suppose the reason I’m not welcome there is because of the ‘evil deeds’ I’ve done. But I must go and pay someone a visit. Good night.”
He left Max standing in the dim light. She was quite puzzled by his words. She shook her head and sneaked after him, blowing the lantern out and leaving it by the stable. She wanted to know who his friend was, then she could consult with them later.
She followed him across the town, down a dark alley and watched as he entered a building with no windows on the north side. She smiled. Now she could find the answers to her questions. She then went back to the inn to report that the horses were fine.
The next morning Max awoke to a beam of sunlight hitting her bed. Cackle was curled up on her pillow and Jo was at the end of the bed. She frowned with puzzlement. Why hadn’t Leratta woken her up? She glanced at the calendar on the wall. It was Saturday. It was her day off.
Max smiled and stared at her ceiling. She would go for a ride on Epona today. She needed the fresh air anyways. Then she remembered that she was going to go to that building and find out about Fanor. But how would she get the residents to tell her about him?
She shrugged and got up. Jo yawned and stretched. He looked up at her through sleepy eyes and strolled out of the room. Cackle continued to snore on her pillow, unaware that day had already come. Max hastily got dressed and went out into the main room.
“Good morning Max,” Leratta greeted from the counter.
“Hi Leratta. I’m going out today,” Max replied, throwing her now dried cloak on.
“Okay dear.” Leratta stacked seven plates together. “Oh Max, I know it’s your day off and such but could I get you to run a few errands for me? It would save me time.”
“I could do that. What do you need?”
Leratta handed Max a little piece of paper. “Just the things off there. If you can’t get everything don’t worry about it,” she said. She handed Max some money and left her.
Max smiled happily to herself. She was glad Leratta trusted her with her money. She put the coins into a pocket and went out the door. She wasn’t surprised to find it muddy and mucky out. What she was surprised with was the fact that everyone was in high spirits and out shopping, even though it was a drizzling rain.
“What’s first on my list?” Max asked herself, looking down at the small piece of paper. “Ah, to Madam Manency’s for some herbs.”
She strolled merrily to the witch’s small shop. She dodged people and jumped over puddles. When Max arrived at the shop she was disappointed to find it closed. Max groaned. She knew Leratta really needed the herbs for the food. She noticed a small sign in the corner and leaned closer.
“See me at my house if you need something,” Max read. “Well then I’ll just do that.” She straightened up and looked around the busy town. “Where does she live?”
An older gentleman walking past overheard her question. “Across the town and down that alley. Her house is on the right side in a building with no windows to the north,” he said.
“Oh thank-you. I appreciate it.” Max skipped past him and followed his directions. She stopped at the alley. “Isn’t this the…” She inwardly laughed at her luck then frowned. Madam Manency may or may not tell her. The woman was an odd one.
Cackle flew up and landed on her shoulder. “Now what herbs does she need?” Max reread the list. “Dill, sage, chives and bay leaves. Interesting, eh Cackle?” He nibbled on her hair in reply.
Max raised her hand to knock when the door opened. She stepped backwards as a man stepped out. He didn’t notice her until he turned around. He jumped at the sight of her and then sighed.
“Hello Max,” he said.
Max dropped her still raised arm and went to open her mouth to say something when Cackle gave out a low hiss. Max gave the dragon a slight push with a hand. “Hello Fanor.”
“What are you doing here?” Max studied his revealed face. He was pale looking with high cheek bones. His long black hair was braided back away from his face. His clear blue eyes stood out on his face. He pulled his hood over his head with a small smile.
“Coming to visit Madam Manency. This is where she lives, is it not?” Max inquired.
“Indeed it is,” Fanor replied. “Would you like me to call her for you?”
“Um…no thank-you,” Max quickly said.
“Okay. Then I shall be off.”
“Good luck at your hometown,” the girl replied as he began walking away.
“I may need it. Thank-you. Good day.” Fanor turned and left, cloak billowing behind him.
Max watched him melt into the bustling people. When he was gone from sight she knocked on the door. She heard footsteps coming and then the door opened. The small familiar figure stood there before her, purple hair in the usual bun.
“May I help you Maxenne?” Madam Manency questioned. She nodded to Cackle. “Does Cackle need some more soap?”
“No ma’am. I still have half a bar left,” Max responded.
