The Wandering Inn

Book 1: Chapter 37

Erin dreamt of swords flashing, of cannonballs exploding around her, and of blood. Rivers of blood.

Klbkch stood in front of Erin and asked if she was ready. She looked at him as he bled in her arms. His mandibles opened and he rasped into her ear.

I obey my Queen.

She shook her head. Dream Erin pointed and showed Klbkch a massive chess piece sitting on a hill.

The King. Its about the King. The king is smart. He

She was no longer holding Klbkch. Instead, Erin sat and watched as a body fell to the ground and oil burned around her. A dead Goblins face stared at her and she woke in a cold sweat to see Toren standing in one corner of her room.

It was better. Infinitely better than seeing the dead. Erin still threw her pillow at him. It struck him in the face not hard, but loud enough to startle someone.

Whu?

It came from outside the kitchen. Erin was immediately seized by panic. She looked around for her frying pan and then remembered.

She had guests.

Blearily, Erin kicked her bedding into one corner of the kitchen and walked out. It was still close to dawn, but surprisingly, someone was awake.

Ceria blinked several times at Erin and nodded her head. It seemed the Elf mage was an early riser, but even she was half-asleep.

Whu?

She repeated the word. Erin swayed on her feet.

Hrgh.

Mm.

Conversation done, Erin stumbled back into the kitchen to make food. Toren stood by, handing her pan, spatulas, and various food items as she pointed and grunted. Breakfast was scrambled eggs, toasted bread, bacon from some animal, and sliced cheese.

It was unnatural how she could make a proper breakfast, but Erin wasnt thinking about that at the moment. Her hands moved automatically as she thought about her dream.

It had meant something. And for some reason, even though Erin had been dreaming about death and battle shed been thinking about chess. She always thought about chess, even when she was asleep.

Still caught in the last fragments of her dream, Erin muttered the words.

The kingthe king is smart. He uses something. His head?

Erin scratched at her own head, wondering where that line had come from. Well, obviously it was about chess. But had she heard it somewhere? She felt like it was important.

The bacon was finished and sizzling. Erin picked the fried strips of meat out of the pan, wincing at the spot of oil that landed on her arm.

Ow. Ow. Ow!

Too much oil. Erin had forgotten. It really got hot when you heated it up

The smell of burning flesh. Erin paused and looked around. A dead Goblin Chieftain lay on the floor.

The slice of bacon slipped from her tongs. Nimbly, Toren dove and caught the bit of meat and delicately put it back on the plate. Erin blinked, and came back to life.

Ohthanks.

She put a hand to her head and quickly finished frying and stacking the rest of the meat. Shed made a lot. Enough for a small army, which was what she assumed ten adventurers and a Minotaur qualified as.

But since they werent awake, after Erin finished with the eggs she only made one plate for Ceria. She absentmindedly dumped bacon, eggs, and bread together, ignoring the aesthetics of eating for the substance of eating itself.

Why was she thinking of the Goblin Chieftain? Why had she had that dream? Sometimes yes, Erin woke up sweating and crying in the middle of the night. But never had her dreams followed her out of her sleep like this.

It was a sign. A sign that Erin needed to find a better place to sleep, perhaps.

Her stomach rumbled. Another sign, indicating she was hungry. Erin stared down at the two plates that were as close to an American breakfast as she knew and smiled. Ceria probably would like this, especially with blue juice. Too late, Erin remembered she had an Elf in the other room.

Oh no.

Erin stared down at her meal of bacon and scrambled eggs. She couldnt go out with this. Desperately, she scrambled around, looking for anything that remotely resembled produce. It was so hard to keep vegetables in the inn because she didnt have a refrigerator!

She found a head of lettuce and some tomatoes. Feverishly, Erin fried more eggs and added it to some toasted bread. That would have to do. Hopefully Ceria ate eggs. Were Elves vegetarian or vegan?

-

Ceria stared blearily at the table, trying not to fall asleep. She wasnt a morning person. People expected Half-elves to rise with the dawn and frolic in the dewdrops and flowers or some such nonsense. But Ceria had lived too long among Humans and other species to like getting up early, and she didnt frolic.

An enticing smell was coming from the kitchens, along with much banging about. Ceria tried not to listen. She was concentrating on a spell.

[Illumination]. Noperhaps Im doing it wrong?

She should have the spell mastered, but it was giving her trouble. [Illumination] was an advanced version of the [Light] spell Ryoka had learned, and technically it was only Tier-2 magic. But in truth, its complexity was around Tier-3. Normally Ceria wouldnt have bothered learning it, but the spell could illuminate over a hundred meters around the caster by shedding orbs of light. It was perfect for dungeons.

