Killing The Ravens - Chapter 2: To Bernard(3rd Rivision) Poem by Ace Of Black Hearts

Anyways where was I? oh yes were entering the town of Bernard in search my thieving apprentice. A thief with powers beyond your imagination. He would indeed be a tricky one to catch, But you must do what you have to. I wouldn't say he squandered his powers, but they were more important things at hand then stealing to feed the cities orphans. And I would make sure before it was all said and done they were well taken care of. How you you might ask? well that you will find out soon enough.

Across this narrow cobble stone bridge I slowly and patiently walked. To the left a river that flowed, magnificently. The natives called her Silent Storm. An ancient and magical giant beast she was. She called to the gods I miss you in a language only the eyes could read. She was so peaceful at places, but the climate of other places was a swift giant current I would not like to be in. A monsters jaws on which she held so tightly life itself.

I can not the take time here to dream. I must keep moving for timing is important. For time if of a destiny that turns into a fate must be of that time that it has been made. With one word I proclaim, at the same time it is still a choice of destiny. I know I should not meddle in things that are beyond my own being. But if the knowledge is their why would you let the world go to waste? Some would say screw some future I won't be in. Well I think of the ones we love, and the ones they will love. I tell your life matters not in the scheme of things unless you change something. Some do wonderful things. Some choose to take horrible actions. I take the one I believe for the greater good. An opinion that has come past and died.

Continuing my fast pace I begin to see the end of it and two toll men. When I say toll men, think of the criminal sort. Not ones taxing for the kingdom. For these men didn't dress the attire. They both wore a light brown hand made tunic, a belt holding a coin purse, and thieves knife. Their pants were mere rags compared to the rest of their cloths. Even the shoes were worn, not to the point of being useless. But more to say they were well traveled. These were as I put gruff men, not cleanly shaven or well groomed in any way. As I got closer I could tell they both weren't very tall and didn't have any meat on their bones. Which means they're are probably in the wrong trade, or they were forced into it. Men can be worms, in which you can get them to do biding for you. I have seen it many times, and have learned to use it to my advantage. For if services have been bought, then all you have to show them that you have an easier and better life lying on your side. These two men called out halt where you are. We will come to you, present your papers then you can pass. Papers meaning who I am and my ancestry, my papers say I am a traveling merchant/alchemist of three generations from west noble. A town renowned for famous alchemist. Not that I would need it because again, these weren't mean of the kingdom. I was beginning to think they were of the spying sort providing information for somebody but the question was who.

As they got closer I could smell the whiskey on their breath. As soon as I started to speak they froze. Men of the conspire and drunkenness, you will not get to see papers in fact you will never leave this bridge if not with me. I need use of two men of your sorts, the pay will be good, the work will not be easy. But the other option is to be stuck on the bridge where you not be seen for the rest of days. Each with their own company you will keep. Till grey and old you'll die out of despair. I can't have any informants bare false witness.

They both reached for their daggers only to realize it was already to late, for they would not move. Forever bound by my thoughts they were stuck. Now even more angry they came running at me only to hit a wall inches from my actual body. With that they fell completely stunned, it was as if the world they have known came undone. You could see the fear in their eyes. I say to you two men who waste your attacks causing no bodily harm to anybody but your self. I'm not here to kill, or hurt you. All I ask for is a little help after this you'll be free to do as you wish. But my advice is you follow me to end of this. Otherwise I can't guarantee your safety. Not from me, but others who want me dead, and anybody associated. Take pleasure in that I give you a choice, not much of one but others would do much worse.

The men got with stunned looks upon their faces. The awe inspiring awe as some would say. I don't know why but I have that effect on people. Surprise after surprise as it happens. 'What are your names? , I questioned.' The first man spoke up squeaky voice, 'Renald Sith'. Then what be considered a mere deep grumble came from the second man, 'Gregory Nox'. Which If I didn't have extremely sensitive hearing I wouldn't be able to understand. 'Well then men', I spoke in celebration 'this is your town. You know you way around and were all tired so let find an inn to shack up in, and possibly have have a drink or two. We were on the way to catch a thief whose name I didn't even know. They did not know it yet cause I preferred to tell them as little possible.

