(On mobile, please forgive format)

I stare at the young orc, about my height and nowhere near his mother’s impressive build. I tilt my head back at her and smile happily.

“I would be happy to have an apprentice. My daughter was just telling me that I needed some help around the farm. My back isn’t what it used to be.”

Haratha nodded at my words, her face as solemn as it could get. “I remember from last year. You taught me well, but I want to make sure Vatnir gets an education from a master.”

“Oh, that is overstating my skills.” I say, waving my hand. I try not to dwell on it, but the wrinkly, sun-kissed skin is beginning to give away my age as well.

I stare at the young orc and nod. “I hope you don’t take offense, young man, but my rooms have beds that are too small for you. So, we have some options. I can convert one of the stalls in the barn for ya. Or we can have your first task being help me build a bed for you for your room here in the house. What day you?”

Vatnir looked up at his mother who nodded. Vatnir turned back to stare at me. “Barn please. Close to the sheep. I can help protect from there. Heard a dragon moved nearby. It would hurt the sheep.”

Ah, yes. That.

“Deal.” I say, holding out my hand and giving the young orc a small smile.

I open the door to find the sherrif from the nearest village and some guards outside.

"Good sir we are here to take you to the Lords castle. You will have a trial where it will be determined if your crime deserves death"

"Uhh I'm sorry, what crime did I commit?" I stutter. I look back into my house, my pregnant wife still sleeping in bed with our firstborn daughter.

"It appears that you are the root of our current lack in taxes" he handed me a letter. "Here is a letter informing your family of your situation and whereabouts. Now If you would please come with us without resisting"

Confused I take the letter and step back into the main room. "One moment please". I walk over to my wife and stroke her hair while I press a kiss on her forehead. "Darling i have to go somewhere, but don't worry about me. I'll leave this letter explaining everything hopefully."

I grab my coat and put on my shoes before I exit my house. The guards move out of my way as I step towards the carriage. The sherrif one step behind me grabs my wrist and pushes me toward it.

"Careful!" I exclaim while I stumbled forward. "Would you please explain what I did to the taxes? Im just really confused. I have always paid my due on time. And while I couldn't really sell any of my crops yet I have not slacked off!"

"Oh you know what you did, alright" the sherrif hissed, "You tought these wretched monsters how to be civilised. And now they are giving away food and cloths to our village, for free! Can you imagine that! Noone is paying any taxes. Everyone eats like kings!"

"Oh wow that... truly sounds... horrible, trechearous even" I can't help but smile. My hopes are only for my unusual friend to take car eof my family for me.

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