Our knights continued on towards the barony as the outpost slowly disappeared into the distance behind them. As the sun climbed higher they opened the package of food that the Captain had put in the wagon for them.
Inside, they found a generous assortment of crusty bread, cured meats, and hard cheeses. Chad broke off a hunk of bread and passed it to Yorick.
"The Captain's hospitality never ceases to impress," Yorick remarked, taking a hearty bite.
As they ate, the wagon jolted along the rutted road. Fields of golden wheat stretched out on either side, swaying gently in the warm breeze. In the distance, dark smudges on the horizon hinted at the forests that bordered the barony's lands.
Chad, now at the reins, squinted ahead. "How far from the barony do you think we are?" he asked.
"Not more than an hour," Yorick replied between mouthfuls, "We should spot Castle Brun soon."
Yorick's prediction proved accurate. As they crested a hill, the imposing silhouette of Castle Brun came into view, its stone towers rising proudly against the azure sky. The sight sparked a mix of anticipation and unease in both knights.
"There it is," Yorick murmured, his voice tinged with apprehension. "I wonder what kind of welcome awaits us."
Chad nodded grimly, "Let's hope the Baron is happy to see us."
As they drew closer to the castle, the landscape began to change. The wheat fields gave way to orchards and carefully tended gardens. They passed several small villages, their inhabitants pausing in their daily tasks to watch the knights' wagon with Chad's horse following behind.
The road widened and became smoother, allowing for a swifter pace. The scene was bucolic and nowhere did they see any evidence of the ravages of a dragon.
As they drew closer, the details of the castle emerged. Its walls were weathered but formidable, a testament to generations of conflicts and sieges. Banners bearing the baron's crest - a dragon on a field of blue - fluttered from the ramparts. As they approached they saw that the drawbridge was up, somewhat unusual since it was just late afternoon.
"Well, that's not exactly a warm welcome," Chad muttered, pulling the wagon to a halt before the raised drawbridge.
Yorick leaned forward, squinting at the castle walls. "I don't see any guards on the battlements. Odd, that."
As if on cue, a head popped up over the parapet. "Oi! Who goes there?" called a voice that sounded more curious than threatening.
Chad cleared his throat and tried to strike a heroic pose, which was somewhat undermined by the fact that he was still seated in the wagon.
"We are Sir Chadwick and Yorick, here with aid at the personal request of Baron Brun!"
There was a moment of silence, then the guard's voice returned, sounding slightly bemused. "Aid with what, exactly?"
"Listen fool," Yorick yelled out as he stood, "Do you not recognize me?"
The guard squinted down at Yorick, his brow furrowing in concentration. Suddenly, his eyes widened in recognition.
"By the gods, it is you! Sir Yorick of Trans!" The guard's voice carried a mix of awe and confusion. "But... what are you doing here? And with aid, no less?"
Yorick and Sir Chad exchanged puzzled glances. Something was clearly amiss.
"I was summoned by Baron Brun himself," Sir Chad explained, trying to keep the exasperation out of his voice. "To deal with a dragon problem, if you must know, and Sir Yorick has guided me here."
At this, the guard burst into laughter, a hearty guffaw that echoed off the castle walls. "A dragon problem? Oh, that's blandish! Hold on, I'll lower the bridge. The Baron will want to hear about this!"
With a loud creaking the drawbridge lowered and fell into place with a thud. Chad drove the wagon across and into the courtyard of the castle and were met by Baron Brun's steward, Count Ginsword.
The Count was older than the Baron and had been with him a long time. He also had taken the place of Yorick's father, who had been a longtime friend. Count Ginsword was the main reason that Yorick was given refuge by the Baron.
Count Ginsword's weathered face broke into a broad smile as he recognized Yorick. "Well, well, if it isn't the prodigal knight returned!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "And who's this strapping lad you've brought with you?"
Yorick dismounted from the wagon with a graceful leap. "Ginny!" he exclaimed, hugging the Count.
Pulling back he corrected himself, "Count Ginsword, it's good to be back. This is Sir Chadwick, a valiant knight who's come to aid the barony at the personal request of the Baron."
Yorick paused, his brow furrowing. "Though it seems there may have been some... misunderstanding about the nature of that aid."
Chad, still perched atop the wagon, gave an awkward wave. "Pleasure to meet you, Count. We were summoned to deal with a dragon problem, but your guard seemed to find that notion quite amusing."
"Ah yes, the guard. He is receiving ten lashes as we speak down in the dungeon. His behavior was inexcusable; but that said, I am afraid there has been a bit of a mix-up."
Chad felt his stomach drop. "Mix-up?" he echoed weakly as he stepped down from the wagon.
Count Ginsword cleared his throat, looking slightly embarrassed. "You see, the Baron has suffered a curse brought on by a disagreement that he had with the Sorcerer Yardix. I'll let him explain it to you because the dragon ravaging the barony story was made up for the King because the issue does indeed involve dragons, but not in the way that was expressed."
Yorick and Chad looked at each other with raised brows and then followed the count into the castle.
The Count led them through the grand halls of Castle Brun, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Tapestries depicting great battles and mythical beasts adorned the corridors, their colors faded with age but still impressive.
"I must say," Chad whispered to Yorick, "this is all rather confusing. A curse? And what's this about dragons that aren't ravaging the land?"
Yorick shrugged, his face a mask of concern. "I'm as in the dark as you are, my friend. But I fear we're about to step into something far more complicated than we anticipated."
"A curse, Ginny?" Yorick questioned, his voice hushed. "And what of this Sorcerer Yardix? I don't recall hearing that name before."
The Count's shoulders tensed visibly. "Yardix is...very mysterious. A powerful mage with a penchant for mischief. I'll let the Baron explain the details."
The Count stopped before a massive oak door, its surface carved with intricate designs. He knocked twice, then pushed it open.
"My lord," he called out, "Sir Yorick has returned, and he's brought a companion, Sir Chadwick, here to assist with our... situation."
As they entered the room, they saw the Baron sitting in a large winged chair by a huge fireplace that dominated the room with a roaring fire.
Chad thought that he looked even more gaunt than before and Yorick was stunned at his appearance.
"I will see to some refreshment," the Count said as he pushed the door closed.
