Hate that message length thing...

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meanwhile...
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Two horses thundered up to the city gates and came to a stop.

"Who goes there?" cried the sentry.

"Friends of the king," shouted back one of the riders in a rough voice.

"Prove it."

The bigger rider growled. "Perhaps you should look at our dress before being so hasty."

Seeing what the older rider was wearing, the sentry started. "You may pass, good sir!"

The large wooden gates slowly rose until high enough for the rabbits to pass under, then slammed shut after the riders went though.

"So," said Corey, "How do you know how to get to the palace? You've never been here before in your life!"

"Never assume anything," retorted Erick, "You'd be surprised at how much I know about the land of Greenbrier. Let's stop here for a quick lunch." He reigned in his horse in front of a tavern larger than the "Rabbit Den".

At least I have a better name, thought Erick with a snort, the "Drunken Lizard", indeed!

As Corey and Erick entered the tavern, heads turned and the conversation quickly died down. Not many people are used to seeing an old rabbit mercenary in Yester Age garb walk into a tavern. Rabbits stared as the pair walked to the bar and sat down. The nearby rabbits scurried away from the bar to the safety of a crowded table.

"W-well, how can I help you, s-sir?" stammered the bartender.

"Carrot ale and split pea soup for both of us." replied Erick.

The bartender quickly brought the ales, then hurried off to get the soup. As he was bringing the soup, Erick winked at Corey, then slammed his mug down on the counter. Everyone in the tavern jumped and the bartender dropped the pot he was carrying. Split pea went everywhere, mainly on the bartender himself. Erick began to laugh, and soon the whole tavern was laughing with him. The usual noise returned to the "Drunken Lizard," and soon everyone wanted to buy Erick and Corey a drink. Corey gave his to the bartender for his trouble, but Erick, in usual mercenary fashion, downed his second ale with ease. After a hearty lunch, Erick and Corey left, leaving the tavern with something to talk about.

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TBC
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The suspense builds! (I need Sound Effects Man...)

-The March Hare