Chapter 6: Whispers in the Night

“Hold!” Madoc barked after the wagon turned off Lake Pass toward Griffen Keep.

A call from the guardhouse elicited a password before the double gate opened to admit the caravan. Dropping back from his position, Jake entered behind the wagon and looked up to study the three-story building. The stone facade on the wall and fortress looked relatively real. One couldn’t tell for sure until they moved close to the wooden walls.

Clem led his horse slowly into a small courtyard between the outer wall and the fortress. Jake noticed the courtyard was L-shaped, with the side section containing a stable for horses. Five wide steps led up to a large double door, which opened when the wagon halted. A knight with a militant air around him stepped out to observe the half-filled cart wagon with disdain. He wore shiny silver armor like the other knights, but with white pauldrons.

"Report!" the man snapped, then paused to scan the group before him. "Where's–"

“Dori fell from his horse before departure, sir. He was injured,” Macon revealed.

“Commander Laidlaw! This whole ordeal has been wholly unacceptable. Denial of the company’s ability to hire our own men, the lack of manpower, the poor quality of your knights, and that barbarian taking more than allowed for a successful raid,” Mr. Spendthrift rattled off, nearly falling while lowering himself from the wagon.

“I’m unaware of any order changes. I’ll need to see the Crown’s dispatches first,” Commander Laidlaw stated, glancing over at Arrol Crowther, who produced a satchel. “Marcox, report.”

“Sir, bandits accosted us on Sword Way between the Ironfields and Glums Oaks. Down two men, the Scattercrows switched tactics, Commander. They struck from hiding in the tall grass. However, they also contracted three troglodytes, who waited to strike from the Oaks after we entered combat,” Madoc recounted. “I’m sorry to say that I’ve never seen such a piss poor performance in my life, sir.”

“Is that so? I’ll expect a full report by sundown. Now, unload that wagon,” Commander Judden Laidlaw ordered, spinning around to follow Spendthrift into the keep.

“You heard the commander. Lampkin, Bustard, get to work. Rathmore, get your hand checked out inside,” Madoc directed.

“What are we doing?” Jake whispered.

“Pick up those crates and barrels to bring down into the cellar,” Kale responded, picking up one of the smaller crates.

“Way to help,” Jake grumbled, lifting a larger crate.

Staggering under the weight, he reached the main door when the keep’s steward appeared. He directed them across a large room that comprised most of the first floor until they reached another wooden door. Down in the cellar, Jake found a decent-sized storeroom and yet another door, this one barred with metal. A quick glance inside revealed a couple of benches and a toilet painted in a metallic gray. Nobody needed to tell the newcomer that he’d found Griffen Keep’s jail.

Kale made six trips while Jake ended up performing eight. On his third visit to the cellar, he saw the steward cut open several modern-looking sacks or containers to pour sugar, salt, coffee, etc., into old-fashioned jars. Eventually, Jake watched in surprise when the steward removed the lid of a large crate to reveal a modern cooler underneath. An even more eyebrow-raising move came when the steward pushed open a section of the storeroom wall. Carrying the large cooler inside, Jake found himself in a modern kitchen, filled with a refrigerator, an extra freezer chest, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

Dry goods went into cupboards, sandwich meats into the fridge, and packs of ground beef, pork, and chicken into the bottom of the deep freezer chest. Loaves of Italian and French bread had plastic bags tied around them before they too went into the freezer. Finally, the steward began slicing summer sausage and cheese onto a platter for the commander and Mr. Spendthrift. Seeing his opportunity while carrying several empty crates back out to the wagon, Jake asked again about the gorgeous barbarian.

“Won’t you shut up about her?” Kale asked, sounding exasperated.

“Maybe if you answered my questions. What’s her name?”

“Yiva. Yiva Youngblood,” the other squire disclosed. “She’s after the Lost Treasures, and that’s all the gossip you’ll get from me. I don’t know why the others hate you, but I don’t need them harping on me either.”

Unsatisfied, Jake pestered Kale for more information as they brought the rest of the empty containers back to the wagon for tomorrow’s return trip. Yet, to the smitten detective’s chagrin, he couldn’t pry anything else from the skittish squire.