And of course, its up to the Wistram mage to do it. Is it a hard spell? Yes! Then let the Half-elf do it! Dont get any of the other mages. Cerias got it covered!

Ceria growled and slapped the spellbook in front of her shut. She was hungry, and now that she smelled breakfast she really couldnt concentrate.

Right on time, someone exited the kitchen holding two big plates full of food. Ceria brightened

And nearly blew the skeletons head off when she saw it. The undead creature paused and stared at Cerias wand as the mage caught herself. It had one arm cocked to throw the plate at her head.

Tor! Stop that!

Someone smacked the skeleton in the back of the head, making it stumble and nearly drop its burden. Ceria saw the strange innkeeper glare at the skeleton and point at the table where she sat.

Quickly, Ceria lowered the glowing wand as Erin approached.

Ooh, is that a wand?

The Half-elf blinked at Erin. She paused, and then held out the wand.

Yes it is. Would you like to see?

Erin peered excitedly at the long, slender piece of wood. It didnt look carved like the ones shed seen in certain movies. Rather, it looked like it had been plucked off a tree and stripped of all branches. The wood was a pale white tinged with the faintest hint of green. All in all, it was ordinary except for the pale blue-white wisps of light flickering around the tip.

That is so cool!

Ceria was mildly taken aback by Erins enthusiasm. She held out the wand to Erin, much to the other girls surprise.

Erin hesitated, her hands itching to hold the wand. She glanced at Ceria.

Is it really okay if I touch it?

Ceria had to smile.

Its not that fragile. Go ahead.

Reverently, Erin ran her fingers along the wand. It didnt feel that different, to slight disappointment. The wood was smooth and polished but it didnt feel special. Her fingertips touched the wands tip!

Ah! Cold!

Ceria snatched the wand back and Erin stared at her hands. The fingers that had brushed the wand tip were white and frost had coated the very tips. The Half-elf tossed the wand on the table and grabbed Erins hand.

Are you alright?

Behind Erin, Torens glowing eyes flashed menacingly. The skeleton took a step forwards and met an elbow to the ribcage from Erin. She glared at him until he retreated, and then looked back at Ceria. The touch of the Half-elfs skin on hers felt very light and ethereal, just like how the rest of the Elf looked. Gingerly, she pulled her hand away.

Im fine. Go away Tor! Go get us something to drink.

Im really sorry about that. I didnt expect you to touch the wand tip. Have you never seen one before?

Erin blew on her fingers and rubbed them frantically to warm them up. They were tingling horribly, but aside from the first bite of extreme cold they seemed to be okay.

Nosorry.  I didnt know I wasnt supposed to touch them.

It was my fault. I forget how much non-mages dont know.

Ceria looked abashed. She held up the wand and tapped her finger close to the tip.

All the magic of the wand is channeled through the tip. Thats why it glows or reacts depending on the spell stored. Its also why you should never break a wand because it will trigger the spell.

She picked up her wand and began tucking it up her sleeve. Erin saw there was an armband so that Ceria could hold the wand along her arm. She shuddered.

Wont that freeze your arm?

Oh, no. I can deactivate the magic. I only activated it because, wellyour skeleton surprised me.

Erin turned and glared at Toren whod reemerged from the kitchen with a jug in one hand and cups in the other.

Sorry about that. He keeps doing that no matter how much I tell him not to.

Silently, Ceria watched the skeleton place a cup before her and Erin and fill both up to the brim. Quite literally to the brim.

Toren! How are we supposed to drink it like that? Dont fill the cups all the way to the top just almost!

The skeleton looked abashed. Erin glared at it and then turned to Ceria. The Half-elf cautiously managed to take a drink of the sweet, pulpy liquid without spilling any. Her eyebrows lifted.

This is good!

I know, right? Its from this fruit I found around here. Anyways, here. Breakfast is served!

So saying, Erin pushed a plate towards Ceria. The Half-elf looked down and found herself staring at scrambled eggs, toasted bread and a spreadable cheese on the sideand for some reason a big bowl of what looked entirely like lettuce and tomatoes. And no bacon.

She looked over and saw Erin had a plate full of eggs and bacon. Cerias stomach rumbled and she wondered how she was going to correct this mistake.

Well. This lookslovely. Thank you for making breakfast so early Miss Solstice. And Im late in saying it, but good morning.

Oh. Thank you!

Erin paused and then snapped her fingers.

Oh. Wait! I know this one!

Bemused, Ceria stared as the other girl scratched at her head. She muttered to herself and then looked at Ceria.

UmElen sla lmenn omentielvo? Is that right?

The Half-elf froze, mouth open with one spoonful of eggs hovering just over her plate. Erin blinked innocently at her.

