We pass a large tavern with raucous music. Several men and women stand near the entrance calling out to us as we pass, promising us all kinds of decadent enjoyments. Kyra instinctively moves closer to me when one of the men touches her arm and gives her a predatory look.
“I could give you a night to remember, beautiful lady. I promise you will enjoy it.”
I step between her and the man, leveling a dark glare at him. “Touch her again and you die.”
“All right.” He puts his hands up in mock surrender. “My mistake. I didn’t realize she was with you.”
It doesn’t take us long to get to the Queen’s Inn. When we reach it, a woman is standing in the doorway, watching the rain.
“Are you looking for a room?” She grins, revealing a mouth missing several teeth.
“Yes,” I reply, tugging Kyra even closer to me. “For me and my wife, and we need a stable for our two horses.”
She nods, then looks over her shoulder, whistling to someone I cannot see. A man quickly runs out, and she tells him to show us the stables.
We follow him around the back, and I’m glad to see that the space has freshly laid hay, food, and water. The roof is thankfully intact, so everything is dry as well.
I arch a brow at Nox. “Does this meet your standards?”
He lifts his head in an approximation of a nod.
I remove the saddles, then take the satchels, pulling the straps over my shoulders to carry them both. This place may look nice, but I don’t want to leave all our belongings out here just in case. I toss a coin to the man.
“Will you see they are brushed down and taken care of?” I gesture to the horses.
His eyes go wide as he stares down at the coin. He lifts his gaze, blinking several times as if stunned by the amount I’ve given him. He bows low. “Of course, my Lord.”
Panic fills me as I realize my mistake. I do not know what money is worth in this place, and I’ve obviously given him way more than the average person would. I only hope it doesn’t make us a target in a place like this. Despite my worry, I force my face into an impassive mask and nod before we turn to leave.
Kyra’s eyes meet mine, and it is easy to read the concern behind them. I’m sure she’s thinking the same thing as me.
“We need to leave at first light,” she whispers.
“Agreed.”
When we enter the inn, I realize the first floor is a tavern. Several long wooden tables line the space, along with a few tucked in nooks and tables near the back. The woman who originally greeted us approaches and grins.
“The room comes with a meal.” She gestures to the bubbling pot of soup hanging over the fire.
We sit down at one of the smaller tables near the back, and she brings us each a warm bowl of soup, a small loaf of bread. She starts to pour us some ale, but we insist upon water.
She tips her head to one side. “Are you on the path of the mage then?”
My brow furrows in confusion, but I say nothing.
Kyra answers slyly. “How could you tell?”
The woman laughs. “Only those studying to be mages, or who already are, refuse ale. They say it ruins their ability to cast or some such thing.” She waves a dismissive hand. “Not worth the trouble if you ask me. Especially if you have to give up something as wonderful as the drink.” She chuckles. “I’ll be right back with your water.”
I smile at Kyra. She’s brilliant. That was an excellent way to gather information and will offer us some protection. From what I witnessed with Willow and Talina, a mage is probably rather powerful and not a person you’d want to mess with. I’ll rest a little easier tonight.
We finish our meal in silence, each of us afraid to speak and reveal anything about ourselves. Several pairs of not so discreet eyes study us intently. We’re strangers here, and I suspect this place does not get many visitors.
When we’re finished, the innkeeper shows us to our room upstairs. It’s tiny and only has one small bed, with a thin comforter and two small pillows, but at least it appears clean. I’m surprised there is also a worn wooden table and chair off to one side. The nearly full moon shines brightly through the window on the opposite wall, and two lanterns and several candles are lit on the side table.
“It’s not much,” the innkeeper says. “But I keep it clean and tidy for weary travelers such as yourselves. And—” she gestures to a room divider in the far corner, “I’ve already had hot water drawn for a bath.”
When she leaves, I secure the door with the chair, taking the opportunity to try the barrier spell Talina showed me. I’m not sure if it’s as strong as it should be, but when I notice the soft glowing light of the spell around the door, I’m satisfied I at least was able to cast it. It’s better than nothing.
Kyra smiles at me. “Impressive.”
I bow lightly. “Thank you.”
She turns to the room divider. “Are you going to bathe?” she asks, a bit hesitantly.
“No.” I lift my arm and sniff at my armpit. “I don’t think I smell too bad. What do you think?”
At first, her mouth drifts open, but she laughs when she realizes I am teasing her. She playfully slaps at my chest.
“Well, you’re definitely not sleeping with me until you bathe, Cael.”
My heart hammers as her words conjure images of her wrapped up in
