Freya's Freedom (The Tower and the Eye Book 3) (2 page)

Surely, the Empress wouldn’t be in this place. It may be well kept, but it is more a Pleasurehouse than an Inn. 
Lin frowned and her expression cleared a path through the crowd before her.

The Tavern Keeper saw her, put his polishing cloth down and left the bar, moving his bulk through the crowd easily.

Lin moved forward to meet him.

“Welcome to the Golden Dice, my Lady.” The man bowed. “I am Master Groilin, the proprietor. May I enquire as to your needs this fine evening?”

Lin looked at him, staying silent.
We need to rest properly and if she is here, we will not find her by leaving again. However, will this man allow Kraarz inside?

Master Groilin tilted his head to one side.

“My Lady?”

“I have a companion outside that many of your profession would not allow under their roofs,” Lin said. “I could not stay in such places because of such rudeness and would not stay without him. Are you afflicted with this problem?”

Groilin blinked, obviously working his way through the sentence. While he was considering it, the door banged open and a man rushed in.

“There’re Urakhs in town!” he yelled.

Several men swivelled round and stared at the newcomer. Lin watched him as he approached the bar.

“Pah! You and your stories, Andren,” one of the women behind the bar snorted. “There hasn’t been an Urakh incursion in Jinran since before the Black Tower War!”

“I’m telling you it’s true. I saw ’im with me own two eyes,” Andren said.

The woman rolled her eyes to the ceiling.

“Andren Farmsmith, you always say that. What of that direwolf Pack you saw, with your own two eyes, out beyond Stiller’s mill? The Ranger investigated and he says they found nought, but white fox prints.”

“Peace, Leilian,” Groilin said with a half smile. “Give the man a rest from your tongue.”

Lin came to an abrupt decision.

“There is indeed an Urakh in town,” she said.

The room fell quiet and every face turned to look at her.

“He is with me,” she told them. “He is my travelling companion and has aided me many times.”

“That’s what you meant, isn’t it?” Groilin asked her. “You wanted to know if he would be allowed in.”

“It is. We have travelled for many days from the Empire together,” Lin replied, sweeping her eyes around the room and counting those who had weapons. “Since crossing into Jinran, only a handful of inns and taverns have allowed him into their buildings.”

“Where is he then?” Andren demanded, his hand gripping the hilt of a long dagger, the blade winking with lamplight as he trembled.

“If you did not see him, then he did not want to be seen,” Lin smiled faintly. “He has many powers and can do much good for those who do not harm him.”

A mutter of unease rippled through the common room.

“He’s a Shaman?” Leilian whispered.

Lin heard her clearly and nodded.

Master Groilin surveyed the faces in the room and took a deep breath.

“Bring the gentleman in.”

Several of the men stood up, hands on their swords; Andren snarled wordlessly and took a step forward.

“I am a Master Tavern Keeper. It is against the creed of my profession to keep a potential customer in the chill of an autumn night when I have a room and food available.” Groilin glared at all the men who held their swords. “There will be no violence against my guests and any who do insult them so, will find themselves banned from the Golden Dice!”

The men all sat down again, including the farmhand, who continued to stare angrily at Master Groilin.

Groilin smiled at Lin.

“Bring your companion within, my Lady.”

Lin went to the door and opened it. Kraarz still sat on the bench, his hood pulled low over his eyes.

“You can come in now.”

The Urakh looked up at her.

“You are sure that I am welcome?”

“The Tavern Keeper has reassured me of that fact.” She placed one hand on his shoulder.

“Then it would be rude of me to wait any longer.” Kraarz stood up and Lin moved back slightly, dropping her arm to allow the Shaman to enter.

The common room was silent as Kraarz stepped in. He pulled down his hood and the tall red ponytail atop his head sprang upright, the black and white feathers that decorated it dropping on their leather thongs to trail down Kraarz’s shoulders.

Lin shut the door behind them and followed Kraarz as he used his staff to find his way forward to where Groilin stood.

“Master Groilin, allow me to introduce Kraarz Spiritcaller of the Northern Urakh Tribe. Kraarz, this is Master Groilin, the owner of the Golden Dice,” Lin said.

Kraarz bowed low.

“Master Groilin. We Urakhs never accept shelter without providing a useful guest gift.” When he rose, he held out a hand. In the greeny-grey scaled hand lay a tiny gold pot with an emerald encrusted lid. “I am afraid that this is a mere trifle in comparison with what I could once provide, but I am sure that you will find it useful.”

Groilin took the pot.

“A trifle? This is an exquisite work of art, Kraarz.” He turned it carefully

“’Twas crafted by my cousin. The real value is not the gaudy gems and gold on the outside, but the powder within.” Kraarz grinned, showing rows of pointed teeth. “A small pinch in your ale start at brewing time will produce ferment so fine that even the Gods shall envy you.”

“That is a princely gift indeed. I shall treasure the container and use the powder sparingly. Ale that can produce jealousy in the Gods may be a dangerous substance!” Groilin laughed.

Lin frowned.
Is he trying to upset Kraarz?
She tensed, her hand rising to her belt and the sword that hung from it.

The Urakh Shaman laid one hand on Lin’s arm.

“Calm yourself, Lin. Master Groilin means what he says. This I know.”

Lin dropped her hand to her side.

“So, two rooms with meals?” Groilin bustled towards the bar. As he moved, several of men left the common room, muttering about getting up early. Andren was one of them, sliding past Lin and Kraarz with his lips pulled back from his teeth in a snarl.

“Andren! You didn’t pay for your drink,” Leilian called after him.

“You can keep your stinking ale. I ain’t drinkin’ in a Tavern that harbours monsters under their roof,” Andren stopped to shout back.