“Bustard! Help Clem clean the wagon. Kale, you’re finished for now,” Romulus ordered, coming outside with a bandage around his hand. At some point during the fighting, the knight had sliced open his hand on the wagon. An injury that made him even more irritable with his ex-football opponent.

Fortunately, the caravan driver didn’t require help with more than a few small chores. Finished, Jake sighed with relief when Porco Munchmore appeared and slyly handed over a napkin filled with slices of cheese, sausages, and crackers that the ever-hungry teen gobbled down.

“Would you like a tour of Griffen Keep?”

Jake nodded, knowing that Phinn would require information. The fortress had been broken into back in March. The scribe began by inquiring about Jake’s trip into the cellar.

“Yeah, I saw the kitchen. What’s up with that?”

Porco gave a similar, but more official, explanation than the one Phinn got from Violet and Luna about food safety. He clarified that modern cooking could take place, but only out of sight. It seemed that a large fireplace or a small wooden stove cooked most meals at Griffin Keep. The kitchen existed primarily for food storage and preparation.

The first floor contained high ceilings, the aforementioned grand fireplace, a large 10-person table, several plush armchairs, and an office for Commander Laidlaw. Mr. Munchmore pointed out a hidden bathroom under the staircase.

“He’s a stickler for rules and staying in-character, so be careful around him,” Porco warned about the commander.

“I’m trying to be careful around everyone,” Jake muttered, reaching the second floor to reveal the fortress’s barracks.

The junior investigator initially saw only a single, wide-open space filled with beds on the second floor before he noticed a narrow section along one wall. Porco confirmed a larger bathroom with showers lay behind the door. Additionally, the scribe/referee noted how the keep narrowed as you went higher. Jake nodded, thinking the room appeared smaller. Mr. Munchmore also pointed out that while the doors were sturdy, the wood used to brace them as locks wasn’t. Each thin board also had notches cut into it. This allowed them to break with enough force during an attack on the keep.

The third floor was the smallest, with the room serving as either visiting bedchambers for the nobles and royalty or an auxiliary armory during a war campaign. Another wooden door, like those that opened onto each floor from the stairs, led outside, where a wrap-around terrace let knights observe the nearby Realm. Porco added that battles weren't allowed on the terrace anymore after several close calls.

“I do,” Jake replied to the question. “Who’s this Yiva Youngblood, and what’s the Lost Treasures?”

“Ah, I see young Kale still refused to buckle under your badgering,” Porco said, chuckling.

His comment and laugh caused the sleuth to frown. I guess I wasn’t as sly about my questions as I thought.

“Let’s begin with the Lost Treasures,” Porco announced, sitting on one of the armchairs. With the other buried under boxes, Jake chose a wooden chair. “Off-the-record, they were created by Boone Brewster a few months after the founding of the Mirthmakers Fellowship. The group decided that they needed several major quests to draw in new participants after the Chivalry Renaissance Fair closed.”

Jake nodded with a smile. He fully appreciated Porco dropping the in-character nonsense to explain.

“Boone created five ancient artifacts, or Lost Treasures, that he hid around the Realm for LARPers to track down. Pieces of maps, stone tablets, or legends were created to lead players to the treasure. The goal of finding a Lost Treasure would make the players into instant stars of the Realm,” Porco described. “The five are: Dragon Crown, Eye of Infinity, Lunar Staff, Skull of Zhindar, and Chrono Orb.”

The names rolled right over Jake, and his confused expression showed it.

“The crown is self-explanatory, as is the wizard’s staff. The Eye of Infinity is an amulet that grants its wielder great power, and the Chrono Orb is allegedly capable of letting a user see the future. In Realm legends, Zhindar was a wicked necromancer until a band of champions burned him alive. It’s said his skull can still raise armies of the undead,” Porco explained.

“Um, okay. I think I understand,” Jake lied.