“I hope Cackle was able to say thank-you to Jack for the recommendation,” the witch went on. Cackle bobbed his head in reply. “That’s good. Then what do you need?”
“I noticed your shop was closed today, but Leratta really needs some herbs and spices. She’s run low again,” Max answered. Cackle flew off her shoulder and waited on the roof top for her.
“Ah, for her cooking eh? Well come in my dear.” Madam Manency stepped aside, letting Max in.
“Thank-you. I’ll just be quick,” Max said.
The woman closed the door and walked into her kitchen. It smelt very much like burnt sage in the house. When they reached the kitchen, Madam Manency turned to Max. “What would she like dear?” she asked.
“Um, Dill, sage, chives and some bay leaves,” Max replied.
Madam Manency nodded and went to a cupboard. She brought out five containers after six minutes of rummaging. She put the four herbs into bags and handed them to Max. “Here you go dear,” she said. She took the last container and threw some of the powdery inhabitants into a cup of hot water. It steamed and hissed.
“How much would that be ma’am?” Max asked.
“Oh just about four Adus. How does that sound?” Madam Manency questioned.
Max nodded and set the money on the table. “Thank you,” she said, and turned to go.
“You know something’s up with Fanor don’t you?” Madam Manency asked, mysteriously.
Max turned to the older woman and looked at her. “How do you know?” she demanded with an accidental force.
“I can tell. And you think right. But you mustn’t tell anyone what I am about to tell you. Okay?” Madam Manency declared. “Now take a seat.”
Max nodded. She took a chair and sat down, right across from the woman. Madam Manency closed her eyes and blew on the steaming cup.
“Okay, it all started when he was young. About thirty or so, he left his home to go and live in Zephi. Most Tarits and Eliquas were moving there to help out their neighbouring Races,” explained Madam Manency . At Max’s surprised look she laughed and nodded. “Yes, Fanor is an Tarit. Now when he reached Zephi, he fell in love with another young Tarit. She was ten years younger than he, but that really doesn’t matter when you’re an Tarit now does it?”
Max shook her head. She was surprised that Fanor was a Tarit. She wouldn’t have guessed it. Maybe a , Tyant or even a tall Cyril but not a Tarit.
“Now somehow, a few years later, when Fanor was out riding he was ambushed by a group of Langs. They didn’t kill him. Kahul wanted a spy. So Fanor became the spy. He reported everything that happened in Zephi and Alacazar. You wouldn’t have been born yet. That was nearly thirty-two years ago. Duniden almost fell to Kahul,” Madam Manency explained. “Most Tarits said Fanor was a traitor and should be banished from Murcia and Duniden. Yes, he betrayed the country almost to their fate, but his mind was poisoned by Kahul. Nobody understood that. But the one thing that really almost defeated Fanor was that his love also thought he was a traitor and turned her back to him.
“His mind is almost still controlled by Kahul. That is why Fanor consults me. I’m a witch. I can help him and he knows it.” Madam Manency finished.
Max was shocked and her face showed it. She could sense something dark about the Tarit but also something magical. The magic was from Madam Manency’s power and the darkness was from Kahul’s control on him. “How did he get away from Kahul?” she asked in a hushed tone.
“Ah, he realized what he had done. He ran away from Kahul and hid himself for almost two years. Everyone thought him dead. But he had done the damage to the country. But Duniden is now, once again, a strong country. Much stronger than Murcia will ever be. Kahul still urges Fanor back, but Fanor is to smart. He knows he cannot go back,” explained Madam Manency, drinking from the cups contents. “But he cannot go home, though he knows he won’t be welcome there. He hasn’t been in Zephi either. His love never ever trusted him again. Many Tarits feel that way toward him.”
Max looked down at the herbs in front of her. She tossed this information around in her mind, trying to figure how it all intertwined with curiosity.
“You may go. Your questions have been answered,” Madam Manency said. “And tell Leratta not to use to much of those bay leaves. I am running low and need to go collect some more.”
Max vigorously nodded her head. “Thank-you.” She hastily left the house. Her mind was racing as she ran back to the Cat and Cheese. She had to feel sorry for Fanor. Everyone knew Kahul was a powerful wizard. No one could throw off his domination easily. She bumped into someone and spun around to apologize. The words were already on her lips but there was no one standing there. She blinked her eyes in surprise. Cackle flew up to her and landed on her shoulder.
