201

You’ve already decided to accept, but before you can say so she adds “And three gold pieces for your troubles?” What can you say? Gold is gold and you have none at the moment.

“All right.” you say, “I’ll stay and help you.”

The rest of the day goes by without incident. Every task that comes up throughout is either identical or damn near so to any of the myriad activities you used to participate in at home, the difference being that here you are actually needed, and so you have to work a little harder. Your limbs are initially a little stiff and slow to respond, but after a hearty lunch of pork killed only the day before it gets much easier. Restore 4 Vitals points.

Your host’s name is Elia. Along with her late father and brother, her family is one of the only three allowed total control of the valley. The animals, the fruits of the soil, whatever parcels of wood they own, none of it is taxed. No one knows why, and it’s been like this for generations. Only once in living memory has any lord from the city above interfered. Years ago, at the farm closest to the Citadel, a father died without an heir. He had no sons, and no daughters. He didn’t have a wife or an unofficial companion. Rather than allow the land to be sold off by distant relatives, or for there to be some natural transfer of ownership, the supreme authority plucked a lowly peasant from a settlement miles and miles away, and put him in the valley, along with his wife, mother and children. Elia reckons the land is magical, and cannot be farmed except by ‘the right people’.

Night falls. The cows have been milked, and let back into the field for the night. Apparently it’s their second night out this year, with spring slowly warming to summer temperatures. You thought it was a little cold when the sun went down and the last light was retreating, but said nothing of it. If the beasts have been out already they must be able to cope. Elia gives you your last task of the day, which is to kill, skin and cook a chicken for the two of you.

After you’ve eaten, she shows you to a room in the main house on the second floor. It has a proper glass window, and a bed long enough for your feet to not dangle from out the other end. A rare luxury.

“I wake you at dawn.” she says. “When you reach the city gates ask the guards for directions to The Big Bight inn. That’s where you’ll find my uncle; he’s the owner. Tell him everything you told me, and to send his best men. For your troubles he’ll let you sleep free of charge a night or two, on my behalf. Good night.”

She turns to leave, only to stop and add “By the way, he’s half-goblin, and he has magic. He’ll know you’re telling the truth.”

You turn in, wondering whether her uncle will be able to see your mildly lustful feelings toward his niece. That could be embarrassing, and a very good indicator of how powerful he is.

Turn to 19.