“Although created nearly fifteen years ago, only two have been discovered. In Year 3 post-Cataclysm, Eggoruth, a mage, unearthed the Lunar Staff among the Ruins to the north. Unfortunately, Eggoruth lost the staff in battle, and his opponent later perished as well. Current rumors say that Cedusa holds the staff in her Tower of Sorcery, but isn’t able to use its powers,” the scribe recounted. “As for the Dragon Crown, the Style Swords discovered it in the cave after defeating the Red Dragon Cult in Year 8. The cave had long been viewed as its likely location, since an awful fake dragon once rested inside. Even Boone admitted that it needed to go.”

“So, only two have been found?” Jake double-checked.

"Yes, I think it's surprising to everyone, including Boone, but each item's discovery carries significant repercussions. Every type of wizard is after the Lunar Staff, with battles ending in death. Deaths can be a tricky detail around here. Missions like yours offer instant resurrections, but not grand campaigns or quests. Many players aren't willing to risk their character's end for such an item. It can take years for a mage to gain the experience required for such a magical duel," Porco divulged. "As for the Dragon Crown, it allowed its bearer to challenge for control of the Realm. A four-month civil war campaign ensued, leading to the destruction of a significant noble house and King Thulnor retaining his kingdom."

“And Yiva is after one of these Lost Treasures?” Jake prodded.

“Yes, but she’s quite secretive. The young lady in question is new to this location. She appeared in late May. Many newcomers boast about finding a Lost Treasure, but few have lived up to Miss Youngblood's promise. She’s not only acquired followers, but also racked up victories. Still, she’s hinted at searching for all three remaining Lost Treasures. Clearly, it’s a deception to obscure her true intentions, but it’s livened up this summer.”

“Wow, Yiva sounds amazing,” Jake gushed, thinking more about her breathtaking face and curves.

“Tread carefully, young man. She seems to be a wildcat,” Porco declared, chuckling while he stood up and slapped the teen’s shoulder.

Back on the ground level, the scribe led Jake to a large wall map of the Realm. Ever helpful, Scribe Munchmore pointed out significant points of interest to the young man, including the route they took to reach Griffen Keep from Crownhold. Of course, the spot marked for the Lusty Sylph caught Jake’s attention.

“Bustard! You are not allowed to disappear from your duties,” Arrol yelled, spotting the squire.

“Jarl had finished his duties before I gave him a tour of the keep,” Porco declared, almost as if challenging the uppity knight.

“Well, he’s got another duty now. Get outside; Rathmore wants a word.”

Shaking his head, Jake left the fortress and found the former South High safety waiting impatiently for him. Already assuming this wouldn’t go well for him, Jake braced for the next chore.

“As you’re now aware, the garrison and visiting knights sleep on the second floor. Squires need to earn that right. As Lampkin knows, that requires him to sleep on the floor of the ground level,” Romulus, aka Dennis Googan, relayed.

The thought of sleeping on the wooden floor made Jake grimace. I hate this case more and more.

“Unfortunately for you, I don’t think you’ve earned even that much comfort.”

An image of sleeping in the jail cell on one of those benches popped into Jake’s head.

“So, you’ll be sleeping out here,” Romulus revealed.

“Out here? As in the barn?” Jake questioned.

“Clem sleeps in the open stable. No, you’ll sleep out here in the courtyard, under the stars,” the knight announced, smirking. “You do have a bedroll. So, it’s not much different from camping, Magnum.”

While Googan returned inside the keep with hearty laughter, Jake wondered how his past self could’ve enhanced Dennis’s humiliation even further nearly two years ago. What I did isn’t worth this crap.

---

“Dusk should fall in about fifteen minutes. We’ll wait ten before heading to the location,” Luna stated, earning a nod from Violet over their previously planned route.

“That should give you a window of opportunity if you want to stop inside to give Muffy an autograph or anything else that takes under ten minutes,” Violet suggested, unable to hold in a grin.

“Hahaha. Very funny,” Phinn shot back sarcastically.

“C’mon, surely, you’re used to fawning fans by now,” the plum-haired girl pointed out.

“No, dealing with those people is Jake’s job.”

“I’m sure he attracts nearly all of them anyway,” Luna remarked, then caught Violet’s expression. “What? Jake’s not only handsome, but he’s the main detective. He deserves groupies.”

