Zwei Schwerter

Zwei Schwerter

Along the ancient Imperial Road, where forest meets path, stands the famed inn known as the Two Swords. Framed by stalwart trees, its name is known across Aventuria. Travelers of all kinds, from highborn to humble, find shelter here. Ehrik and Fredhi Eichkrug, the warm-hearted hosts, welcome all with firelight and food. Through misty windows, the hearth’s glow flickers, while the scent of bread, stew and Ehrik’s fiery draught, Firun’s Breath, fills the air.

Tonight, the taproom is alive. Around a great central table sits a sworn Rondrian, helm and blade ever close. With her, three warriors speak boldly of distant lands. Nearby, a Thorwaler sprawls across a bench, snoring deeply. A trader warms himself by the fire, while a mercenary scans the room. A dwarf grips his tankard near the hearth. In a shadowed corner, a green-cloaked figure exhales pipe smoke in slow, thoughtful rings.

Suddenly, the heavy door creaks open and a blast of icy wind rushes in. A lone traveler enters, cloak dusted with road and time. All fall silent. »Travia’s blessings, wayfarer!« Ehrik calls warmly. »Come, share thy tales and warm thy bones!« The stranger lowers his hood with a nod and walks toward the fire.

Kaiser Reto

Cheers rise as a red-cloaked warrior stands. »Let me tell you of Reto, an emperor like no other. I fought beneath his banner in Maraskan. Outnumbered, we stood ready to fall—until he raised his sword and charged. We followed, and victory was ours!« His voice booms, stirring hearts.

Waldfrieden

A woman in a green cloak speaks softly. »Not all greatness lies in war. The Ancient Forest showed me peace. Owls flew overhead, stags did not flee. There I felt a power, calm and eternal.« Her voice fades, leaving silence in its wake.

Orks und Goblins!

»Peace is well and good«, a merchant near the hearth says, raising his mug, »but not all woods are kind! Orcs and goblins attacked us near Ferdok!« He brandishes a dagger. »With this, I slew one myself!« The young mercenary beside him laughs. »We drove them off together!« Cheers follow.

Dämonenkrone

From the shadows, an old man speaks. »Borbarad’s Demon Crown still casts its shadow.« Whispers stir. Is it Isenbart von Greifenfurt, the mage of Silberbuchenwald? »I saw it in a dream. Its stones sang, but darkness clung to every word.« A hush falls.

Die Karte

A rugged adventurer unfurls a map. »There is wonder, too. This map once led me to a silver waterfall hidden deep in the wild. A true treasure – not gold, but beauty.« Eyes sparkle as the guests examine the map’s winding lines.

Paladin

The Rondrian rises. »At the Trollpforte, we stood against Borbarad’s spawn. Our shield wall faltered – but Rondra gave me strength. We held the line and drove them back.« A solemn silence honors her tale.

Bergtroll

Garbrak the dwarf chuckles. »Courage is fine – but sometimes, it’s luck. I found myself trapped in a troll cave. The beast snored like thunder, and I barely escaped through an old creaking door. Lucky for me, the troll slept on!« Laughter follows.

Blick zurück

The eldest warrior raises his voice. »We speak of battle and jest – but many never returned. Their faces remain with me.« Fredhi sets a fresh mug before him. »They live in stories. Tell them well.«

Tyrfing

A Thorwaler stands. »You speak of peace, joy and valor – but have you heard of Tyrfing? A cursed blade that must kill when drawn. Ragnulf carried it. He used it well – until the day it turned on him.« She sighs. »True bravery is knowing when not to draw steel.«

Der Streuner soll leben

A man in colorful garb steps from the shadows. »Grim tales, aye – but sometimes, cunning wins. I stole a count’s seal once. He caught me, but spared me. ›The rogue shall live‹, he said – and made me his spy.« Laughter and applause follow.

Zwei Schwerter (Reprise)

Above the fireplace, the crossed swords gleam in firelight. Ehrik smiles. »These stories – they shape us. Fighters, wanderers, fools and sages alike.« Fredhi adds gently, »And in a place like this, we may find not just rest, but a kind of home.« The guests quiet. Fredhi moves through the room, snuffing lamps. Ehrik watches the fire. One by one, the guests fade into the night, their hearts full.