Head to the inn called Yard's Rest

You are too cold and drenched to continue for the moment. You must dry off and warm yourself.

There is only the one cobbled road through the small village of Launsdorf and no shops to speak of, only a small square where market days are held. The rain slops from the mossy roofs and gurgles down the gutters. Your gown is soaked through and clings to you immodestly.

Through the rain, you see the stable and inn off Launsdorf's square. The sign depicts a sleeping traveler leaned against a wall and warm golden lot appears through grease-smeared windows. The horse tender is a young lad, perhaps just come of age, and he rushes out and takes the reins of your horse to walk Aegis into the small barn.

"Feed and water is a copper, roof over your charger's head is another." The voice emerges from the stable and you see a stout man working his farrier's tools on the iron shod hoof of a horse. He glances at you over his shoulder and immediately stands up from his stool. "Ma'am. Sorry, not used to women travelers in... my goodness. You are soaked to the bone."

"Yes," you say, climbing down from Aegis. "I am from the Abbey at White Rock. There has been an attack there."

The farrier glances at the young horse tender and nods to the young man. The horse tender hurries away. The farrier approaches you. He stinks of sweat and animals. He seems to try to look you in the eye, but his gaze wanders over your gown, clinging to your slender body and made almost sheer by the rain. His eyes widen and he scratches nervously at his head.

"I am Harbin, the stable master," says the man. "A terrible thing to hear your order was attacked. Was it bad?"

"A nightmare," you admit. "I must get word to the High Abbey in Gerlangen."

"Well, I would tend to your horse free of charge, if I owned the stable. Alas, it belongs to Lydia and Thomas. They own the inn next door."

He holds out his hand, palm up.

"I still have to ask for the coppers, ma'am. Unless you want to impress upon them for aid, which, to be warned, you'll have much better luck with Thomas."

You do not have any coin. In fact, you dare not stay overly long at the inn, but Aegis could use the food and water and you need to dry off or you'll fall ill. You have to fight to keep your teeth from chattering.

Perhaps the innkeepers will be charitable. Or perhaps you could offer something to Harbin, the stable master. It does not make you glad to think of selling yourself for coin and you must be careful to protect your chastity. All the same, you know you must do whatever it takes to reach Gerlangen, no matter how humiliating.