Tempting, but no

The girl was pretty it had been a long time since he last had a woman. But the shopkeeper disgusted him, and he didn't want to give him the satisfaction. Besides, Arn had developed a bit of an aversion to the trading of human beings lately.

”I'll give you ten pieces. In silver. It's still too much for this heap of stolen junk,” he smiled, then turned to the girl. ”And if I wanted a night with your daughter, I'm sure I could get it for free.”

”Una, go prepare my supper!” the shopkeeper barked angrily, and his daughter disappeared into the back. ”Alright, stranger, take your goods and get out of here.”

Arn threw ten silver pieces on the counter and left with a grin on his face. Had he been younger he would have returned that same night to pay a quiet visit to the merchant's daughter. But such adventures were in his past, from before he met Larissa.

Arn walked a few doors down the street until he came across a tavern. A sun-bleached sign read ”The Thirsty Maiden,” adding in finer letters: ”Food, ale, wenches.” That sounded good enough.

The inn was way past its glory days if there had ever been any. But the fireplace was warm, and the scattered patrons of sailors and local drunks seemed to mind their own business.

Arn sat down at a table in a shadowy corner and waited for one of the promised wenches to show. But to no avail. The handful of tavern maids that walked about all ignored the scruffy and poor-looking newcomer in the corner. All but one did. A beautiful and very buxom redhead noticed him and strutted his way, her substantial bosom jiggling invitingly in her low cut white blouse as she approached.

”Welcome to the Maiden, sir,” she said with a warm smile and bent down, offering him a good view of a deep cleavage from across the table. ”How may I be of service?”

”Brandy,” said Arn. ”And something warm to eat.”

”Of course, sir, I'll be right over!”

She scurried away, but soon returned with a bowl of stew, a bottle of brandy and two mugs which she placed on the table.

”And would you like some company with that?” she smiled.