“I wonder who I bumped into,” she told the dragon. He shrugged and rubbed her cheek. “Yes, curiosity is a problem with me.”
*******
“Max! Three orders of ale! Pints!” shouted Leratta.
“I’m on it!” Max called back. It was nearly two months later and it was a fairly busy evening. People just kept coming in. Max had never seen the tavern so full in the time she had spent there.
Max hastily filled up the pint glasses and carried them out to the counter. Leratta grabbed them and carried them off. She came back a minute later looking wiped.
“Your turn. I have to start cooking,” she stated. “And those fellows in the back are a bit rowdy and those two in the right corner are from your place.”
Max nodded and hopped over the counter. Leratta hit her gently on the back of the head, scolding her for jumping over it. Max grinned and walked over to a couple of men at a table to ask what they wanted.
“Pints deary,” the one scrawny man said. She smiled at him and walked back to the counter. “Yo Max! I want an ale! Not a pint, something smaller!” called a man.
“Yes Flan!” Max yelled, absentmindedly. She began filling up three glasses before she realized who that was. She froze in her work, panicking. Leratta noticing her not working came up. She noticed the panicked expression on the young woman’s face.
“Are you alright dear?” she asked, worriedly.
“It’s Flan,” Max whispered.
“Just don’t talk to him. Quickly hand him his ale and get out of there,” Leratta advised. “It should work.”
Max nodded and placed the pints and the glass on a tray. She handed the pints off to their owners and walked over to Flan. She set the glass on the table with a shaky hand and tried to walk away, but someone grabbed her shoulder. She turned around to see Flan and Fred. She gave them a nervous smile.
“Hello Max,” Flan said.
“Hi,” Max replied, quietly.
“So, gave up Lords Cove for a tavern?” Fred asked.
“I needed the money before I went anywhere,” Max answered hastily. “And they treat me very good. Almost like family.”
“Where you heading when you’re done here?” The other man questioned.
“You ain’t gonna tell anyone I’m here, are you? I’ve avoided them for two months and I don’t wish to go back now,” Max explained.
“We won’t tell anyone. Besides, you’re better off here. If you went back you’d be married before you set foot through the gate,” responded Flan. “Thidon and Guy were mighty mad when you never returned.”
“We knew you’d get away,” Fred piped up.
Max smiled with relief. “I’m going to Duniden when I get enough money,” she told the two older men.
“Duniden? We’ve been told you’ve headed to the plains of Muricia,” Flan replied.
“I told them to say that. Though people tend to exaggerate with some of their rumours.”
Flan and Fred laughed. “You’re a smart girl! You can make it out here on your own,” Fred stated.
“Any battles lately?”
“Just one or two every week. Getting to know those dragonriders mighty well,” Fred answered. “Mostly the bronze and brown.”
“Yea, there is quite a few here. But they can never breach the wall or gate so I don’t know why they even bother with Avalon,” Max replied. “Malto is living at Crystal Valley. He found his way there the day I ran away.”
“You haven’t gotten him back?”
“I merely have to go there and get him. But I figured he was better off there. He’s to big to live in a city.”
The door opened and two young men walked in. Max looked up at them and sighed. She turned back to the two elderly men and smiled.
“Well, I best am getting back to work. It was sure nice talking to you,” Max said and she walked away.
“I told you it wasn’t m-my fault! If M-Marth never got in th-the way, his damn t-tail wouldn’t be-be-be b-burnt. If you keep blaming me I’m g-going to…” the black haired man trailed off on his threat.
“I could always blame Ranth. She shouldn’t have blown fire,” the brown haired one retored.
“I don’t need to-to-to be l-lectured by you wh-when Zena is lecturing me b-back at h-home,” the other snapped.
“I’m only teasing you. I found it all quite amusing,” the second replied.
“What can I get you gents?” Max inquired, not looking up at them. Her mind was thinking rabidly. She could leave in another months time, that is if she could force herself to. Leratta was a kind woman. Cackle flew onto Max’s shoulder and chirped in her ear. She giggled. His love was in town. Outside, waiting for her rider.
“Well Charles here will have a…hmm…a burnt fish,” the second jested.
“Burnt fish?! Ugh! Quit w-with that or-or-or I’m g-gonna have to hit y-you. I’ll just have a-a small ale pl-please,” Charles said. “He’ll have the b-burnt fish.”
