Firedrake - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,7
for certain informants considerably. Third, he’d undoubtedly be asked to sing, which in turn would spread word of his arrival in the new town. Keeping a high profile had been one of Drake’s most useful tools as a spy. People always knew where to find him, and stray compliments and conversations with strangers were never remarked upon. Notoriety had its uses, he’d discovered quite early on in his covert career.
So Drake bellied up to the bar, placing his lute, in its padded case, next to him. It was early enough in the evening that the room was only half-full and there was plenty of bar space to go around.
“Do my weary eyes behold Drake of the Five Lands?” Devyn’s booming voice floated to Drake, eliciting a smile of satisfaction as he turned to greet the older man.
“They do indeed.” Drake was at his showiest, bowing low before being swept into a quick, bone-crushing hug by Devyn. “It’s good to see you again.”
Devyn stepped back, his lined face wreathed in smiles. “And you, Drake! I hadn’t thought you’d ever expand your travels to include a sixth land. What brings you to Draconia?”
Devyn walked around the bar as he spoke, his tone lowered so their conversation could be somewhat private. Drake weighed his response. Coming clean about his origins to a select few would harm nothing and might even help him now that the Jinn had decided to settle here.
“I was born here, you know.”
Devyn’s face showed his surprise. “Truly?” The barkeep poured a mug of his best ale and set it before Drake. “Now why in the world would anyone ever leave such a beautiful land as this? I always thought you were a bit daft, my boy.” Devyn’s teasing words were accompanied by a dramatic shake of his shaggy head and Drake had to chuckle.
“It’s the old story. Disapproving parents and a stubborn child. I ran away from home in my teens and never came back.”
“Until now.” Devyn’s wise face held understanding and the patient kindness that Drake had found in so many of the Jinn.
“Until now,” he agreed, taking a long sip of Devyn’s most excellent ale. “This is delicious,” Drake complimented the man, changing the subject as he lowered the mug to the bar.
Devyn nodded, allowing himself to be redirected. “The air here is wonderful for my brews. This is the first batch that’s been brewed since I started working on the new pub and even I am pleased with the results.”
“So you’ve just opened for business?”
“Only just,” the barkeeper agreed, “though I’ve been here quite a while. It takes time to get a business up and running, especially since I sold my last tavern lock, stock and barrel. I’m building everything from scratch here. The chairs came first, ’cause I figured people had to be able to sit on something. Tables will be next, though we’ve been working on the structure at the same time so we’ll be able to move indoors before winter comes.”
“Sounds like you have this all planned out.”
Devyn nodded. “I’ve done this before, but never on this scale. It’s been a challenge, but one I enjoy.” He wiped down the bar and picked up the padded instrument case with a speculative gleam in his eye. “Will you play for us later?”
“Thought you’d never ask.” Drake winked with a grin. “But is that mutton stew I smell?”
Devyn laughed good-naturedly as he placed the lute behind the bar in a safe place. “It is indeed. You can sing for your supper, just like in the old days.”
“You have a deal, my friend.”
Devyn returned a few moments later with a heaping portion of stew, a hunk of fine grain bread and a selection of fresh fruits and cheese. More ale was poured as he placed the feast before Drake.
“Devyn, you’ve outdone yourself. I doubt I’ll be able to sing enough to compensate you for this kind of abundance.”
But Devyn only winked. “To tell you the truth, I’m getting the better end of this deal. Drake of the Five Lands is quite a draw. I’ve sent out runners to spread the word of your arrival.” Devyn paused while Drake realized the man knew exactly why Drake had chosen his establishment to make his first public appearance. “I’m sure the place will fill up in short order and then we can get down to business—both of us.”
Drake knew Devyn would make a good deal of coin from the night, but the old man probably realized Drake would set