Dorath
an excerpt

Grail sighed in relief when he saw the lights of Berei come into sight. He had been riding for much too long, he thought. He picked up speed and headed for the tavern, the bitter wind blowing against him. The air was cold and still and clouds blocked the stars. Grail expected the snow that began to fall, but cursed it nevertheless.
He dismounted the horse and pulled his cloak above his head, wary of the empty streets outside the pub. The doors opened and a flood of warmth washed over him. Grail shivered involuntarily, ignoring the stares that he felt upon him. He quickly walked over to the bar and sat, pulling his cloak tighter.
“Psst! Ridley!” he hissed to the bartender, who currently had his back turned to him.
The man turned around to face him and sighed. His face then took on a smile and without any words, he poured a glass of whiskey and placed it before Grail.
“Ah, thank you little brother,” said Grail lowly, downing the whiskey quickly.
Ridley poured another, and one for himself.
“It’s about time,” he said. “Where the hell have you been, Grail?”
“Shhh,” said Grail, “Don’t use my name so carelessly. Really, have you learned nothing?”
Ridley scoffed.
“This place is protected by my best spells. You actually think I’d let those bounty hunters past the doors?”
“Knowing you?”
“Ah, be quiet, you. Is that why you’re hiding behind a coat?”
Grail smirked, and lowered his hood.
“Nevermind, I see why now. It’s because you look like hell,” said Ridley.
“Such a warm welcome home, brother.”
Ridley grinned.
“So, then. Where have you been?”
Grail returned the grin. “Playing.”
“Oh, that’s never good.”
“Hear me out,” said Grail, taking another quick sip of his drink. “I finally did it. I poisioned those fuckers.”
Ridley nearly choked on his whiskey. “The elders?”
“Not for very long, but it was long enough to capture their victim. I told the poor man about Dorath and what he should expect. I escaped before they woke up…but they left a parting gift.”
“Your cottage, I assume?”
“Only ashes now, I’m afraid. I rescued this.”
Grail held up the red stone and Ridley smiled.
“I can’t wait to use it, either,” said Grail.
“I’m sure you’ll get the chance soon. You know they’ll probably come after you.”
“Indeed. But I want them to. This dog’s learned a few new tricks.”
Ridley turned away then, his smile fading.
“What about Ariel?”
Grail fell silent for a moment, but then his grin returned.
“Ariel is only jealous because I am better at dark magic than he is.”
“Don’t be so smug, Grail. It’ll get you killed. And we can’t have that.”
“I can handle Ariel. Trust me.”
“You know I do,” said Ridley. He refilled his drink and raised it. Grail did the same.
“To certain death?”
“To certain death,” Ridley echoed, and they drank.