"Good for us, we'll be able to slip into town with little notice. You remember what to do?"
"Don't worry," he said, removing his sling bag, "I have my helmet in here somewhere." He rummaged around in the bag, finally producing the conical helm. It had a metal frame into which a leather cap had been sewn. With the nose guard in place, it made him look like any other warrior seeking employment. They had already worked up a story to account for their presence here, but as the gate loomed, it proved unnecessary, for the guards simply waved everyone through, taking little interest in people's identities.
They passed under the raised portcullis and into the cobblestone streets, a welcome change from the mud of the road.
"I thought this used to be a Therengian town?" said Natalia.
"It was," Athgar replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Isn't it strange that it has cobblestone streets?"
He looked down, letting the image soak in. "So it is, now that you mention it."
"That's not all. This road looks old, far older than I would have expected. Didn't Raleth say they lost it five years ago?"
"He did, but he didn't say how long it had been held by the Therengians. Do you think it dates back to the original kingdom?"
"That would make it over five hundred years old," she said. "Though, now that you mention it, some of these buildings look ancient."
Athgar nodded his head. "Yes, the wooden buildings are all new, but those of stone are a whole other story."
"Dunmere was burned if I remember correctly."
"It was, though I doubt the whole city was torched. They couldn't have rebuilt all of this in only five years."
"If my supposition is correct, this is likely the last true city of the Therengians, Athgar. It's a part of your heritage."
"Possibly, but it means little to me. I have an aversion to large cities, remember?"
"Maybe Ebenstadt will be different?"
"We can only hope. In the meantime, let's find some decent lodgings. We'll need to establish a base from which we can conduct our enquiries."
"You're beginning to sound like a real diplomat. Are you sure you haven't had court training?"
He noted the look of mirth on her face. "Very funny."
"I thought so."
They proceeded down the street, passing by a number of shops and homes crowded together, making the entire area look like one long building.
"This place feels very constricting," he noted. "Have you noticed any alleyways?"
"No, but then again, we've only gone a few blocks. On the other hand, the streets are easy to navigate. I think I'd have a hard time getting lost here."
"That's because the streets are laid out similar to Runewald, though not so dispersed."
"More evidence of its history, no doubt."
"So it would seem." Natalia paused at an apple cart, handing over a coin, and selecting a ripe fruit. A quick enquiry soon sent them on their way to a modest inn.
"There it is," she said. "The Wolf of Adenburg."
Athgar began laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"Don't you remember Caerhaven? I had that wolf costume when we went to the ball. You're the one who told me the folk tale."
"Oh yes," she said, "I remember now. How strange, it must be some kind of sign. After all, the Ancestors wanted us to come here."
He held out his arm. "Shall we?"
She made an exaggerated bow. "Of course, my lord."
They stepped into a relatively large establishment that was packed with mostly warriors, by the look of them. Athgar steered Natalia towards the kegs that lined the wall, where an older woman, somewhere in her fifties, was filling two tankards. She looked up at their approach.
"I'll be with you in a moment," she said. "Meg!" The last comment was directed at a young, red-headed woman who made her way through the crowd. "These two are for the fancy man over by the window." She nodded her head, indicating a well-dressed gentleman and his companion, a youth several years his junior.
The woman turned to Athgar. "Something I can get you?"
"We are looking for a room," he replied.
"How long do you want it?" she asked, giving Natalia the once-over.
"My wife and I will be staying in Ebenstadt for a few days."
Her eyes lit up. "Your wife, eh? You should have said so. I took her for a companion."
He looked at Natalia for an explanation, but she shook her head. "Have you a room?" Athgar asked again.
"We do, as a matter of fact."
"How much?"
"Do you have a horse?"
"No, we came on foot."
"Then it'll be three silver a night," the older woman said, "and another two if you want your meals."
"We'll take it," said Natalia.
"Come with me, then. I'll show you to your room."
She led them up some rickety stairs with a well-worn banister, then down a hall past some considerably rough-looking doors.
"These are the shared rooms," she said, bypassing the doors and heading up a second set of stairs.
The hallway here at least had a rug on the floor, tattered though it was. At some time, this must have been considered nice lodgings, but now everything was faded and the paint peeling. The woman halted, producing a ring of keys from around her neck and unlocked the door in front of her.
"There you go," she said.
They stepped inside a solitary room, with little more than a bed and a large wardrobe standing against one wall. Light seeped in through a small window, its shutters open to let in a fresh breeze.
"I'll send up someone with some blankets," the woman said, passing over the key. "Now I must be off. I've got a lot of customers today."
"Is it always this busy?" asked Natalia.
"No. It's the army, you see. They've come from all over the Continent to chase down those villains. I don't care two coppers for the war, but it's good for business." She turned, disappearing quickly.
"The villains?" said Athgar.
"She likely means the Therengians."
"Why do they hate us so much?"
"This isn't about your people," said