Whatwhat was that?

Erin blushed.

I was trying to say good morning in your language. Or maybe its just hello. Did I get it right?

My language?

Elvish, right?

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The bit of egg slipped from Cerias spoon back onto her plate. Erin was getting more embarrassed by the staring so she tried to explain.

I once went to a Lord of the Rings chess tournament because I heard a national champion played there. People wouldnt play me unless I could at least say hello.

Ceria understood exactly none of what Erin had said. Her mind spinning, she put down her spoon quite calmly.

Erin, Im not sure what you might be thinking butIm not an Elf.

This time it was Erin turns to stare.

Youre not. Oh man. I just thought

Ceria touched the pointed tips ears that Erin was staring at.

Im not an Elf. Im a Half-elf. And besides which, you wouldnt seean Elf anywhere.

Really? Why not?

Erin was full of round-eyed curiosity. Mindful of her sleeping friends upstairs and because Erin seemed genuinely confused, Ceria did her best to keep her voice level and not shout.

No one has seen an Elf for thousands of years. They all died long ago.

Oh.

Ceria watched as Erin sat back in her chair, disappointment clearly written all over her face. The conversation stalled as both young women tried to wrestle with what had been heard. Ceria feltamazed at Erins ignorance, but the nature of their conversation was familiar. Shed had the same sort of odd explaining to do, but when?

Well, Im uh, really sorry about the mix up. I just thought you looked so amazing and umare Half-elves like Elves? Oror is there anything I should know?

Awkwardly, Erin pointed at Cerias plate.

I didnt know what you peopleI mean, what you could eat. If you need something special I can get it. Anyways, weve got salad. Umthere are some tomato-like things I bought from the market, carrotslots of soup. And uh, Ive got bread and cheese if you want to eat that.

Ceria raised both her eyebrows in amusement.

I can eat meat, you know.

Again, the Human girl paused and seemed to struggle with something. Then, silently, she switched her plate with Cerias. The mage brightened as the aroma of fried meat drifted upwards.

So you eat meat?

Ceria nodded happily.

Im not sure what youve heard, but my people arent averse to eating meat. I quite enjoy pork, for instance, especially when its been properly cooked.

Erin stared at Ceria, round-eyed.

Really? Thats so weird.

-

When the rest of the Horns of Hammerad finally woke up, it was because they smelled the food. Adventurers, being the sort of people who were used to waking in a moments notice to avoid dying, generally slept in if they could help it. But they were also big fans of eating, and so when the smells of cooked food finally wafted upstairs their stomachs dragged them out of bed.

Gerial stumbled down into the common room of the inn and brightened the instant he saw what Ceria was eating. He sat down at a table, wondering if he should call for a barmaid when he saw the skeleton march out of the kitchen.

Ceria caught the vice-captain of the Horns of Hammerad as he went for his belt dagger.

Easy.  Dont threaten it and it wont attack.

Gerial paused and nodded. He let his heartbeat slow from the sudden jolt hed received and warily let the skeleton put a heaping plate of food in front of him. The skeleton set down a cup, pointed to a jug of blue liquid on Cerias table and walked back into the kitchen. Sheepishly, Gerial met Cerias gaze.

Good thing you caught me. Id forgotten

Dont worry about it. I made the same mistake earlier.

Good morning!

Gerial looked up and gave Erin a smile as she bustled towards him, silverware in hand. The skeletal waiter had forgotten it and Erin also filled up Gerials glass with the strange blue liquid after giving him a choice between it and water.

Thank you for the meal ah, Miss

Ceria supplied the name.

Solstice.

Oh, just call me Erin. Anyways, Ive got more food so just shout if you need some.

Youre most kind. And this looks delicious.

Erin smiled and walked off, already chatting to Sostrom and the other female mage in the Horns of Hammerad. Gerial eyed his plate, delighted at the glistening oil on his fat strips of bacon and the mounds of eggs and pieces of bread buried next to them.

He took his first bite and grinned at Ceria.

Good food.

She was already eating again.

Isnt it? Try the blue stuff.

Cautiously, mindful of Cerias sense of humor, Gerial did. His eyes widened.

Its sweet!

Ceria and the other Horns of Hammerad grinned at Gerials reaction. Hed already drained his cup by the time Erin came back around.

Good service, food, and were not getting dirty looks every two seconds. We struck it lucky coming here.

Good thing we didnt get into it with those Goblins.

Ceria nodded as Gerial removed some grease from his chin with a handkerchief.

Still

Gerial craned his neck and saw only the skeleton walking around offering drinks to adventurers reluctant to accept. Reassured, he continued speaking to Ceria. Neither adventurer noticed how often Toren kept passing by their table despite their full glasses.

