“Do you know who put these here?” Gewey asked.
“This is the Old Road of Santismal,” Dina stated. “Long ago, this was the heart of a great kingdom, and this road cut through its heart. It’s said the Kingdom of Santismal was the richest and most powerful the world has ever seen.”
“What happened to it?” he asked, gazing at the weathered statue.
“Some say war, others say famine,” Dina said with a shrug. “No one really knows. All that’s left are a few scattered ruins and this road. Some parts are still paved in stone, but most of it has been washed away by time.”
Gewey marveled at the thought of a massive paved road and the work it must have taken to build it; not to mention the effort it would take to transport the statues.
“They must have been a great people.” said Gewey. “Have you seen the ruins?”
“Some,” Dina replied. “Even in ruins, the buildings stand taller than any today.”
“I hope I get to see it one day,” he said.
“I’m sure you will,” she affirmed.
When sunset came, their energy finally ran out, and they made camp. They finished off the meat and bread Felsafell had given them and lay down on the soft grass. Two straight days of walking, with only short stops, made sleep come quickly.
Gewey awoke to a bitter cold. The fire had died, and he could see that Dina was shivering in her sleep. He reached over and shook her awake. Dina rubbed her eye and stretched.
“A bit chilly this morning,” she yawned.
“Winter’s coming early this year,” Gewey remarked.
“It’s only a few hours until we reach Vine Run,” said Dina.
“There’s an inn where we can rest for a bit.”
The thought of a warm fire and blankets energized Gewey. He got some flatbread from his pack and split it with Dina. Shivering, the two ate next to the remains of their fire.
As they approached the village, Gewey could immediately tell why it was called Vine Run. The surrounding hills had been cleared and turned into massive vineyards that stretched on for hundreds of yards in all directions. It had clearly been beautiful once, but now the vines were bare and withered. The ground was a dull gray, matching the cloudy sky.
The village itself also showed signs of decay. The multicolored brick houses were cracked and in dire need of repair. Several of the wooden structures had burned to the ground, and the streets were practically abandoned. Only a few people walked about, and they all stared at Gewey and Dina as they passed.
When they reached the inn, Gewey was thankful to be away from such a depressing sight. The inn’s common room was the complete opposite of the rest of the desolate town, packed with at least thirty people. A fire roared in the hearth, filling the room with warmth and cheer. A flute could be heard from the far corner, and the crowd was singing merrily along. Gewey and Dina pushed their way to the counter, where a short, round woman with a pleasant smile stood swaying to the music.
“Greetings to you, sir,” she said. “Just arrived?”
“Yes we have,” said Dina, before Gewey could speak. “We need a room and a hot meal.”
“That’s grand!” the woman exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “Always plenty of room here. As for the meal, you just missed the midday supper, but I can get you some bread and maybe a bit of lamb, if those scoundrels in the back haven’t eaten it all.”
She reached to a shelf behind her and grabbed a large jug and two cups. “Maybe this will make it up to you,” she said. “The finest wine for a thousand miles. We make it right here, or at least we did in the past. Vines aren’t what they used to be, you know. They’ll come back though, you just wait and see. In the meantime, we have plenty of spirits to go around.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey, taking the wine. “I’m looking for some friends that might have come through here.”
“If it’s friends you’re after, you’ll make plenty tonight,” said the bar matron. “Young Bartol Greenward turns eighteen today-half the town will be in and out of here. But don’t you worry-if it’s quiet you want, you won’t hear a peep from the back. Our walls are thick. But I hope you join us for while. It looks to be a grand party.”
“What about strangers?” Gewey asked. “Have any come through in the past couple of days?”
The woman crinkled her nose in thought. “Can’t really tell,” she said. “Been out sick until this morning. Dreadful sick. Feeling better now, though. Ready for the celebration.” An old man pushed his way behind the counter and whispered into her ear.
“Yes I am, you old goat,” she said crossly. “I was just about to show them to their room, wasn’t I?” she asked, turning toward Gewey and Dina.
“Yes you were,” Gewey said, clearly amused by the banter.
The bar matron turned back to the old man. “You see? Now go back to your wine and leave me be.”
The woman led Gewey and Dina through a door in the corner of the common room. Gewey scanned the crowd trying to catch sight of Lee, Millet, or Kaylia, but he didn’t see any of them.
“I forgot to ask,” said the woman. “How many rooms will you be needing?” Gewey froze and felt himself blush.
“I…uh…” he stammered.
“Forgive my husband,” Dina said. “He sometimes forgets we’re no longer bound by our parents. One room will be fine.”
“That’s quite alright,” said the woman. “My old goat of a husband forgets we’re even married at all.” She unlocked the door and handed Dina the key. “You keep this, my love. Men can’t be trusted with anything. Now I must get back. The old goat will bring you some water for the basin. I’ll see your meal brought as well, if you want.”
“Yes, thank you,” said Dina.
“Grand,” said the woman. “I’m Minnie, if you need anything. And my husband’s name…well, you can just call him old goat. He answers to that more than anything else.” With that, Minnie scurried off down the hall.
The room was simple but comfortable. The washbasin in the corner was large enough to stand in, and the small table and chairs were well made. But the thing that Gewey noticed most was the single bed.
“Husband?” he asked.
Dina smiled. “I suppose I could have said brother. But I was taken off guard, and we can’t afford two rooms.”
“You weren’t the only one taken off guard.”
“Don’t worry,” she said playfully. “Being my husband won’t be so bad.”
Gewey couldn’t meet her eyes for fear his embarrassment would show.
A little while later, Minnie’s husband brought their wash water.
“I’ll bring your meal in half an hour,” he said sourly, before skulking out of the room.
“It’ll feel good to be clean,” said Dina. “I have fresh clothes for you in my pack.” She stood there staring at Gewey with eyebrows raised.
“What?” exclaimed Gewey.
“Turn around, if you don’t mind,” Dina instructed. “Unless you intend to watch me bathe.”
Gewey blushed for what felt like the hundredth time and turned around, facing the door. He felt his heart race as he heard Dina bathing behind him. By the time she was finished and dressed, he could hardly breathe.
“Your turn,” she said, drying her hair with a towel that had been placed on the bed. Gewey didn’t move.
“Come now,” she teased. “I’ll turn away.” Gewey hands shook as he disrobed and began to wash.
“Very nice,” Dina said suggestively.
Gewey spun around, nearly knocking over the basin, but Dina was still facing the door.
“That’s not funny,” Gewey fumed.
“I’m sorry,” Dina laughed. “I’ll be good. I promise.”
Gewey washed and dressed as fast as he could.
There was a knock at the door, and Minnie’s husband brought them their meal. It was far more than the bar matron had said there might be; clearly she’d gotten to the leftover lamb before anyone else.
