The soldier saw something in Kiln that all fighting men see in him, strength, courage, and possible danger. He glanced at Jonas and Taleen, then suddenly smiled, his stoic demeanor melting as he became the young boy that he was. “Yes sir. I would be happy to help you if I can.”
“Might you know where we could find an honest establishment to get a good room and food for the night?” asked Kiln.
The warrior glanced quickly at Taleen who smiled back. The man flushed slightly, fidgeting with his sword belt. “I do. I would recommend the White Unicorn. If you follow this main street down to the fourth road and then take a left, you will see the inn on your right. It has the best food in Annure and the rooms are clean and spacious. It is costly, but the innkeeper, Bomm, will probably give you a deal considering who you travel with. May I ask you your names, cavaliers? You are a rare sight lately, even in Annure.”
“My name is Taleen, I am a cavalier to Helikon.”
“Helikon?” asked the young warrior, not recognizing the name.
The other soldier had moved closer to the group to hear the conversation. He was a bit older and heavy in the shoulders and belly. “Helikon is who we call Bandris,” interjected the older soldier.
“Oh, that is good, a warrior’s god. I pray to Bandris often,” added the young soldier.
“I hope that his prayers follow you into battle, young man,” added Taleen with a smile. “This is my friend, Jonas. He is a cavalier to Shyann.”
“Nice to meet you both,” Jonas said with an awkward smile.
The older soldier’s face showed a little confusion. “Shyann? I have never met a cavalier to Shyann. Are there many of you?”
“No, I am the first,” replied Jonas.
The big man smiled warmly. “I am glad that you are here. We have heard some disturbing news, that cavaliers are being killed. We have not seen any cavaliers at Annure for many months now. You are both a welcome sight. Is there anything else that you need?”
“Yes,” replied Kiln. “Where is the Kulam?”
“Oh, of course. Go to the northeastern section of town, near the docks. Ask anyone and they will point you in the right direction. You can’t miss it. It is a beautiful building.”
“Thank you for your help,” Kiln added.
“Anytime, sir. May I ask your name?” the older soldier asked.
Kiln had already turned, moving toward the front door. “Kiln, of Finarth,” he replied, striding through the wooden door.
Jonas glanced at the two men and noticed the shocked expressions on their faces at the mention of Kiln’s name. It seems that cavaliers are not the only famous people in Annure thought Jonas. He smiled and followed Taleen and Kiln out the door into the street. He was excited about the prospect of sleeping in a warm bed and eating a hot meal.
The trio arrived at the White Unicorn easily enough. The front door was thick and plain but above the door was a sign with a majestic white unicorn painted on it.
They entered the door, looking about the large spacious room. The ceiling was high and vaulted; maybe twenty paces at its peak. To the right was a giant stone fireplace that was as wide as a man is tall. The day was still warm so the fire was unlit. The stone chimney rose up the wall disappearing into the roof.
The bar was straight ahead and it ran the entire length of the room. A burly man with a bushy mustache worked behind the counter washing thick clay mugs. There were many sturdy wood tables and benches sporadically placed throughout the room. A set of stairs on the left led to a landing on the second floor. Jonas could see at least six doors above that, each leading to an individual room.
As he looked up his eyes were drawn to an incredible chandelier. It was huge and constructed of numerous sets of antlers. The massive racks were intricately entwined and interwoven. There were countless thick candles set into metal bowls to collect the wax. There must be a hundred candles thought Jonas.
There were only a couple patrons at the bar since it was the time between lunch and dinner. Kiln strode up to the bar and Jonas and Taleen followed. “Excuse me, barkeep, is Bomm around?”
“You’re looking at him,” replied the heavyset man as he looked up from the counter. “What can I do for you?” Bomm had a large friendly