Into the Inn!!

He stepped through the doors into the inn.

The tap room, once an opulent place where the rich patrons lounged around while serving wenches brought them glasses of the finest wine. Overhead there had been a crystal chandelier which now lay shattered on the floor. A gigantic barrel of ale lay smashed open, the contents spilling out onto the floor, while behind the bar a man in leather armor swilling from a bottle of Jeralian brandy, belching loudly. In a booth along the wall was one of the inn’s maids who hadn’t got out in time. She lay against a hard bench, weeping softly while a smoke-stained Geresi archer thrust into her. Standing by him was another, who glared at Durga, hand drifting to the curved sword at his side.

Durga looked on for a moment, then shrugged and went on his way. Such thing happened during a sack. Now, power belonged to the strong. Up ahead was a set of stairs, a hacked body lying at the foot. He began to climb up, ducking his head as he did, his hair brushing the ceiling. At thew top was a long corridor lined with carved oaken doors, most of which had been broken open. As he passed by one, he heard the sound of someone begging for his life. “No...please....I gave you all I had...no, no NO!!!!” And then the sound of steel cutting into flesh, and the thump of a body hitting the floor.

At the far end was a door that still lay close, Slamming his boot against it, he kicked it open, and stepped inside. A curtained bed, silk sheets lying twisted, lay in the center. A chest of drawers and a table made from fragrant woods lay on wide side, a series of chests on the other. A crystal oil lamp hung from the ceiling, still lit, giving the room a faint glow. Through the large window he could see the flickering light of fire creeping across one of the houses down the street.

Walking over to the chest, he flipped the lid open, and rummaged through the contents with one hand. Shirts and breeches made from satin and silk fell into the floor, all too small for one of his size. Then, his hand brushed against something leather, and he heard the clink of coins, He pulled out a leather purse, and hefted the weight. Not much, maybe a dozen gold pieces, but it was a start.

Footsteps sounded behind him, and he heard swords rasping against leather sheaths. “Looks like you’ve found a small treasure,” said a throaty, feminine voice.

“Indeed. And now hand it over,” said another, almost identifcal, only a bit more husky.

Durga stood quickly and spun around, sword at the ready. His eyes widened slightly at the sight that lay before him.

Two women stood before him, obviously mercenaries, and obviously twins. They were both tall, curvaceous, and beautiful, with long, slender legs, narrow waists, and large, full breasts drew the eyes. Their faces were sensual, with big, smoky eyes, full lips, and high cheekbones. One had pale blond hair, the other fiery red, but were other wise identical in appearance. Both wore tight leather breeches and halters that clung to every curve, their bare belles flat and glistening with a sheen of sweat. From the fairness of their skin he guessed they were of Valai stock, from the far north. Both held long curved swords and parrying daggers.

“Hand it over, big boy,” one of them said with a crooked grin.