What an odd innkeeper.

Shes definitely strange. Goblins and a skeleton. But Pisces is probably to blame for the skeleton. StillGoblins.

Did you see what one of them was armed with? Aa jar of something?

Ceria smiled with dark humor.

It set off my [Dangersense] when it pulled it out. Guess what was in it? Acid. I had a look in the kitchen. Shes got jars of acid fliesa local creature around here. Looks like shes been harvesting them as a food source.

Gerial paused as he munched down on his bread, appetite suddenly lost. Ceria shook her head at him.

Oh stop being squeamish. Drakes eat them, and so do the Antinium. Not that wed see the ant-men here, but I can see how it would be useful.

But the bugs

Gerial eyed his plate uneasily, imagining how an insect might crawl into a cooked meal. Ceria glared at him.

Do you think shed leave any of them alive? They were all dead. Honestly, you Humans

She trailed off and shook her head.

Well, I get it. Bugs arent my favorite thing to eat either.

That comment nearly made Gerial choke on his drink. But Ceria continued, thinking aloud.

Im not sure if shes just absentminded or if she doesnt realize how dangerous arming Goblins is. That acid can melt skin in seconds. But besides that, its odd to see her living so far out from the city.

Not too far. It was barely an hours walk even with us getting lost.

True. But monsters dont care about distance. And that skeleton doesnt look that powerful.

Gerial nodded. The skeleton didnt set off any internal alarm bells when he thought of it as a potential foe. It was dangerous and no mistakebut it was no Lich or even a stronger variety of the undead.

Maybe thats all the protection she could afford.

In that case shes reckless or insane. Orpoor. Actually, She reminds me a bit of Ryoka.

Gerial stared incredulously at Erin as she began haranguing Toren.

In what way, exactly?

Ceria shrugged, unable to explain.

Theyre not too similar personality-wise, butits just a hunch.

Well. So long as were here monsters arent an issue. And this is a good inn.

Right. If we want to keep using it wed better spread the word to the others. If they come in and start something

Got it. Ill tell the others when I see them. You still working on the spell?

Ceria made a face.

Working on it. Its complex. Give me two days and Ill have it done. We probably have enough time for that, right?

Probably. Calruz and the others will meet to discuss tonight, but well need to interview other adventurers and see whats been found. Youve got at least four days by my count.

Okay then

Every adventurer looked up at the heavy clomping sound of massive footsteps coming down the stairs. Calruz blinked a few times, and scowled at the skeleton as he entered the common room.

Hey there!

Erin was already setting the table next to Ceria and Gerial with a huge plate of food. Calruz grunted in appreciation and sat down.

This meal was mainly eggs and breadand a bowl of lettuce and tomatoes for some reason. Gerial frowned as he saw there was absolutely no meat whatsoever on the plate as Ceria slapped her forehead gently.

Hey Mr. Bull Guy.

Across the room, Gerial saw Sostrom choke on his drink as Erin addressed Calruz. The Minotaur frowned up at her as the human girl smiled at him. Even sitting down, the Minotaur was nearly as tall as she was.

I wasnt sure if you ate meat. Ive got some bacon. Made from porkI think, so theres no beef.

I can eat beef.

Calruz grunted at Erin. She smiled in relief and waved at Toren. The skeleton approached with another huge plate of sizzling bacon. The Minotaur accepted it from Erins hand and grunted with satisfaction. Then he eyed her again.

Also, Innkeeper. My name is Calruz and I lead the Horns of Hammerad. Any title is fine butBull GuyI would prefer you not call me that.

Erin slapped a hand to her forehead.

Oh no. Is it a racial thing? Im sorry! I didnt want to use your peoples word. What should I say instead?

Calruzs left eyelid twitched involuntarily. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Ceria and Gerial held their breaths.

Were not bulls. Or cattle.

What are you, then?

This time Calruz eyed Erin long and hard to see if she was joking. But she seemed completely earnest.

A Minotaur.

Wow. I thought you were, but you look a lot different than the pictures.

What did you think I looked like, then?

Erin waved her hands and gestured helplessly.

Oh, I dont know. Lesshairy. Sort of like a human with a Minotaurs head. And your horns are really cool.

She pointed to Calruzs long horns and this time Gerial thought the Minotaur would erupt. But he seemed mollified by Erins amazement.

I dont know what kind of Minotaurs youve heard of. But I accept your mistake.

He began eating, considerably faster than Gerial and Ceria but with his utensils and without creating a mess. Erin paused, clearly thinking of something else. Reluctantly, Calruz looked up.

What?