The men got up with stunned looks upon their faces. The awe inspiring awe as some would say. I don't know why but I have that effect on people. Surprise after surprise as it happens. 'What are your names? , I questioned.' The first man spoke up squeaky voice, 'Renald Sith'. Then what be considered a mere deep grumble came from the second man, 'Gregory Nox'. Which If I didn't have extremely sensitive hearing I wouldn't be able to understand. 'Well then men', I spoke in celebration 'this is your town. You know you way around and were all tired so let find an inn to shack up in, and possibly have have a drink or two. We were on the way to catch a thief whose name I didn't even know. They did not know it yet cause I preferred to tell them as little possible.

On the edge of the bridge was three dirt roads. One one following the river to the west and east. Another road went southeast as split off from the first road at the bridge. The third went straight south heading into farmland unknown to me. This was my first time to this town. So I most certainly needed these men guidance. Both of them were following behind me fighting about something, I'm sure what. But I thundered, 'SILENCE! ! ! ', as if I controlled the sky itself. 'Ren and Greg if may call you by that, which of these three roads leads to Benard? ' I questioned. Ren was the bolder man by far. He spoke up right aways, Sir if I may, 'if we enter town with you with out reporting to our superiors we are all dead men.' I responded back with slight hint pleasure, 'don't you worry about that appearances are deceiving they won't recognize you even looking directly looking upon your face.' 'While were on the subject, who is it superiors are looking for? ' This time it was Greg that responded in an angry manner might I added, we're not traitors that can be bargained and bartered with at wizard whim of the likes of you! ! ! ' I spoke calmly, coolly, and collectively 'just remember whose hands your in. If I want you dead I can let them kill you for me. I'm not asking you to tell me who your superiors are but who they are looking for. For I might be looking for the same person.' Ren spoke again with even more courage well their is this thief that threaten all the destruction of kingdoms upon the release of his powers by the green wizard. We are to kill the thief on sight.' This did not bode well for me, for it meant they already knew I wasn't dead. Or at least they knew part of my plan. 'Tell me ', I said quickly. 'What have you heard of this wizard. Greg mumbled, 'Well everyone knows of Nicholas Ashton great speech of how he killed him with 200 of his greatest generals.' 'Is this propaganda and a trap? ', I wondered. For I must be prepared for such a scenario. I must be prepared, that this might not go my way on time. If not, I didn't fail. But I will have to get somebody else who changes and fights against this leadership. An
apprentice, someone to take my place is what this is about.

'And of the thief? ', I question as we picked up our pace, because I feared he or she might already be caught. I know right how can you know gender of your soon to be both savior and destroyer? Let's put it like this it wasn't included in the prophecy. Ren catching up said with almost humored laugh and with a very unbecoming grin, “That is the trouble, we've had report after report of this thief, but nobody as of yet has been able catch him. He is very slick indeed and apparently knows the catacombs of the city very well. I further interrogated him, asking how he knew it was him. Because he said there no way that female could put so many soldiers in the infirmary. There are now recruiting, because of how much trouble he has caused.30 injured, and 2 still missing. This has been on going for over 3 months still no results.

As we got ever closer I came to realize this was no small town, but a medium sized city, with 20 foot wall surrounding it on 3 sides. The rock wall was made of all shapes and size. This was telling me it was both built in hurry, and by the resources that immediately available nearby. From what I understand this new and didn't use to be here. The fourth side didn't matter because it was huge cliff that dropped straight in the ocean about 100 feet down. Though for some reason on edge sat wooden spikes face out ward as if they were expecting a attack from the sea also. Fortified is understatement. I wouldn't be escaping that way or would I? There was imperial port along a road right next the city. At least six warship from what I could tell harbored here. Three dual docking station and ship on each side. Eight mutations bunkers and 20 military barracks scattered around this location. Now I could tell by this it was Drystone army by both there flag and there armies armor and clothing. Why the desert people were invading this far north I had no clue, but in time I'm sure I would. It was probably yet another attempt by the old tribes to overthrow the ravens. Ruling entire nations through pure influence can be a dangerous business. This seems to be the first sign of good news in a long while. If they are distracted, it might give me my opening I have long been waiting for.