“Look, Muffy’s harmless…Fine, she’s mostly harmless. I mean, sure, she’s quite touchy, but I’ve never heard of her taking advantage of a guy before,” Violet reassured.

“Yet,” Luna mumbled, earning a dirty look from her friend.

“Who is this Muffy? Does she live close by?” Phinn asked, sighing at the possibility of this new fan showing up in Edgewater.

“Oh, Muffy’s been coming here for five, six years, I think. Her older brother used to be a regular. Come to think of it, she didn’t change her name to Muffy Feltfeather until after her first year of college and her brother graduated,” Violet recalled. “I think she went by Missy or Mitzie. Honestly, she wasn’t all that memorable. Even wore a simple maid uniform her first year at the Drowsy Owl. The next year, she returned with a new name and a new look. I don’t think Varlo liked it, but it proved popular with guests.”

“Yes, I bet it did,” Phinn replied dryly. Once Jake saw the redhead and heard about her interest in Phineas, he’d be irritating. Sighing again, the shy sleuth figured that he’d better know everything. “What’s her real name?”

“Marianne Furness,” Luna supplied, giggling at Phinn’s reaction.

“Yeah, now you can see where Feltfeather originated,” Violet added.

“Wonderful,” the annoyed gumshoe responded before walking past the blacksmith shop. “Let’s get started.”

Down Lantern Lane, they found a small crowd at the intersection with Royal Road, around the fountain and King Thane’s statue. Preferring to slip around to the joust arena unseen, the girls took the lead, walking around the small stage in the middle of Lantern Lane. Slowing down before reaching the soon-to-close East Gate, they waited until late entries into Crownhold distracted the guards. Choosing that moment, they slipped between the arena’s small grandstand and the town wall.

Earlier in the day, the girls had explained how the joust arena had once been a prime attraction of the CRF, with jousting re-enactments every weekend. However, once the fair closed, its use had dwindled. Early attempts to hold a joust once every month from May through September had turned into a jousting tournament once or twice a year. The arena saw use for special events and champion tournaments, but the space seemed increasingly wasted. Suggestions for repurposing the area have come up every year or two, but nothing has stuck so far.

Sneaking around to the rear of the arena, Violet watched the castle’s east spire for a sign. Then a lit candle appeared in the spire. Gesturing to the flickering candle, the sorceress explained what it meant.

“That’s Britt’s room. I mean, the princess’s chambers. She’s on her way. We’ll wait under those bleachers,” the plum-haired girl explained, slipping inside the narrow section of seats.

Five minutes passed, and Phinn wondered if this level of subterfuge was necessary. It’s only a LARPing game, he thought, moments before two dark-robed and hooded individuals slipped through the open panel. One of the arrivals immediately hugged Violet and Luna.

“Thank you for coming. Wait, I thought you hired two detectives?”

“We tried to explain to Angie that Jake went with the caravan to Griffen Keep,” Violet revealed, looking at the other hooded person. “Only Phineas stayed behind to learn about Crownhold.”

“I’m sorry! Brittany told me not to screw up the message, so I had to repeat it over and over on the way to the Jug,” Ampley Highbosom complained, lowering her hood.

“You could’ve written it down, Ang,” the princess informed, before lowering her hood. “Hello, I’m Brittany Seaborne. You’ve already met one of my best friends, Angela Jagacinski.

“One of your best friends? One?” the buxom brunette complained.

“Not now. So, you’re Phineas…”

Violet's elbow snapped Phinn out of his daze. Standing before him might be one of the most beautiful women he’d ever laid eyes on. Brittany Seaborne had a flawless face with high cheekbones, baby-blue eyes, and long, wavy golden-blonde hair. Although the parting of her robe didn’t reveal much, Phinn could estimate that she had medium-to-large breasts and, later, would learn, a toned tush.

“A pleasure to meet you, Princess Delicia,” Phinn greeted, bowing his head slightly. “I am Phineas Farris, experienced detective at your service.”

Violet later remarked that she expected him almost to kiss her friend’s hand. For now, the school actress rolled her eyes dramatically before asking what was going on.

