Epic: The Brothers Part Two

The three men had reached the tavern when the sun had fully gone to rest and the moon had taken over the solar playground. It shed its pale light on the moss covered brick walls, the area surrounding it was dark, an un-welcoming feeling washed across them as heads turned.

“You’re long ways from home prince.” An Orc that had been sitting spat at Azeal. He was short but most Orcs were. They were infamously known for their short temper and oblivious fearlessness. Azeal ignored the comment and went inside the tavern. Inside was a crowded mess of all the scum of the kingdom packed into one disgustingly foul smelling room. Some had caught eye of the guards walking in while others had continued drinking their ale.

“This is a bad idea.” John had whispered to Azeal as more and more of the people started to recognize them and it became quieter and quieter setting a hostile ambiance to the room. They sat at a table in the corner of the room, each of them waiting for someone to say something. Unfortunately their assumption came true, a top heavy man had stumbled his way over to them slamming his fists on the table

“What are you and your men doing here.” He was slurring his words while he talked and looked at Azeal with a hateful gaze, that was returned with the same intensity.

“We are just looking for a place to rest for the night, we mean no harm.” Michael said cutting the tension between the two and turning the mans attention to him.

“I bet that you have your guards outside this place right now,” he continued, “just waiting for a signal to come in and pillage this place. Just like your father did while dealing with the Elves.” He gave Azeal another spiteful look that challenged the Prince to draw out his sword and face the many of the thugs, rouges, and Orcs that had despised him. Luckily Azeal held his temper and bit his tongue in order for there not to be a fight. The man gave a smirk and turned around, “Coward.”

That had spiked Azeal’s adrenaline and he grabbed the hilt of his sword not caring for the consequences of what might happen just to get stopped by Michael’s hand.

“This is neither the time nor place.” He said keeping a firm grip on Azeal’s hand until he had calmed a bit. “Now, we must find an inn.”

After a tolerable meal of mutton and a round of their ale they walked through the crowd of outcasts. It was just as difficult walking in as it was out. Torches lit up the outside of the village barely giving any light to the dirt path they walked on. There were more trees and shrub the farther they walked. In between two large trees was the inn. It looked messy and worn down but would have to do. As they walked in a woman with icy blue eyes greeted them with a warm smile that quickly vanished once she caught eye of their kingdoms insignia on each of their chests.

“What do you want?” She had a venomous tone.

“We need a room to rest.” Azeal said

“No. We don't have any vacant, besides you’re better off sleeping in the forest where no one can see you because there are a lot of people that would skin you in your sleep if you stayed here. Me being one of them.” She was more intimidating than the fat man. But for some reason Azeal felt the need to retaliate.

“We are willing to take our chances. I doubt that any one of them would have the gall to kill us in our sleep not to mention face us in the daylight with honor. Including you.” She was clenching her fists and was getting ready to slap his face, but controlled herself.

“Your arrogance will get you killed, Prince.” She said grudgingly escorting them to their room. “You will leave first thing when the sun rises. That is if your still alive.” She turned on a heel and left them.

The room was small and bare with only two pillows, two small beds with awful brown-yellowish stains, and a small dying candle that was there for decoration rather than giving light. John and Michael sat on the hardwood floor trying to make themselves comfortable while Azeal sat next to the one window that was facing the tavern.

“Are you not going to sleep?” John asked.

“Yes, in a little while.” he said still looking through the window at the full moon. Cain was probably looking at it as well. When they were young they used to like gazing upon the stars and losing themselves within their own thoughts of what lie beyond the black abyss. But then again those were simpler times for them.