The inn

“I’ll take the inn, sir,” I said quickly. “Resting ensures peak combat effectiveness tomorrow.”

Guard Thomas smirked.

“Wise choice. Go see Farley.”

Inside, the Lion’s Pride was packed wall-to-wall - thick with roasted meat, spilled ale, and the warm musk of off-duty soldiers.

“Every bed’s taken,” Innkeeper Farley grunted at the counter. “Only option left is sharing a narrow bunk upstairs with Captain Bain. Or... well, you could try the dark cellar downstairs, but weird noises come out of that basement, and guests keep coming up from it looking completely dazed.”

My mind flashed back to strange rituals and dark magic... but then again, sharing a small bed with the Captain didn’t seem that fun either!

“Bain’s a big fella, young man,” Farley added with a knowing chuckle, leaning against the wooden counter. “Broad shoulders, big chest, and he snores like an angry kodo. If you’re looking for a quiet night, you won’t find it up there. Downstairs, though... well, the cellars are dark, quiet, and nobody’s going to bother you if you keep to yourself.”

I swallowed hard, looking toward the dark wooden door behind the kitchen that led down into the basement, then back toward the narrow creaky stairs leading up to Bain’s room.