"It's crazy. I've never seen Uncle Boone this concerned," Brittany replied. Following up on that statement, she took a moment to explain to Phinn that her uncle was one of the most laid-back people in the world.

“Yes, Miss Tipton informed us of his temperament.”

“Miss Tipton?” Violet mouthed back.

“Well, he’s suddenly alarmed by everything that's gone on since March. I mean, that guy in the cemetery didn’t cause that much of a stir, but the break-in and arson….”

“I sense he’s troubled by the ghost sightings,” Phinn speculated, laying on his grand detective act a bit too much for Violet’s taste.

“Wow, you're as good as Vi said,” Brittany responded. “Yes, but I didn’t realize that until today.”

“Something happened last night?” Phinn prodded.

“Something did happen. Harry spotted Grisella’s ghost inside the cemetery,” the princess revealed.

“Harry?” Phinn inquired, causing Violet to speak first.

“I mentioned his hiring vaguely. I thought I’d let you explain.”

“Oh, right. Harry is Harold Lorch. He’s a veteran security guard whom my uncle hired after the arson. Harry patrols around the main townsite at night. He usually only goes as far as the cemetery to the west, the Lusty Sylph in the center, or Locksley Manor to the east,” Brittany revealed. “Uncle Boone finally agreed to at least consider hiring a second guard today. Walt’s been suggesting it since the Old Well contamination. Sorry, Walt’s Wistan Falstaff, one of my uncle’s oldest friends and the captain of the Concord Knights.”

“I understand there have been sightings in the past, but do your uncle and his friends have an idea about the increase?” Phinn inquired.

“That’s the thing! Boone admitted the truth to me this morning,” Brittany began. “Hedy Medley never died.”

“What?!” Luna gasped.

“Yes, she jumped into Lion Lake with chains on, but several people immediately dove in and pulled her out. Okay, I guess she technically stopped breathing, as she needed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It turns out that the earliest ghost sightings were jokes played by other fair workers. My grandparents never liked them, but wanted to give Hedy privacy, so they kept quiet. Boone thought they helped add color to the Mirthmakers after it began.”

“I can see the attraction. Still, you have hauntings from a woman who never died,” Phinn said, smirking. This should shut Jake up.

“Believe it or not, Hedy Medley is now a grandmother living in Iowa. Boone said she sends him Christmas cards every year,” the blonde-haired niece revealed, shaking her head in disbelief. “But that’s not it. There was an incident in the cave in late June.”

“What type of incident?”

“I don’t know, and my uncle refuses to say. Perhaps you can begin your investigation there,” Brittany suggested.

“Maybe. I’d prefer to focus on the most recent sightings first. After that, we can work our way backward,” Phinn said, listing his preferred course of action.

“Whatever you think will be best. I’m worried that this is all escalating and someone will get hurt next,” Princess Delicia said, foreshadowing coming events.

---

“Bunch of bullshit,” Jake grumbled, turning onto his side yet again. “Googan got beat on the field. That happens. Do you think I hold a grudge every time I miss a tackle or get hit hard after a catch? No!”

Rolling onto his back, the irritated detective stared at the night sky. Night? Ha! It’s barely ten o’clock. How am I going to fall asleep this early? And on an empty stomach!

Technically, Jake wasn’t attempting to go to bed on an empty stomach. Not only did he have those snacks that Porco gave him, but the teen also ate baked beans for dinner. Jake’s problem was that everyone else ate turkey for dinner except him and Kale—some crap about squires earning their meals.

“Absolute bullshit,” Jake said, rolling over onto his opposite side. After dreading another morning of traveling with the jerks back to the town, he finally had had enough. “Fuck this!”

Sitting up, Jake gathered his few items before rolling up his bedroll. He paused, then heard Clem’s snores from the stable. Walking toward the front gate, the reluctant LARPer gave a quick peek at the guardhouse above the gate. Fortunately, without any active campaigns, the garrison didn’t leave a man on watch at night. Lifting the lock, the deserting squire opened the gate as quietly as possible.

