more focused on how the inn had filled since he and Kirin had come downstairs. Suddenly he was aware of the noise of men drinking, the voices of serving girls laughing and teasing their patrons gently as they set down food. He heard the clatter and bustle from the kitchen and the clank of pitchers of ale and mugs of spiced dinch. He decided to free up his table, now that the debris of his meal was being cleared. He watched as the woman worked with quiet dexterity, piling up plates and mugs on a large tray.
"Thank you," he said and she looked up at him with surprise. She must not be used to such politeness, Freath thought, removing himself from the dining area to a corner of the main part of the inn. A shelf was set at chest height right around the room's main chamber, accompanied by high stools for anyone who wanted to perch with a drink, though most men just leaned their elbows against the shelf. It was still relatively early so no one was rowdy. The patrons looked to be mainly travelers on their way through the town so none of these people would be looking for trouble. Instead, they seemed keen on swapping tales of the pass, or conditions in the mountains or news from the other cities and provinces.
Compasses! That's what Loethar called Barronel, Garamond, Cremond and all the other once proud realms of the Set. He scowled into his ale and as he settled back into the dark nook his eyes fell on the huge man who had entered as Kirin was leaving. What an enormous specimen he was. He had to be a bodyguard at that size and yet he seemed very relaxed, not at all unfamiliar with the surrounds. Freath watched how the man took in everyone with his loud remarks and equally loud jests. No one seemed to mind his brashness. Freath noticed how the man's brightly burning personality seemed to attract other men like moths to a flame. Soon enough a large group of them were clanking mugs of ale and laughing uproariously together.
The man sitting next to Freath, also alone, ordered an ale and as the girl arrived with his mug, she glanced at Freath inquiringly. "Another, please," Freath agreed. He didn't want more ale but he needed an excuse to remain a bit longer. He knew if he went upstairs he'd feel Kirin's absence too keenly and besides, it had been a very long time since he'd shared life among ordinary people. He was enjoying the anonymity and the relief of not having to watch his every move, every word, as he did in and around the palace. But, he reminded himself, he needed to stay alert. His reason for being here remained clandestine and with a very real purpose - he must not slip into the mindset that he was on some sort of holiday.
The girl arrived with a pitcher of ale and a mug. "I thought yours looked a bit stale, sir."
"That's very good of you," Freath replied, accepting the fresh mug as the darkly golden liquid fizzed into its depths, releasing a musty smell.
"There you go," she said, beaming, and moved on.
As Freath half-smiled back at her, he caught the gaze of the fellow next to him. "Your health!" he said politely.
"And yours," the man replied, grinning before he took a draft of his ale.
Freath noticed his barbarian escorts enter the inn. The Green looked around until they saw Freath. Freath nodded, subtly dismissing them, then returned his gaze to his new companion who had turned his back to the door. "Are you local?" he asked. Without Kirin's company he would look every inch the dour city dweller if he didn't try and fit in. What's more, he could use some company, even if it was small talk with a complete stranger.
The man shook his head. "But I like this town. I pass through it for work."
"Oh yes, and what line of work are you in?"
"A merchant."
"Ah, it seems everyone here but myself is a merchant of sorts," Freath commented.
"And you, sir?"
"I am a scribe from the city," he lied. "On my way through the north offering my ser vices to a number of the wealthy families."
The man scratched at his beard. "You have very clean fingertips for a man of ink."
Freath forced a smile. "Sand and vinegar, with a dash of almond oil, make a wonderful cleaner. I bleach my fingers in