“Then, as there aren’t any more Taverns in this town, you had best move, Andren,” Groilin spun and snapped at the man. “For you are banned from the Golden Dice from this moment on.”

Andren hawked and spat on the polished wood floor.

“This Urakh will bring trouble upon us, you wait and see.”

“Out!” Groilin roared.

Andren left the tavern and slammed the door behind him. Groilin looked at Leilian.

“How much does he owe, wife?”

“His tab stands at four gold, Groilin,” the woman replied.

The tavern keeper sighed.

“I will have to visit his master in the morning to arrange a repayment schedule.”

“’Tis a goodly sum for a farmhand,” Kraarz noted. “Here, I shall extend a magnanimous offer and pay his bill.” He put four large gold Elysian coins into Groilin’s hand.

Groilin blinked at the coins.

“These are Elysian Half-Marks. One of those be sufficient for that vagabond’s drinks.”

“Then take the others to cover our stay under your roof,” Kraarz grinned.

* * *

The next morning after a leisurely bath, Freya dressed and went down to the common room with the intention of getting some breakfast.
Porridge, honey and a little watered wine will do, I think.

Vrenstalliren had insisted on a private dining room last night, but while Freya found him charming, it had been boring just listening to him boast about his exploits.
Thank Ailliana and her stories that I am used to doing that sort of thing.

The common room was empty and Freya slipped into a seat by the fire, relishing the heat from the glowing embers.

“Ah, Lady Freya. You grace my common room with your presence. I hope you slept well.” Groilin appeared in the door from the kitchen.

“I did, thank you.” Freya smiled as the Tavern Keeper approached.

He sat down opposite her.

“I hope I am not being forward, but is there any chance of you performing tonight?”

Freya blinked in consternation for a moment; then she laughed.

“You’ve seen me before haven’t you?”

“It took me a while to recognise you, but before I married and gained this Tavern with my Mastery, I worked for Jetara as her assistant.” Groilin smiled wistfully, “When you danced, the whole room would watch.”

“I remember you now; I used to call you Gremlin.” Freya giggled. “I was a mere child. Dancing was the only thing I could do.”

Groilin laughed. “Is your favourite breakfast still porridge and honey?”

Freya nodded. “That’s what I was going to order.”

“Then I shall assemble it now.” He stood up.

As Master Groilin went into the kitchen, Freya watched an odd couple of travellers enter the common room.

One was a strange grey-green skinned creature with sharp peg teeth, a tall red ponytail on the top of his head and pure white eyes. Despite his drab, mud stained clothing and quiet demeanour, the creature made Freya shiver with fear.

The other traveller, a woman, wore bright blue silk tunic with matching soft leather trousers. The tunic was embroidered with a silver wingless dragon that Freya recognised, but couldn’t place.

Why does that woman’s clothing make me feel so sad?
she wondered

“Aha, Lady Freya. I trust you slept well.” Vrenstalliren’s voice boomed through the room and Freya plastered her face with a gentle smile.

“I did, Sir Paladin, thank you.”

The elven Paladin wore soft leather hunting garb and carried a longbow and quiver.

“I decided that my armour was far too conspicuous to escort you properly within the town, so I have changed to something more appropriate.”

He certainly looks far more handsome like this.
Freya mused, as she looked him over.

“Good idea, Sir Paladin. I’m going shopping after breakfast for something a bit more practical to wear.”

He inclined his head and smiled.

“I shall accompany you in that endeavour. Another night’s rest here, will suit my mounts perfectly and I have need to find you a mare.”

“I would appreciate the help.” Freya smiled and batted her eyelashes. “I am a good horsewoman, but my experience of buying animals is not in league with my riding skills.”

The Paladin laughed and sat down as Groilin brought out Freya’s breakfast.

“Did I hear you say that you needed a mount, Lady Freya?” the Tavern Keeper said as he placed the bowl down in front of her.

Freya nodded as she scooped up a spoonful of honeyed porridge.

“I need a horse that will be able to carry me steadily and for a goodly distance as I am meeting my brother in Jinra.”

“I shall send a runner to the best Livery Stable in town. Merely mention my name and Master Hedlan shall provide all that you will need.” Master Groilin said. “Now Sir Paladin, what would you have for breakfast?”

* * *

Across the room, Kraarz smiled.

“The lady you are seeking is with the elf.”

Lin scanned the room, allowing her eyes to rest a moment or two longer on the exotic looking, dark haired woman beside the fire.

“She has the correct features and colouring, Kraarz, but there is more to being Empress than that.”

“Yes. We will have to accompany her on her journey. The spirits have told me as much.” The Urakh used his staff to attract the Tavern Keeper’s attention. “That will give you time to get to know her.”

The Tavern Keeper came across to their table.

“Good Morrow, honoured Guests. May I fulfil your breakfast requirements?”

“Master Groilin, I would appreciate some milk and fruit if you will.” Kraarz said.

Groilin nodded and looked at Lin.

“Would you like anything, my Lady?”

“I’ll have some tea, bread and honey, thank you.” She paused, “Tell me, Master Groilin; what do you know of the lady with the elven warrior?”

“Lady Freya? She is from the city of Jira, our capital city.” Groilin frowned. “Why do you wish to know?”

Lin sensed that he was reluctant to talk about her.

“My Mistress sent me to find someone who appears very similar in looks to this lady. Would you introduce me? I mean no harm to her.”

“I will inform Lady Freya of your request. It will be her decision,” Groilin said. “One of my girls will bring you your food.”

* * *

Having bought various items of clothing and other travel fripperies from the stalls in the Market, Freya and Vrenstalliren made their way to what Master Groilin had assured them was the finest Horse Dealer in the area.