Um. Do you like mazes?

-

Erin learned a lot about Minotaurs on that day. They were pretty polite, good eaters, could actually eat beef if they wanted to but they werent fans of lots of questions.

She watched the Horns of Hammerad leave the inn and troop towards the city and stared at what theyd left behind. Money of course theyd paid in advance and handsomely too, and that was only for the first night. And they were coming back for dinner, but it was the other thing that theyd left which was bothering her.

Dishes. Lots of dishes.

Erin stared at the stacks of dirty silverware and porcelain and pointed at Toren.

You wash that.

The skeleton noddedalmost glumly, Erin thought. It hauled the bucket of water up and poured it into a pot to heat up over the fire while Erin opened her pantries, dreading what she might find.

Two minutes later Erin rushed out of the inn.

Im out of food!

She paused, ran back inside to grab her money pouch and then ran out again. Tor rushed out behind her.

Stay there! Wash the dishes!

He halted, clattering his jaw as Erin raced down the hill.

-

Okay, make that ten sausages and I need a bag of salt, too. Oh, and some cooking oil.

Krshia nodded and shouted something in her growling language to another Gnoll across the street. Both shopkeepers disappeared and began pulling out the various foodstuffs Erin had requested.

It was easier to go to Krshia for everything she wanted, Erin had found. The other Gnoll could direct her to the right shopkeepers and that way Erin knew she was never being ripped off.

Is there anything else, Erin Solstice?

Um

Erin looked around. Market Street was still half-destroyed, but the part that hadnt been burnt down had already resumed business as usual. And indeed, a large part of the burnt street had already been replaced by the industrious Workers. Shopkeepers had already set up their stalls, and if you ignored the black soot on some buildings and the ground it looked like everything was normal.

The only difference was the Guardsman walking down the street every few minutes and the unfriendly looks that were being directed at every Human who entered. Erin got her fair share of glares, but it seemed like the shopkeepers knew her face, so at least they didnt mutter insults when she walked by. At least, none that she could hear at any rate.

I dont know. What would you recommend, Krshia?

The Gnoll propped her hands on her hips and thought.

Hm. These are adventurers staying at your inn, yes? Then buy ale, or something to drink, yes?

Ale? Oh, right! Sure! Give me a uh, barrel of that.

Krshia smiled but shook her head.

It should be a keg for now. Transporting a barrel is hard, yes? And my Runnerhe is overworked. He will not be able to transport your goods until tomorrow, even without a barrel to drive, yes?

What? Tomorrow?

Erins face fell. Shes gotten used to the unfriendly, silent Gnoll who drove a cart to her inn every time she needed a delivery. True, it wasnt running but Krshia told her Street Runners often used carts to carry heavy deliveries, unlike City Runners. Whatever that meant.

Cant you get it to me sooner? Im out of food at the inn!

Another shake and Erin had to step back to avoid the flying brown fur.

My apologies. But it is a busy time, yes? So many customers which is good. But not for you, yes? I can lend you a cart, but that is all.

Disconsolately, Erin stared at the small mountain of goods shed bought. Krshia had marked it and set it aside for the Runner to pick up. It waswell, it was a lot. Shed bought it thinking she wouldnt have to carry it. But since she did, suddenly Erin regretted her spending.

Briefly, she wondered if she could get away with only taking a little bit. But the adventurers ate so much and they were her first real guests. She didnt want to disappoint them, but the sun was already high in the sky and she needed to make lunch soon.

There was no helping it. Taking Toren into the city was more trouble than it was worth. If she wanted to get it back shed have to make several trips with a handcart between feeding her guests. Erin sighed.

But then she brightened. Moving through the crowd she spotted a group of people who were out of place. At least, out of place for what she considered to be Liscors unusual crowd. She spotted a woman in silver armor, a huge guy with an axe and several other humans walking with a tall Minotaur she recognized.

Erin raised her hand and waved.

Hey! Hey! Hammer captain!

-

Why are we doing this again?

Gerald, Captain of the Silver-rank team of adventurers known as Kyrials Pride complained as he finally reached the top of the small hill where The Wandering Inn stood. He was wearing his armor of course, and his iconic battleaxe as well, but the big man had another burden.

A sack of onions and five freshly baked loaves of bread, to be precise. And a narked expression, but that didnt weigh anything.

Were here because we want to use this inn for planning, and the innkeeper needs food. And because helping out is the polite thing to do.

Yvlon smiled at Gerald and winked silently at Erin as she carried along two hams.

Exactly. And its not that heavy.

Gerial had to wheeze that last comment. Hed been carrying a bag of flour by himself and was regretting it, especially with the weight of the rest of his armor.

