“I’d give my right butt cheek to get out of work tonight,” My-re mumbled to herself as she carried a tray of empty mugs. The din of conversation and tinkering plates and glasses filled the halls of the Broken Sword tavern. While not the most popular bar on Willow Beach, it did benefit from the spill-over when the other drinking establishments were full. With the spring tournament in full swing, managers, gladiators, and spectators alike were out in a festive mood. Some celebrating wins, long sought after trains, or just drowning sorrows.
The tavern was nearing capacity, which meant she would be swamped the entire night. She would likely get orders wrong, and need to throw out unruly patrons, if they drank too much, complained too much, or became familiar too much.
However, General Pol was exactly the opposite. He thrived in this environment. He made it a point to visit every table with a smile on his face and called out that it was a “happy day” from time-to-time. The patrons seemed to enjoy his cheerful mood. At least the Rirorni helped re-fill the patron’s drinks.
“Another round of mushroom meads for the Shrew’s table,” My-re said as she began to place the empty glasses from her tray on the bar.
“Here, give them this too,” Pol said and pushed a full bread basked towards her, which gave off an aroma of hot spices. “In fact, pass one out to each of the tables. Free.”
Drawing closer, My-re’s sinuses cleared immediately from the strong seasoning. Pulling her nose away, she choked, “What in the nine hells is this?”
“Rirorni sweet bread.”
“There’s nothing ‘sweet’ about it. More like sweat bread, if they take one bite of this stuff.”
“Exactly, it’ll keep’em drinking.”
Mentally tallying the occupied tables and number of sweet bread baskets she’d need. My-re said, “I’m going to need a break soon. I’ve been on my feet for the past six hours and it’ll likely be another six before things lighten up.”
Scoffing Pol said, “I thought you had a better endurance, so here’s the deal. As soon as the last person leaves you can take a break, actually you can have the rest of the night off. However, some of these blokes look like they are settling in for a long night of drinking, so nothing short of the place catching fire-“
My-re placed her hands on her hips. “Listen you piece of-“ she was interrupted when a resident barreled in through the tavern’s doors.
“Dragon!”
All activity immediately ceases as all eyes turned to the new arrival.
“A dragon is crossing the Lake of Mists!” he shouted and hastily left the bar.
For three seconds, time stood perfectly still. It was as if life itself was frozen. For three seconds that moment was perfectly captured.
“Run away!” bellowed the Pope and manager of the Knights of Ni stable.
The tavern erupted into pandemonium as managers, gladiators, and patrons alike exploded from their chairs and flooded out the main doors. The last to leave were the Shrewish Giants, who took a few extra moments to down their drinks.
My-re and General Pol stared dumbfounded at the newly emptied tavern. Glasses, plates, and the mess caused by their patrons leaving filled their vision. The crackling wood of the tavern’s hearth was the only sound, and the panicked cries out on the streets.
“Well, that’ll work,” My-re said and wiped her hands on her dish rag and dropped it on the bar. “I’ll see you tomorrow night, Pol.”
“Wait, what? You can’t leave,” Pol stammered.
Willow Beach’s alarm, a deep reverberating gong, rhythmically began.
“I’ve never seen a dragon. I’m going to go see what the fuss is about,” My-re said and exited the bar with a smile on her face.
Chaos had taken over the streets as the inhabitants of Will Beach ran in every direction. A dozen armored soldiers in chainmail and bearing halberds made their way towards the beach. Several gladiators were hurriedly donning their armor and grabbing weapons. They all seemed giddy with excitement on the prospect of fighting a dragon.
Making her way to the beach, it was already filling with warriors and spectators. They all looked to the sky, but the laziness of the afternoon sun only showed a handful of drifting, puffy clouds.
A heavy ‘whooshing’ sound came from behind. The rushing wind caused her and others to stumble. My-re froze for an instant. The dragon was attacking from behind!
Right overhead four pegasi from the renowned Pegasus Corp flew past them and over the water. The winged creatures beat their powerful wings trying to make altitude, while their riders were frantically locking long spears to their saddles. They were preparing for battle.
My-re had never seen more than two pegasi together at one time. Typically, these sightings were for training, on patrol, or ferrying message. Seeing four at once was a cause of concern. She started to have second thoughts about remaining on the exposed beach. If she had doubts before, a second group of four pegasi flying over their heads and out to sea solidified them.
It seemed the prospect of eight pegasi, an almost unprecedented sight outside of war, flying out to meet a dragon started to unnerve the others on the shore too. My-re slowly turned and took a step back off the sands.
Just as trepidation on the beach was settling in, someone yelled pointing, “I see the dragon!”
All eyes followed and in the far distance a brown object was in the sky. My-re could see the eight pegasi flying around it, like sparrows harassing a bird of prey.
My-re and the others stood motionless as it grew closer and began to descend. It was then she realized it wasn’t a dragon, but a flying craft. It looked like a sleek swordsman tri-master sailing ship with a triangular and curved bow. It had three masts, each with a three tiered series of seashell-like sails. The eight pegasi were escorting the vessel inland, but as it passed over their heads My-re could distinctly see writing on the side of the ship. In white crisp letters it read, Unsinkable III.