Broken Portal

Part 3 Myrn

Part 3

In the damp mist of the early morning two companions pull on their reins to slow down their horses to a steady canter, as they make their way towards the village of Myrn leaving the hilly plains of Gomodin behind them.

“We should have put some distance between ourselves and the kings scouts, by now” States Kan as he turns to his friend “I told you we could easily outrun them.” He says while trying to catch his breath

“Well, we got a good head start on them, for sure.” Replied Ornoc as he pulled his long curly blond windswept hair from inside his mouth and off his face

“I told you, we had two of the best bred horses in the realm.” Announces Kan as he reaches down and pats his chestnut haired stallion on the neck as the horses are slowed down to a walk

“Best horses, they maybe, but when Old Burnt finds out you conned him out of them, in that illegal game of Karat, he’ll be out for your blood.” Responded Ornoc as his black stallion shook his head and shot white foam from its mouth.

“Conned, you call yourself a friend, and then you berate my methods.” Smiled Kan from behind his black wispy beard “I merely used my skills as a card master, to assist the probability of instant success”

“Well, if any of you’re so called card accomplices betray your secret to Old Burnt, he’ll most probably report you to the Kings guard and you’ll have a warrant on your head.” Continued the portly man who had struggled to get into his light blue tunic before they began their journey south

“Unlikely, he would report it to the Kings guard and risk the chance of having his tavern shut down over an illegal game of Karat.” Responded Kan as their horses continued down the dusty track known as Southern Causeway.

“All I’m saying is, you need to keep one eye open next time we are in the Capital, and I think we should give the Blazing Tavern a miss.” Advises Ornoc as he fiddles with his cloak fastener with his gloved hand

“You worry too much, that’s why you never win at Karat.” Laughs Kan as they take the left fork of the trail down towards the village of Myrn.

“Worry, you don’t know the story of how he got his burn?” Asked Ornoc raising his blond bushy eyebrow at his friend

“Will it help me beat him at Karat again?” asked Kan impassively looking forward

“Well, no.” Ornoc ponders

“Then I don’t need to know.” Responded Kan aloofly

Myrn was set deep in a valley at the south west peninsula of the continent, with its small harbour and minimal resources the inhabitants lived a rundown existence with little more than wooden huts for homes and only the fish that they catch to eat.

“Fish faces, they are called.” Announced Ornoc as they could see the tops of the huts as they descended the rise and moved closer to the village

“What,” mumbled Kan as he frowned at his comrade who was swaying in his saddle

“Fish faces, that’s what they call the people of Myrn.” continued Ornoc “they say because they only eat fish, their faces have started to resemble their food.”

“What, gills and all I presume?” Chuckled Kan as he nearly toppled from his horse with laughter

“No gills, but I do remember that barmaid from the Blackstone Inn.” Reminisced Ornoc as he gazed vacantly into space “They say she was from Myrn, she had a lovely smooth fish like skin.”

“And terrible fishy breath if I remember.” Sniggered Kan as they passed a pile of holey disused fishing nets rejected by the side of the road.

“I still don’t know how you managed to get the Princess to confide the Kings business to you?” commented Ornoc as they approached the main wooden gate to the Village

“We all have many skills, Ornoc, and fortunately I don’t have the belly that prevents you from providing the services that a Princess requires, when spilling such secrets.” Replies Kan smiling

“You really think, they have found a shard here?” ponders Ornoc as they reach the barely standing and rotting main gate

“I don’t know.” Returned Kan surveying their poor surroundings “But, if they have, it’s mine.”