Calruz grunted irritably. He dropped the bags of flour hed carried pointedly into Torens arms as the skeleton emerged from the inn. The skeleton staggered under the weight as it carried it into the kitchen.

This was not warriors work.

No, but it was necessary, and I appreciate it.

Erin grinned at Calruz as she hauled a smaller bag into the kitchen. She poked her head out.

Besides, if you didnt help out I wouldnt be able to make lunch! This way you can eat and complain at the same time, Mr. Grumpy!

Ceria smiled and dropped the links of sausage on the table.

Touch. Shes got you there, Calruz.

Yvlon and the other adventuring captains dropped their burdens on tables and looked around the inn. Cervial whistled appreciatively.

And you lot have this entire inn to yourself? Weve barely standing room in our inn and were sleeping three people to a room. Mind sharing?

Gerial laughed as he massaged his shoulder.

Talk with the innkeeper, but weve occupied most of the second floor.

And were not giving up our rooms!

That came from Ceria. The Half-elf sighed as she sat back in a chair and accepted a glass of water from the skeleton. Shed gotten used to the undead creature, but the eyes of the other captains followed Toren as he walked back into the kitchen.

You told us but I didnt believe

Its not that uncommon. Other nations use the undead, although Ive never heard of one serving drinks.

Yvlon tossed her hair behind her and smiled in thanks as Erin handed her a cup. She looked at the other captains as they too were given refreshments and a promise of lunch for their hard work.

Well, were here a bit sooner than I thought, but shall we begin planning?

-

Time didnt seem to be on Erins side. Well, it was passing by, but far too quickly for her liking.

It seemed like shed just woken up, made breakfast, and bought some food before it was lunchtime. And then shed made lunch, cleaned up, and suddenly it was dinnertime.

But that was the thing about catering to a crowd; it took a long time and Erin had to keep making food in preparation of people eating food. So although the night came quickly, she was quite, quite conscious that shed worked through the day to get to it.

Erin stopped to wipe a layer of sweat from her forehead and wince because shed smeared tomato sauce all over her brow. Oh well, it wasnt as if her face had been that pristine to begin with. And she was too busy to wash it away.

She glanced out at the clouded night sky and wondered if it was time to shut the window in the kitchen. Shed undone the shutters here to cool down the stiflingly hot kitchen, but it looked like rain and the last thing she needed as a wet kitchen floor.

The nights were getting colder. Already Erin had taken to closing all the windows by the evening, and tonight was especially chilly. Dark storm clouds had swallowed the sun hours ago and promised to drop their cargo sometime tonight.

Winter is coming.

Toren paused and cocked his head at her. He probably hadnt heard what Erin had said. She waved her hand at him and he exited the kitchen.

She was done with her plate of spaghetti. Wellplates. Erin lifted one in each hand carefullyshe could do more, but it was heavy porcelain and she didnt feel that rushedand walked out into the common room.

A wave of noise greeted her. Adventurers sat around her room, talking, laughing, arguing. It was such a bizarre sight in her inn that Erin had to pause. But she was on a mission and the food was heavy, so she made her way to the two tables that had been pushed together in the center of the room.

What do you mean, wait?

Calruz slammed one fist down on the table, making Erin nearly jump. He was shouting at a bunch of men and one woman all adventurers, allegedly. Theyd come into the inn around lunchtime with a few of their friends and had stayed around, talking.

Well, mainly arguing. Ceria and Gerial sat next to Calruz, wincing as the Minotaur expressed his discontent. Each of the other adventuring captains also had a vice-captain with them.

Were not ready to go in, Calruz. We need supplies. We thought we could get them here, but prices are high and supply is low. Besides that, we need to send some scouting teams in. And there are other adventurers to consider letting join

We know whats in there. And the Ruins are less than an hours journey from the city! We dont need supplies or scouts!

We agreed to come Calruz, but that doesnt mean we put ourselves under your command. Were all equals here and we go in properly or we dont go in at all.

That came from Lir, the only other mage at the table besides Ceria. He smiled and thanked Erin as she put his food in front of him. Then he returned his attention to Calruz.

There are some Silver-rank adventurers in the city. Some good ones that I know. It wouldnt hurt to have them with us, and as Cervial said, we need time. A day or two of delay wont lose us any time. Myself, Im more concerned about our formations. Ceria has said she can learn the [Illumination] spell in time, but even if we get that cast, how will we approach the actual exploration phase? Im not too keen on splitting up our vanguard

Gerald shifted. Hed been busy chomping down on slices of ham but he stopped to glare at Lir.

You cant be suggesting we keep our forces together. The time it would take

Erin stopped listening. She was busy, and the adventurers had been arguing all day.  That was preferable to them having, say, a bar fight but she was busy.