Once he walked down the short dirt turnoff to Lake Pass, the junior investigator recalled the map that Mr. Munchmore had shown him. Taking a left, Jake headed in the opposite direction from the way the caravan took to reach Griffin Keep. Lake Pass eventually curved south and became Roaring Road. Traveling along the dirt-and-gravel path, the superstitious sleuth kept an eye on his left. The area between Lion Lake and the road was known as Skulkshore, where the ghost was first sighted back in early June.

So focused on the land off to the side, Jake almost didn’t notice the short bridge ahead until he saw Nibbler’s Creek. Recalling Violet’s list, the athletic investigator knew the arson site wasn’t much farther ahead. However, he paused halfway across the bridge.

A soft rumbling seemed to be coming from underneath the bridge. Taking one step at a time so he could listen, Jake sped up when he heard muted curses from below. He picked up the pace into a jog and heard an angry shout behind him, but didn’t look back.

While continuing to jog, Jake noticed the charred remains of the lumber. Still, with somebody back by the bridge, he didn't slow down in the dark. Instead, he turned left at the intersection and headed east on Crossroad. After another five minutes of jogging in the uncomfortable armor, he slowed down to a regular walking pace.

After what felt like an endless trek, a cozy inn appeared like an oasis in the desert. Unlike Griffen Keep, the Lusty Sylph looked like a solidly built building made of real, not fake, materials. A two-story building, the street level had a lower portion of its wall built from stone. Several arched, iron-barred windows overlooked Crossroad and Hopewell Road. A hanging wood sign above the door of a tastefully covered nude sylph proclaimed the establishment’s name. Entering, Jake found everything he desired at the moment.

Inside, Jake found a dark, low-ceilinged taproom to his right, lit by small lanterns hanging from timber beams. To the left of the door stood a sitting room with armchairs and several additional tables for eating. All sat huddled around a great fieldstone fireplace. Spotting a pretty, slim blonde in the taproom beside the bar, Jake walked over to her.

“Hello, squire, you look weary. Care for a strong drink or a hot meal?”

“I’d like a meal and a bed. Um, do I have enough?” Jake asked, digging around to pull out the ten gold coins Violet had given him and Phinn.

“I’d certainly say so,” the blonde tittered. “Unfortunately, we don’t have any vacancies for tonight. The Champions of the Scepter and the Peacock Legion are staying with us. However, if you want to unroll your bedroll, we have a nice private spot down the hallway. It’s free of charge.”

“Sounds good to me,” Jake replied, despite wishing to sleep in a bed. An attractive woman made the option seem better than bedding down in a courtyard. “Uh, do you have a menu?”

“Have a seat, and I’ll send JiJi out to list our menu,” the blonde responded, flashing a killer smile at the teen. “I’m Ephrie, by the way.”

“Jake. Jake Mag–Oh, I mean Jarl. Jarl Bustard.”

“Well, Jake-I-Mean-Jarl, it looks like you’re a newcomer. That earns you a complimentary drink!”

Thirty minutes later, Jake moaned as he bit into his hamburger. Real food! It’s been so long, the always-hungry athlete said, despite only arriving at Crownhold this morning. Dipping a pair of French fries into the ketchup, the flirty sleuth winked as the adorable, busty barmaid brought his third cup of ale. Since nobody carded him, he didn’t reveal his actual age.

“Thank you, JiJi. You’re a dream come true tonight.”

“Aren’t you a charmer,” Ephrie proclaimed, sliding up behind Jake on his stool. “Be nice. She had a traumatic encounter the other night. Actually, we both did.”

With the feel of the athletic blonde’s medium-sized breasts rubbing along his back, it took several moments for her comments to click. With his armor off, Jake swung around and caught Ephrie’s wrist before she moved away. He twirled her lightly back to him and asked if she meant the ghost.

“Shhh, keep it down,” the beermaiden whispered.

“I’d like to hear your tale, if you have time,” Jake stated, looking into her blue eyes to show he meant it.

“Later.”

Pleased that he'd finally get something to report back to Phinn, Jake enjoyed his surprisingly delicious burger. Content with food in his belly and eye candy nearby, the young detective never noticed the looks in his direction and the whispers about him. Unknown to the newcomer, squires didn't travel off on their own, and especially not to the Lucky Sylph. With heroic adventurers and sketchy people, who didn't want attention drawn to them, in attendance, nobody bothered Jake. However, if a bounty hunter had been in the tavern, things would've likely gone differently.

