Matthias, Chapter 1

*the village was calm. Matthias had just come back from the market in town.*

*A couple of interesting finds there today, but not much else. He went straight to the local drinking-house, where his friends were sitting, waiting for him.*

“Well, Matthias, how was your little walk?” *Hal asked, passing him a tankard*

“Uneventful....didn’t find much, didnt manage to sell any of the leather, but I found this” *Matthias said, drawing out an old dagger*

“Wha’is? Your grandpa’ sold butterknife?” *Honsa mocked*

“Found it in the possession of an old merchant. Said it was from the last dynasty. Cost me about 20 Groschen.”

“Bah!-“ *Hal rebutted* “-You got ripped off, my friend! Well, you went to Hallaje, what news did you hear there?”

*Matthias thought for a bit, before answering* “Well, apparently, our Duke Johann has been ousted from the country, and-“

“WHAT?” *Hal recoiled at the news*

“-as I was saying, *and* Kunst, his uncle, was killed by his nephew, Johann’s cousin, so...we’re pretty well fecked, I think.” *Matthias continued.*

“Well, i don’t think I’m ready to get levied into the militia, but, what can be done?” *Honsa said, demoralized.* “Well, is there any local news?”

“Not much better. Hallaje is filled with refugees, apparently the village at Maltau got raided by bandits.”

“Holy shit-“ *Honsa said* “-Did you see Eliska?”

“Yes, she’s alright. A little shaken, but she said she’s fine, and she looks foreword to seeing you.” *Matthis said, comforting his friend*

“Bah, these bandits are growing braver every day! It won’t be long before they strike somewhere near here!” *Hal said angrily*

*A new man strutted to the table* “Don’t worry, Hal, if those bastards come here, we’ll be ready for them...-” *the Catchpole, Adam, said, sitting next to Matthias.* “-Now, where’s my ale gone? Sun’s fucking scorching today, and this gambeson’s too hot for any civilized man to be wearing”

“Hullo Adam.” \*Matthias said, greeting the older man\*

“Hello, Matthias. How was your walk”

“Uneventful” *Matthias sighed* “only news from Hallaje is bad news, as usual.”

“Didn’t expect anything else” *Hal grumbled*

“Aye, can’t be helped. All we can do is be ready, and pray they don’t come here.” *Adam took a long draft of his ale, and stood back up.*

“Anyway, lads, I’m heading back to the Rathaus. Bailiff don’t want me gone long.”

“Send him my regards, will ya?” *Hal asked, mockingly*

“Of course, your lordship” *adam bowed sarcastically, and left the alehouse*

“Well-“ *Hal said, turning back toward his friends* “-I suppose I’ve got to head back to the smithy. Father will be wondering where I’ve been so long” *he laughed*

“See you tonight, Hal!” *Matthias said cheerily, turning back to Honsa as Hal left* “Honsa, Eliska is fine.” *he comforted his friend, who had become silent* “She said she looks foreword to seeing you again.”

*Honsa brightened a little* “Well, that’s at least good news. I’ve been meaning to go by Maltau for a couple weeks to see her, I suppose Hallaje is closer.”

*Matthias responded* “Indeed it is, a little. Anyway, I’ve got to go back to the tannery, Tomas will be wondering what’s happened to his leather.”

“Farewell, Matthias, see you in a bit” “Indeed, see you later!” *Matthias left the ale house, and began the long walk to the Tannery, down in the woods.*