A Father's Woe

Two men wearing luxurious silk robes slowly made their up the stairs toward the Count's study. One of them was a portly middle-aged man with a head full of black hair and a thick beard covering most of his face.

The man had gem-studded rings adorning most of his fingers, and a thick golden chain around his neck. This ostentatious person was none other than the owner of the Black Pearl Tavern, Emory Atkinson.

Anxiety marred his face as he clenched his fists so hard that nails dug into his palms, causing them to bleed slightly. The other person, an old man with white hair and a long white beard, walking beside him saw this and sighed.

"Lad, I know what you're going through, but we're about to meet the Count. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment. Keep that temper in check, will you?"