A jolt went through the bed.
Ryon stirred, resting his head comfortably against warm soft skin and hair that smelled of peaches.
Another jolt tremored through the bed.
" Get up !!" a voice boomed
Ryon's eyes opened, leaving his body still he mumbled "I was having a good dream" still half asleep
"You are needed, ... sir" the guard added the 'Sir' reluctantly
"Who summons this 'You', you speak of," Ryon mumbled rolling over to view who he's talking to.
and why address me as 'Sir'?"
"Crucifer sent for you, he says it's urgent." replyed the guard
"tell Crucifer I said to go gratify himself with his horse" Ryon said as he rolled over and pulled the covers to his head.
From behind the guard, a man steped quietly and pulled the covers free from the bed exposing Ryon and the fair maiden.
Ryon sat up with a fright and the maiden screamed awake and scured for a sheet to cover herself.
Ryon sat exposed looking at Crucifer he frees sleep from his face, and a grin took it's place.
"So my old friend, what can I do you for?" Smiled Ryon.
"Start by getting dress and meeting me down stairs for breakfest." Crucifer said coldly and left.
****
Ryon got dressed and carried his sword to the downstairs lounge of the inn.
Breakfast had already been ordered and sat at the table.
With Crucifer, sat two guest that the innkeeper would not have been to happy to accommodate.
A gnome that stood an average of a foot tall and and a kobold a small race, kin to dragons, they average the same as gnomes this one was a massive two foot tall. Not only were they smaller than the average customer their races are known enemies.
The gnome wore brown breaches and a white tunic and a chain mail shirt, armed with a crossbow. The kobold was dressed in custom plate mail a number of factors made him a frightful sight. One that he could afford such armor, a second he must be intelligent for the quality in the armor was not shoddy. Finally he was armed with a long sword. Now a long sword to a kobold was as a greatsword to a man.
Here sat these two, seemingly best of friends drinking and carrying on. Sharing with Crucifer their great tales and journeys. Now most, would not believe them except they wore more than the average could afford
Crucifer stood as Ryon approached and the other two stood as well.
"Ryon,"Crucifer addressed Ryon to the gnome and kobold.
"This is Jax the Giant Slayer" pointing to the gnome and the gnome nodded,
"and this is Quamingrad the Brave" addressing the kobold and the kobold nodded acknowledgement.
Ryon sized the two up and smiled to stifle a laugh, "Pleasure to meet you."
We seek the aid of the two of you, your finesse with delicate situations are phenomenal." Quamingrad said with a sly hint of sarcasm.
"Why does the way you say that scares me?" Ryon inquired
"Ryon you worry to much we can handle it" Crucifer grinned
Ryon scowled "I'm going to hate you, aren't I ?"
"Just like old times!" Crucifer grinned
Jax looked at Quamingrad, then to Crucifer," Aren't you going to tell him where you two will be going?" asked the gnome.
"Oh, by all that is sane, where are we going?"Ryon asked
"You'll love it, it's to DIE for." Crucifer hinted as he got up to leave.
Ryon banged his head against the table "Why me?"
Jax looked to Quamingrad a few minutes with out words
"What!" snapped the kobold
Jax shook his head in disbelief "He's as bad as you are." the gnome nodded towards where Crucifer went.
