Gerald takes the barmaid upstairs

"Actually," mulled Gerald, "My assistant should learn how to fare for himself. He will come to understand that a powerful mage like myself cannot waste timing looking after his little needs.

Sliding off his chair and onto his feet Gerald continued, "I'll retire to my room. Girl, please escort me and carry my ale. Did you say still had some duties to attend to in my room? Shall we attend to your duties together? Hmmm."

The barmaid, much to Aaralon's amazement, blushed with pleasure, "You are too kind to me Sir Mage."

Gerald presented his freshly poured flagon of ale to the barmaid, slipped one arm around her waist and announced loud enough for the entire room to hear, "Show me to my room."

The left together, the portly hedge wizard walking next to the cute blonde girl with the sexy swaying hips, low cut top and short skirt.

Aaralon was amazed. Amazed and impressed. Gerald was old enough to be her father. He was plump and balding and yet the barmaid and all but thrown herself at him. Aaralon knew why; power. Gerald had cast no spells. The barmaid was simply intoxicated with the idea of sleeping with a mage. She had been seduced by her own perception of Gerald's power.

It was a shame that it would be wise to keep a low profile for a while, Aaralon pondered, otherwise he would easily show the girl was real power was. Perhaps he should anyway. With a shrug Aaralon took a sip of his ale and turned to regard the large inn.

The serving wench was staring at the departing barmaid, with jealously and with some confusion. The barmaid had just deserted her post at the bar, after all.

The attractive woman seemed to be unfazed by the barmaid's departure and still held the rapt attention of the two farmers.

The two female warriors were laughing at something said between themselves and the slightly strange young man nearby was just finishing his drink.

It was late here. These people were settling in for the night. There had been a changing of time as well as distance when Aaralon had been thrown out of The College. Although these people seemed to be ready enough for bed, Aaralon could still feel his breakfast in his stomach.