“It…It was terrible…just terrible,” JiJi sobbed, earning a shoulder rub from Ephrie while she leaned forward against the bar.

With both women dressed in low-cut, white peasant blouses and wearing laced-front black bodices with deep V-necklines to accentuate their décolletages, JiJi’s position offered Jake an ample view of her sizeable breasts. Although slightly ditzy, JiJi intrigued the flirt, and he liked Ephrie’s saucy attitude. The blonde certainly didn’t pull any punches about why they’d ended up at the Shrine of Taithlor. While JiJi blushed at the frank descriptions of their sexual fun, the brunette also didn’t seem overly embarrassed.

Jake appreciated their openness and willingness to talk, and he also wanted to kick himself for not coming here sooner. With a few more hours of conversation, he could be tugging at those green chokers while recreating the other night with them.

“Don’t get any ideas, Jake. We don’t know you enough,” Ephrie whispered, almost reading his thoughts. Both barmaids had opted to call him by his real name, which he liked.

“A guy can only wish.”

“I’m not saying never,” Ephrie hinted, winking.

Despite her airheadedness, JiJi finally picked up the conversation's undertones. He watched her lick her lip, then bite it suggestively while checking out Jake. Unfortunately for the horny squire, the beermaidens had other customers, and the night grew late. Any prospect of sharing a bed faded with Jake finding a spot on the floor around a hallway corner.

After a long day of walking in the armor, sleep came quickly for Jake. Visions of JiJi, Ephrie, and Yiva re-enacting his boat orgy from earlier this summer filled his dreams. Then, on the verge of coating all three with his candy rain, he woke up with a strong urge to pee. Forgetting where he was, Jake rolled over and hit his head against the wall. Dragging himself up, he staggered down the hallway, stumbling around until he found the bathroom. A bit of pride returned when he saw four people sleeping in front of the fireplace, as that meant he wasn’t the only person on the floor. Then, the sleepy sleuth slowly worked back toward his makeshift sleeping nook.

“Denbergs are fucking paranoid!” a voice roared, causing Jake to stop and back up three steps. Turning toward a closed door, he heard more of the conversation. “What the hell do they think I’m doing here? Well, somebody has to know how things work. It would be just our luck if they finally show up, only to get caught again. Out on my own?! You tell those damn cousins that they should show me some gratitude for what I’ve gone through. I want my share. I earned my–Wait, I gotta go.”

Drowsy and trying to eavesdrop better, Jake moved closer to the door. However, his final step produced the loudest squeak the investigator had ever heard. Freezing at the sound, Jake woke fully when he realized he’d been heard. Tiptoeing, he dashed down the hallway, around the corner, and slid onto his bedroll as the door opened.

Controlling his breathing to sound asleep, Jake listened as slow yet firm footsteps came around the corner and stopped. Sensing the man watching him, Jake adjusted his breathing, added a snort, and whispered, “Tara, come back to bed, baby,” until the man turned around.

Internally cursing himself for mumbling his ex-girlfriend’s name, Jake waited until the footsteps faded down the hallway. Crawling to the corner, he peeked around, but didn’t see anyone. Then, he heard the front door slowly open. The bell above the door tinkled, then suddenly stopped.

Keeping his eyes open to scan the rooms, Jake reached the front door. He slowly opened the door, then reached up to steady the bell, as the other man must have done. Slipping carefully outside, the experienced follow-man crouched, listening for any sounds.

Unable to see the man, Jake chose the side of the tavern along Hopewell Road. Moving stealthily, he reached the rear of the tavern to pause again. He didn’t see the man walking on the road, yet he might have gone along the other side of the building. Glancing at the barn on his right, Jake moved between the tavern and the stables. A donkey inside whined, causing the sneaking teen to halt halfway past the open door.

Jake’s danger sense tingled, giving him time to turn and find a man with a skeleton face rushing forward. Then a loud thunk sounded as something struck his side.