“I’ll just have the same as him thank-you.”
Max laughed at their jests and walked away. Another order flew at her and then a few more. It was several minutes before the two young men had their ale.
“There yea go,” Max said, handing Charles his drink. She was about to give the other man his when she looked at him. She almost dropped his drink with surprise. She opened her mouth to say something but quickly closed it. Their eyes met and she knew she had met him before. She gave him his drink and briskly walked away, the two watching her.
Leratta approached Max when she sat on a stool. “I know you’re tired, you sure look it. But I need some potatoes and another barrel of ale,” she said.
“Leratta, you know I can’t haul a barrel of ale up that ladder. It’s to heavy for me,” Max protested.
“Hey Max! I’ll help yea!” called a man, one of the regulars.
“I’ll help you!” offered another.
Max flushed and ignored them. She nodded her head to Leratta and walked to the cellar. Cackle flew by her and landed on the cellar ladder.
“Move Cackle. Go take peoples orders or something. Or better yet, go ask Edwurd to help me,” Max ordered. Cackle soared off and Max descended the ladder. She hauled up a bag of potatoes and went back down.
She rolled a barrel to the ladder and looked up. Cackle flew down and began chirping.
“Did you get Edwurd?” Max asked him. Cackle shook his head. “Did you do anything?”
Cackle looked up and shook his tiny head again. Max growled and began pushing the barrel up the ladder. She heaved it up and slipped. She hit her knee on the bar but ignored the pain. Five minutes later she was at the top, sweating and breathing heavily.
Max rolled the barrel to Leratta in the kitchen. “There you go. Can you please ask someone else to do it next time? Or could we build stairs?” she asked, standing the barrel up.
“Thanks Max. You know I appreciate it. Edwurd and I are getting old. But we’ll sort that problem out later. People have orders now,” Leratta responded.
Max hurried out and as soon as she appeared, people began firing orders at her. She smiled and hurried to do their bidding.
Five minutes later she heard a whole lot of yelling and cussing in the back. Leratta shouted at Max to stop the men from fighting. She groaned and marched over there. She strolled past the two young men who stopped chatting to watch her.
“All right Lenny and Fyer! You know the rules. No fighting inside the inn! If you two want to fight, go outside and brawl,” Max ordered, putting her hands on her hips and giving them both a stern look.
“Okay Max,” Fyer said.
Max smiled and began to walk away when Lenny grabbed her arm and pulled her back to his side. “Stay here. We could use a good lecture,” he said, breathing into her face.
“No,” Max snapped, pulling her hand away. She could smell the beer on his breath. “I have work to do Lenny. You know that.”
“Sorry Max,” Fyer said, beginning to drink. He turned his gaze away from the two and stared out the window at the dragons in the dark.
“Come on Max,” Lenny said, grabbing her arm once again.
“Don’t!” cried Max. She yanked her arm away from Lenny and gave him a steely stare. She went to walk away but he took hold of her again. She turned around and stared at him. She had never known him like this. He was always one of the nice men in the inn.
“Come on Max,” he repeated.
Max tried to pry his hand off her wrist but he held it firm. Lenny pulled her closer to him, Max fighting as he did. He made to kiss her hand but she took her free hand and gave him a good thwack in the face. It made him let go and made Fyer roar with laughter.
Lenny recovered quickly and grabbed her wrist, his face had a purple tinge to it. It was amazing how much a man could change when he drank to much.
He raised his hand like he was going to strike her but another grabbed his own wrist. Max looked and saw the brown haired man. She then recognized who he was.
“Jack!”
Lenny let Max go with an angry thrust. She fell backwards but her fall was broken by the man called Charles. She smiled gratefully up at him and he smiled back. He was Charlie, Jack’s friend the Piyer. She realized in those few seconds that he was the man who bought fish from her two months before and the man she helped out when he and his dragon were stuck in the forest all those many days ago.
Lenny glared at Jack and went to hit him but Jack grabbed his other arm with quick reflexes. Lenny gave out a yelp as Jack twisted his arm to the right.
“Let go! Let go!” Lenny begged.
“Say sorry to Max,” Jack responded.
Lenny looked over at Max and up at Charlie, who was hanging onto her. He then looked at Jack and returned his gaze to Max.
“Sorry Max. The ale must be getting to me,” he finally said.
