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[Hakiem]

Hakiem kept his head lowered and concealed by the hood of his cloak as he made his way to the back of the Vulgar Unicorn. His table always kept empty by Jubel was awaiting him there and he longed to rest his ancient bones and grab a cool draft before the evening hustle and bustle of the bar commenced in earnest.

As he approached the table he was startled to see two figures already occupying the stools that were meant for his leisure alone. He stopped before the two youngsters, for now that he was upon them he could see that they were no older then a wrigglie just kicked out of the stew pot of there mothers arms. Hakiem looked down on the two with a scowled that he only displayed for dogs and beggars.

"Well" the old one barked "and what did I do in a past life to bring you two to my table?"

The girl spoke up bravely as the boy crowded further into the corner of wall.

"My name is Marabell kind master of the story, and this is Artius my brother. We have a tale to give you and a proposition. The bartender said it would be alright to await your coming, only after a coin or two were given."

Hakiem looked down on the children and could not believe what he heard. A Tale? A Proposition? But the mention of coin also caught his ear.

He sat down on his stool; at least they had had the decency to not sit there, and waved to the barmaid for a jug and mug. He could see that this was going to be a long afternoon, but perhaps he could gain a coin or two before sending these two lambs out into the arms of Sanctuary.

(To be continued)