She spun past her inn, taking requests for food, filling empty mugs, and generally, wishing she was less busy. The door opened and Erin turned to smile at the newcomer and explain that skeletons and Goblins in general were friendly.

She didnt have to. Pisces stood in the doorway, blinking in surprise at the crowded inn. He paused, looking around as if he thought he were in the wrong place. Erin waved at him.

Sit over there!

She pointed to a lonely table. Pisces hesitated; still eying the adventurers but eventually went and sat down. He paused as he passed by the table where adventuring captains were sitting. They looked up, and Ceria spoke.

Pisces.

The [Necromancer] nodded to her.

Ceria.

Stop bothering my customers!

Erin booted the mage in the back, much to the amusement of several of the adventurers. Pisces glared at her, and glared harder when Toren came by to hand him a menu.

I must protest! My creation is not meant for menial tasks. Moreover, I am an accredited [Mage] and deserved to be treated

Food!

Erin dropped a plate in front of Pisces and left. She was so busy! If this was what having an inn was like, she seriously needed another skeleton. Or two. Toren was practically dashing about, serving the wary adventurers with mechanical precision.

This was why an inn had a cook and bar-people. Come to that, a bartender would also have been helpful, as well as another keg of ale. Erin had long ago run out and the adventurers had been disappointed to learn she didnt have any more. She probably could have made a fortune on that alone.

The door opened. Erin turned, prepared a smile, and then smiled for real.

Olesm?

The blue Drake staggered into her inn, looking around wildly. He spotted her and rushed towards Erin, heedless of the other adventurers whod gone temporarily silent at the sight of a Drake.

Erin! I did it! I did it!

Did what?

I finally solved it!

The Drake crowed and danced about, waving the slip of parchment at Erin. She blinked at him, confused.

It was the work of daysno, nearly a week! In the end I had to lock myself away, but I did it! And I leveled! Twice!

Wait, twice? What?

She had to get him to stand still to show her, which was no mean feat. Erin saw a very inky piece of paper and the notation for four chess moves. A solution to a chess puzzle. Her puzzle.

Oh, you did it! Congratulations!

She smiled at Olesm and he gave her a toothy grin in reply. He looked delirious with delight, but his eyes were also slightly unfocused, hinting that he was delirious in more ways than one.

Lizards didnt have whites in their eyes. Like the Gnolls, their eyes were a single color with a dark, snake-like pupil in the center. Olesms eyes were a marvelous shade of blue patterned wildly like raindrops falling.

They were also bloodshot and wild. Erin noticed Olesm seemed gaunt, and thinner than shed seen him last. He also had an unwashed smell andwas that dead skin on the side of his neck? Nodead scales. They were flaking off, and it looked like a terrible fungus infection the more Erin stared at it.

She was trying not to, really. But it was extremely distracting.

Olesm noticed where Erin was looking and blushed. He immediately covered the spot with one hand.

UmIm so sorry. I havent bathed or cleaned myself in a while. I was just so happy to have solved it I rushed over. But I did it at last! It was the greatest challenge Id had, and the rewards wererewarding!

He smiled in a state approaching bliss. Erin had to smile with him as she lead him to an empty table and waved at Toren for a drink.

It took a week, huh?

Just a bit less than that, I believe.

Gratefully, Olesm accepted the mug and then stared in horror at the creature that had served it to him. Meanwhile, Erin was trying to remember. Shed given him a chess problem? Oh! Oh yes, it was the one shed sent to the mystery chess game enthusiast. Olesm had said he was going to make a copy.

And it had taken him a week? Erin wasimpressed.

She was impressed. It had taken her nearly a week to solve the problem as well. Admittedly, shed been going to class and only spent a few hours here and there trying to solve it. And shed been in middle school. But still.

It made a difference that Olesm had never learned any of the basic strategies that Erin had built her knowledge of chess on. That was part of the reason she could still wipe the floor with him and anyone else although Olesm was probably the best. And it explained why she hadnt seen him. Shed actually forgotten about him

Erin. Erin!

Olesm was pulling at Erins hand. She snapped out of her thoughts and saw the Drakes blue scales had turned pale.

What is it?

Theres a sk-skeleton!

He pointed and his claw shook at Toren as the skeleton brought another plate of food out for Calruz. Erin stared blankly at Toren.

Yeah. Thats Toren.

Toren? It has awhats a skeleton doing here? Did that [Necromancer] summon it?

Erin realized that Olesm hadnt seen Toren before. She tried to explain. Olesm tried to listen. It was quite noisy in the common room.

What? And you accepted it? But the undeadtheyre sodangerous! Besides, one skeleton isnt worth all the food youve been feeding Pisces!

Erins eyes narrowed and she tossed a glare over the room at Pisces. He was already trying to avoid Cerias gaze as the Half-elf occasionally stared at him, but he flinched away from Erin as well, although he couldnt possibly have known what she and Olesm were talking about.

Oh really?

Olesm nodded. He tore into the food Toren brought for him, clearly famished.

Their binding spells dont last that long. Your average skeleton falls to pieces within a day or two of being animated, and even if the necromancer uses an indefinite binding, their spell fails the instant they take too much damage. And theyre surprisingly fragile!

Well, this one hasnt fallen apart and its been knocked to pieces once already.

Olesm frowned.

Really? Thats not usual. Most mages dont spend nearly that much mana on a lowly skeleton.

I think this ones different. Its smart enough to take orders and serve drinks, for one thing.

The Drake followed Torens circuit around the room and nodded slowly.

True. And thats odd too. Its very intelligentcan it play chess, by any chance?

What?

Erin grinned at Olesm and laughed.

Is that all you think about? Youre like me when I was a kid!

The Drake blushed and ducked his head. Then he paused and looked around the room.

I didnt think you would be so busyI was hoping to play a game, but I wouldnt want to take you away from your work. Where is that small Goblin or the Worker called Pawn?

Erins smiled faded. Shed nearly forgotten the events of yesterday as well.

I havent seen Rags and her crowd today. They must be doing Goblin-y things. Butthe Workers probably wont be coming for a while. There was anincident with Pawn.

Olesm looked alarmed.

What happened?

Someone was calling Erins name. She glanced around, distracted, and made a face.

Tell you later! Wait until everything slows down and then we can play a game of chess, okay?

Reluctantly, Olesm nodded. He brightened as Erin brought him more food though, and began attacking that. Erin walked over to the waving adventurer, and her endless quest for customer satisfaction continued.

-

Late. Later in the night. Erin was bone-tired, but she was still smiling, and still, surprisingly, having fun. The adventurers werent jerks and they liked her cooking. And they had money! It wasnt bad to be working for once, and Erin wondered just how much money shed make from tonight.

Not a bad haul. But she was tired. She paused, wiping at her forehead and accepted a drink from Toren.

Hey, good job. Youre not doing so bad.

The skeleton paused and nodded at her. She blinked in bemusement as it bustled out of the kitchen.

Skeletons. They think theyre good as people.

She laughed, and walked back out. At last the food requests had stopped coming in, and it was just filling glasses and doing the stacks of dirty dishes in the kitchen. Toren could do that. Erin would just fill up a bucket with water from the stream and boil it before she could sit down and play a game of chess with Olesm, and maybe Pisces.

She had bucket in hand and was heading to the door when it opened. Two Workers immediately stepped inside. Erin raised a hand to greet them

And half of the adventurers in the room drew their weapons.

Whoa! Hey! Swords down!

Erin shouted as the adventurers began pushing their chairs back and the Workers wavered. She put herself between the adventurers and the doorway.

These are my guests! Guests!

Antinium!

The Bugs!

Some of the adventurers were shouting, but the adventuring captains were the first to get over their surprise. Gerald grabbed the shoulder of an adventurer that was rising and shoved him down in his seat.

Dont fight!

This came from Cervial. He raised his voice and shouted at the adventurers.

Theyre part of Liscor! You hurt them, you make an enemy out of the city! Theyre not here for a fight! These are the Worker-types.

Erin ignored the shouting as the Captains began restoring order in the inn. She looked at the Workers, confused.

Why are you here? I thought you couldnt leave the city.

Not without Pawn. But then Erins mind caught up with what she was saying.

Pawn?

Yes Innkeeper Solstice. But there is an issue

The Worker opened the doorway. Erin saw two other Workers helping another of their kind through the doorway. He was like them, exactly like them but different.

Pawn.

He was okay. He was alive. Erin smiled as he stumbled into the inn. But then her smile froze.

The adventurers, who had been swearing and reacting to the presence of the Workers took one look at Pawn and fell silent. Several sheathed weapons were unsheathed again. In the dead silence someone swore loudly.

Pawn had to be helped by the two Workers into the inn. He swayed, unsteady. A trail of green blood followed him. Erins eyes were caught by the color. So green. So vibrant. A color shed seen once on her hands before.

The Antinium named Pawn stared up at Erin. She stared back. Her thoughts hadstopped. She stared at him.

He was still Pawn. But he was missing one of his antennae, the one Ksmvr had severed. And he was missing arms as well. Three of them. And part of one leg.

The door closed and the cold rain began to fall.