Max laughed and accepted Charlie’s help to her feet. She said it was okay to Lenny. Leratta’s ale was pretty strong. Everything seemed to be okay.
“All is forgiven. No rowdy business now,” Max said, smiling.
“Just a little more action please!” Fyer shouted. He swung his fist and hit Lenny square in the jaw. Lenny roared and sent Fyer flying backwards, who hit another man and who punched Fyer. Max was shocked. Suddenly the man who hit Fyer almost flew into her. She grabbed onto Charlie to keep out of the mans way. Another man stumbled into her but Charlie pulled him away from her and let go, making him spin around in a circle before landing onto a table. Max sighed and inched behind Charlie, keeping her hand on his arm just in case.
Lenny staggered backwards after another blow. He thought it was Jack as it came from the dragonrider’s direction. He was too drunk to see the man beside the dragonrider so he swung a fist at Jack and instead of hitting his face, he hit Jack’s arm.
There was a roar of a dragon from outside. Max looked up at Charlie as she jumped beside him when a third man almost hit her. His dark green eyes were dancing with laughter. He patted her arm and led her out of the chaos. Leratta was fuming with anger. She was yelling her head off at all the men.
Food was flinging everywhere as dishes and tables broke. Ale was all over the floor, causing people to slip as they ran about. Men were sprawled on the floor, knocked out from a blow to the head. There came a crash and another table was broke. Two men sent another sliding down the counter, glasses and plates flying off the sides.
Max couldn’t help but laugh. She had been there little over two months and never was there this much action. Charlie had left her to get his friend out of trouble. Max ducked as a chair flew over the counter. There came a tremendous crash as a man sailed through the glass window.
The young woman began laughing harder. She knew she would have a lot of work to do after this fight was over. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she sank to the floor, laughing. A man fell to the floor beside her. She shoved him and told him to get back up there.
Dazed and drunk as he was, he aimed a punch at her. Max barely ducked in time. Angrily, she straightened up and punched him in the nose, though her hand hurt days afterwards. She studied the room. The place was a mess and chaotic.
Max stood up and looked about the place for Cackle. She spotted Charlie helping Jack away from a burly man that had his hairy arm wrapped around Jack’s neck. She suppressed a giggle. She then noticed Leratta beating Fyer with a broom, saying he was a useless git for starting the fight. She could no longer restrain herself and broke into fits of helpless laughter again.
Edwurd was still reading, unaware of his surroundings. Fred and Flan were watching the whole thing play out, their table was gone but mugs were in their hands and an unconscious man lay at their feet. Cackle was perched on the small chandelier making cheering noises as he swung his head back and forth. The chandelier was rocking wildly to and fro. She heard a yelp of pain and spotted Charlie stumbling backwards, his hand to his face. She wondered what or who had hit him. He took his hand off his face and went back to help Jack, who had blood streaming down his left cheek.
Suddenly there was a loud roar. Everyone stopped and looked around. At the broken window was a massive bronze dragon staring inside the inn. A brown female was beside him.
Everyone stared at the dragons who looked quite angry. The bronze was staring at the man that had an arm around Jack. Charlie was doubled over with laughter as he watched the dragons.
“You best let Jack go-go-go. I’m sure Marth is t-tempted to-to eat y-you,” he chuckled.
Marth gently shoved Charlie and snorted at the man. A low growl came from deep down in his throat and he bared his teeth. Nobody, except the two dragonriders, knew that the dragon was merely smiling at his rider’s predicament. The man forcefully shoved Jack away. Charlie grabbed his friends’ arm as he lost his balance. The man strolled off as Marth grunted and withdrew his head.
“All right! No more of this nonsense! Everyone out!” yelled Leratta. Fyer got away from her broom and dashed out the door. Everyone else scrambled out the window. The remaining people in the damaged inn were Leratta, Edwurd, Flan, Fred, Jack, Charlie and Max.
“Just look at this mess!” screeched Leratta. She turned on Max. “Just look at this mess! All I did was ask you to stop them!”
“I tried. Then Lenny grabbed my arm and wouldn’t let go. I’ll admit I hit him in the face, but merely in self defence. He went to hit me and Jack stopped him. Then I suppose all was forgiven but I guess Fyer wanted some action. So he punched Lenny and well…this is what happened. A chain reaction,” Max explained defensively. She glanced about the room. The urge to laugh at the mess was to much and a giggle slipped from her lips.
