In the shadows of "Potions of Ale", A stranger drinks, eyes sharp as nails. The air is thick, a rancid brew, With scents of blood and something new. The barkeep snarls, his gaze askew, He barks at guests, a foul-mouthed slew. Around the bar, the stench of rot, From spirits spilled and lives forgot. He looks for one not yet arrived, A traveler with secrets, thrice contrived. They speak of eggs that twitch and stir, Of dead men’s whispers, faint and slurred. There’s talk of farming, strange secrets kept, And of a man in black shoes who crept. She’s mentioned too, in whispers low, The one who watches where winds blow. A prophecy of dragon’s flame, A haven lost, a traveler’s name. Blackberries shroud the tale untold, In waiting, truths will soon unfold.
He set down the hide next to the traveling stand, "I told you I was your man!" The trader smiled, tipped his hat, Handed the traveller the knife. The traveller carved his mark deep and true, "Let no shadow pierce me through. Steel and stone may break and bend, But I am guarded till journey’s end." "They couldn't stab you in the back with that," The trader motioned the hide and laughed. The traveller smiled, asked for a drink— The trader stopped to think. "There's fresh water by the bar, About five miles, not that far. I go there when I need a sip And in the bar for a place to sit—" "Yet none have purchased a stick." NG6 black horse moves real quick
The cowhide was heavy and hot, Carrying that and his kettle— He wobbled in stride, Waved to the old lady and said bye. But Sue stopped him in his tracks, "Leaving without blueberries? I can't have that!” And dumped a handful in his kettle. The traveller thanked Sue and went along his way. He heard her soft words as he went away "By ember's glow and fire's breath, May you walk untouched by death. The winds will howl, the earth may quake, But none shall harm the path you take." With his kettle and hide to walk back, Took a right at the end of the blueberry patch, Walked two more miles, to be exact— Back to the trader who still had on his hat.
