The Last Villager

Perhaps the inn is further on, she thought. Just in case the place was not quite as deserted as it appeared, however, before moving on she called out: "Hello! Is there anybody there?"

Andrea hadn't really expected any response, so she was surprised when an emaciated old man appeared in the doorway of one of the cottages. He had long unkempt grey hair, with a beard to match; his clothes were no better than filthy rags and his feet were bare. Suppressing her mixture of fear and disgust, she said: "I have urgent need of a horse, my good fellow. Are there any here?" Even as she spoke, she realised how ridiculous her question was. Surely there couldn't possibly be any horses here?

The man walked slowly towards her without speaking. Andrea drew her sword, but her hand was shaking. As he drew closer, the smell of him got stronger. Andrea particularly noticed it, as she was a very clean person by the standards of the time. Why, she had a bath once a month, whether she needed it or not!

When the old man was no more than six feet away, and Andrea was on the point of turning and fleeing, he stopped. Then he spoke, in a voice that was a hoarse croak:

1. "Horse? There ain't no horses here, missy."
2. "There be a horse in that there barn. Come with me and I'll show thee."
3. "Ain't no horses, but there do be something you could ride on, if you've a mind to." He gave a wheezy chuckle.
4. "Can't remember when I last had a visitor. Stay and talk awhile, lady."
5. "They sent you for me, didn't they? Don't try and deny it. Well, I ain't going, for all you've got a sword."

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree