- Good night! - said smiling to the man behind the counter. - What can you offer me for a drink other than water?
He looked at me from top to bottom and leaned against the counter. His hair was reddish and his eyes were light. He didn't have the hostile eye, but he watched me with concern.
- Lost or running away? - he just asked. - Either way, this isn't an environment for someone like you, young lady.
Frustrated snorting. It was obvious that a tavern was no place for someone like me. I'm sorry I didn't wear the clothes of one of the cooks.
- I'm not a girl, but answering your question, I'm running away.
- Mother or husband?
I had a laugh.
- Actually, an unrequited love. - I sighed. - He's marrying someone else, and to make matters worse, I'll have to be there.
He rolled his eyes smiling in a good mood.
- Oh, boy. In this case... - he turned to the other side of the bar and, taking a mug, turned to me, hitting it hard against the wood. - I recommend you drink this.
I looked inside the mug at the yellowish, foamy liquid he gave me and made a face.
- What's that? What's that? - I asked distrustfully why he didn't offer me wine.
- It's called beer!
- No wine?
- Well! I don't usually serve wine in my tavern and I don't believe I have a single barrel in my stock. - I looked at the drink making a face. - Believe me, if you don't like it, I won't charge you that cup.
I took a deep breath.
- All right! All right! - I said before I took the mug to my lips. - So be it!
At first, the drink had a sweet taste, but as soon as the sip had passed through my throat, it turned into something bitter and I frowned while wiping my mouth with my dress sleeve.
- Wow, what a horrible thing! - he said nodding, but then he smiles. - It's different and I liked it a lot!
The man let out a laugh and hit the counter.
- I knew you'd like it! - he said stretching out his hand. - I'm Alastor! What's your name?
- I'm Annabel! - but he made a point of kissing her gently.
- Nice to meet you, Annabel! - he said. - If you want some advice, stay here at the counter and drown your sorrows with as many mugs as you like. So I can keep an eye on such a beautiful girl.
- For free? - I asked by arcing my eyebrow.
- No, but of course that'll cost you a few coins. - he said smiling. - However, it's only for the drinks. I have a daughter just under your age and I wouldn't want to see her in a place like this. If you tell me where you live, I will ask my son to take you when he decides to leave, or if he prefers, I can let you sleep on one of the wooden benches until dawn. It'll be uncomfortable, but safe.
I took a deep breath looking at the seats. I had already slept on the floor many times, sleeping on benches wouldn't be bad at all and I really didn't want to go back to the castle that night.
- If you don't mind, I'll take the banks.
- Are you sure? My son's only 12, but he drives a wagon like no other.
- Yes, I do! Despite your kindness, I don't want to come home tonight. - I responded with a sad face. - I don't even know if I want to come back someday.
He shrugged his shoulders, going to see another customer.
- If you change your mind, let me know!
I just nodded with a smile before I put the mug in my mouth again. I turned to contemplate the place. It was all wood, very spacious and airy. There were, like, 15 people scattered around the tables. Others spread out in a corner of the hall as they danced animatedly in front of the fireplace. There was a man playing the typical songs of our land on a flute, while another sang. Over and over again, a woman would join them. Looking at them, they all seemed to have a very good and happy life. Suddenly my whole body shivered and, subtly, I looked around looking for the one, whom I knew, who was there in some corner. Bruce's gaze, somehow, was on me. My body could feel him watching me, but I could not find him. He wasn't at any of the tables and there was no man with a hood on his head. Those who wore cloaks were further apart and talked animatedly. They were supposed to be hunters, but for fear of being mercenaries, I looked away from them in order not to attract attention. I insisted on my nervous search, but I couldn't find him. If Bruce was in the tavern, he'd be very well hidden.
- Calm down, Annabel! - I whispered to myself. - You're impressed, that's all!
I tried to concentrate on the drink, which was really very bitter, but very tasty and I focused my attention on the dance. It didn't take long for me to walk away and go to the group that was dancing. I promised Alastor I'd be back as soon as I got tired or the music was over. The women who danced cheerfully invited me to join them. It was the second time I felt welcome
