Ale and Armor

By William Avett

First Guard Edward Tralain spies ahead the placid village of Drestan, anticipating only a good night’s rest from his weary travels. But little does he know of the troubles a foreign adventurer might encounter when jealously and politics come into play. Original Title: “A Matter of Lodging”.

This is a short fantasy novelette of 8000+ words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: William Avett
• Release date: Sep 9, 2009
• ISBN: 9781452373522

William Avett

With a background in sciences and the aerospace industry, William weaves tales in both fantasy and science fiction, bringing a personal perspective to adventures in the limitless worlds of tomorrow and the hidden realms of reality.Contests/Awards:Honorable Mention, October 20, 2008 Write to Win! Contest, Writers’ Journal, “Bad Choices”Honorable Mention, May 2008 Short Story Contest, Writers’ Journal, “The Last”Honorable Mention, 2008 Oregon Writers Colony Writing Contest, “The Neighborhood”Honorable Mention, December 20, 2007 Write to Win! Contest, Writers’ Journal, “True Destination”

Book preview

Ale and Armor

By William Avett

*****

Former title: A Matter of Lodging

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction and any characters, names, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, businesses, establishments, events, etc are entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2013 by William Avett

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Edward Tralain, First Guard of King Delortas, crested the rise upon the little used path and looked out over the valley far below. There before him lay green rolling hills scattered about with small peasant farms.

In the distance to his left stood a castle high upon a steep hillside, with a path leading down to a small nearby village. Even as he watched from this vantage point, he discerned carts, animals, and people intent upon their daily business, evidence of a hearty populace that reminded him of home.

Not since his stay in the residence of Miranda Delenor, Witch of Cantos, had he slept in relative comfort or eaten a home cooked meal. Tonight Edward Tralain would partake of both, and enjoy the comforts of civilization that had long been denied him.

Spurring his charger Golden Boy forward, he crested the rise, and headed down the path into that first green swale. It led along a gentle slope, and as it did so joined a major cart track that appeared to lead towards the distant town. Tralain surmised that a fair amount of trade must exist between this village and others, and wondered to what small kingdom his lonely wanderings had brought him.

Tralain rode slowly along, gazing about the surrounding fields that gave evidence of recent and intense cultivation. Soon he saw several peasants nearby and waved to them, though they kept their heads bent low, only casting surreptitious glances in his direction. But presently he passed a man near the road, and Edward called out