Edwurd, finally noticing the mess, burst out laughing. He knew his wife wouldn’t be to happy but the whole scene was quite funny. Jack and Charlie joined in their laughter, soon followed by Flan and Fred. Leratta shook her head and looked up at Cackle.
“Get down from there you little rat,” she ordered.
Cackle floated down and landed on Max’s shoulder, his eyes swirling. He was making noises in his throat that sounded a lot like laughter.
“All right. You four can go. You, young man, should put ice on that eye and you should clean up your nose and cheek,” Leratta advised.
Max turned and noticed the dragon riders injuries. Charlie had a black eye, that was swelling shut. Jack had a bloody nose and the long scratch Max had noticed earlier.
“We’re fine,” Charlie responded, putting a hand to his eye with a wince. Jack laughed and touched his cheek, a wide grin on his face.
“You two gents go. You two boys come over here. I have some of Madam Manency’s ointments that should do wonders to your…injuries,” Leratta ordered.
Fred and Flan stood up and left. Jack and Charlie looked at each other, both hesitating. Jack shrugged and obeyed Leratta. Charlie hung back, unsure.
“I’ll get you some ice. I don’t think there is ointment for black eyes,” Max stated quickly. She hurried into the kitchen, grabbed some ice out of the cooling box, wrapped them into a rag and quickly went to the dragonrider.
Slowly and gently Max eased the ice onto his eye. Charlie sucked his breath in and took the rag from her, muttering his thanks.
“There is ointment for black eyes,” Jack spoke up from the counter. “Just ask Charles there.”
“It’s Ch-Charlie you dweeb,” the other snapped. “And y-you know it. But yes th-there is ointments for-for black eyes. B-believe me, I’ve used it plenty of t-times.”
“He doesn’t like Madam Manency’s ointments. Sure he’ll use that soap but not the ointments…of his own free will,” Jack explained with a laugh.
Charlie harrumphed and turned away from his friend. Max and Jack chuckled at his reaction.
“I don’t believe we were properly introduced,” the young woman said.
Charlie smiled. “No we weren’t. I-I also didn’t get the ch-chance to th-thank-you for h-helping Ranth and I-I,” he responded. Max smiled back. Jack and Charlie were quite handsome dragonriders.
“So you’ve met these young men before Max?” Leratta inquired, finishing up with Jack.
Max bobbed her head. “Yes. Well Jack I met. Charlie and I were never introduced to each other.” She turned to Charlie and curtsied. “Maxenne Rulon. But please call me Max.”
Charlie looked at Jack and the other gave him a look. “Ch-Charles Tulrion,” he responded. “I r-rather you’d call me Ch-Charlie.”
“Charlie it is then. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Max said.
“Same here.” His eyes swept around and grimaced at the mess, laughing bitterly. “Looks l-like yea have a-a mess t-to clean up.”
Max nodded and she glanced about. She did have a lot of work ahead of her. Leratta finally noticed her window and gave a gasp.
“My window! What happened to my window?!” She screamed.
“A man twas airborne,” Charlie replied, simply.
“Airborne? Now I have to get a new window, glass ones aren’t cheap yea know. Then add chairs and tables. Besides the countless dishes that must be replaced. I might as well as use metal platters,” Leratta informed. “You two can go. We have to clean up. It will be well into the night before we actually finish.”
Charlie made a move to the door but stopped when Jack didn’t follow. He raised an eyebrow at his friend, clearly confused on why he wasn’t following.
“Charlie,” Jack began. “I think we should help them clean up.”
Charlie’s jaw dropped and he took the ice away from his eye. “What?! M-More work? The reason I c-came here, Jacko, w-was to-to-to not work. All w-we did was w-work all d-day and now you w-want me t-to work some more?” He complained.
“Well?” Jack inquired, holding back a laugh. Max giggled some.
“How could I-I refuse s-such a wondrous o-offer?” Charlie asked in a girly tone. He rolled his dark eyes and put the ice back on.
Max laughed along with Jack and Leratta. Charlie truly was a funny character. He walked over to the counter, picked up a stool and sat on it.
“After this, I th-think I might go f-for a pint of ale and a g-good pipe to sm-smoke,” he muttered, lifting a glass upside down, letting some ale dribbled out. They all had to laugh harder.
