13 Brothers by Blood (1/2)

Inside of a rustic old tavern sat a disheveled old man at his side was an old blade in its sheath. His dull eyes were focused on the cup filled with wine. He'd occasionally take a few sips and then sit quietly.

Near the edges of the tavern sat a few men in leather armor and to the edge of their booth were a variety of weapons. Hammers, greatswords, and axes of dubious quality. They would occasionally look over at the old man at the bar.

On the other side of the bar, the bartender was busy cleaning a bunch of cups and he turned back to the old man.

”Are you enjoying the drink, sir?” He said with a genial tone, the bartender was an older gentleman. His greying hair and wisened eyes added to his charm.

”I always enjoy a good whiskey it just reminds me of home.” The old man said with a bit of melancholy in his voice.

After looking at his reflection in his drink for a moment, the old man looked up at the bartender.

”What did you say your name was again?” The old man asked intensely.

”Me? I'm Su Yan. What about you?” The Bartender smiled genuinely with a little deviousness.

”Lin Jian but most people just call me Maven.” The old man joked earnestly.

”Where are you originally from? You said you missed home.” Su Yan asked as he grabbed a cup and started polishing it clean with a rag.

”Originally I came from the western peninsula.” Maven said with a big grin.

”Ah, you must know about the Fog City on the bewitching lake.” Su Yan said with interest.

”I do...” Maven said with a wry smile.

”Oh sorry, I don't mean to pry. I've just always been interested in mysteries like that. My father told me that many powerful warriors disappeared there.” Su Yan said curiously.

”Your father?” Maven said quizzically.

”You met him, he's the gatekeeper for our town.” Su Yan said with a smirk

In Maven's mind flashed the image of an old man with a scar across his left eye. He was wearing a thick black armor as he guided the group around the city.

”Oh, you mean him.” Maven realized.

”But yes many people disappeared in that fog but the city that people talk about is a lie. All there is is an unending fog and the screaming of innocents.” Maven said with a trembling voice, Su Yan looked down at his cup trying not to make any eye contact.

”Thank you for that. Anyway, what are you folk up to out here in the wilderness?” Su Yan asked kindly.

Suddenly Maven came to life and with glee and a dreadful killing intent he spoke.

”We're hunting a demon.” His smile was crooked and he had yellow teeth but he still smiled fully and wholly.

”A terrible demon and we have a new companion to help us. Isn't that right Ji boy?” Maven joked as Ye Yuyan walked into the tavern. His black robes swayed with his every elegant step and his dark and deep eyes landed on Maven's disheveled figure.

”Of course sir.” Ye Yuyan remarked with a warm smile.

”Grab a seat and have a drink with me.” Maven laughed as he turned towards the bartender.

”Bring us your finest wine!” He said to Su Yan energetically.

Ye Yuyan sat next to him at the bar and the bartender slid him a cup. But Ye Yuyan shook his head and pointed over at a bowl like a cup. It looked as though it was carved from the finest jade and instantly drew his attention.

”Give me that sake cup.” He asked Su Yan

Su Yan looked over and grabbed it showing it to Ye Yuyan, he looked at it again a little confused.

”This? You mean this fingerbowl?” Su Yan said with a quizzical tone.

”Ah, I forgot about you westerners.” Ye Yuyan laughed as Su Yan put down a wine bottle, a cup, and the sake cup. He started to pour the wine into each cup before sealing the cork. Maven reached out and took a sip of the wine.

”How do you like it?” Su Yan asked earnestly

”Very sweet like a bee's nectar. What is it?” Maven kindly remarked and asked.

”It's our finest Yellow Flower Wine, brewed by my father.” Su Yan smiled and conversed with Maven. Ye Yuyan meanwhile watched them as he took a sip from the sake cup.

”Why are you looking at that cup so longingly Ji boy?” Maven asked intently

”Back home we would drink from this in ceremonies.” Ye Yuyan couldn't help but reminisce as he looked at the cup.

”What kind of ceremonies?” Su Yan asked curiously.