Chapter Fourteen

Unusual People

Cariries Smilebeard was a loud, but welcoming host of the Iron Manor. Proclaiming them the bravest adventurers he?d ever met (which Ivan suspected he did of anyone who came into his tavern with money to spend) he was more than happy to supply tasty drinks and hearty food. However, on Herman?s request for water, his face fell. Grabbing a tankard he walked outside, only to return moments later with it full of snow. He pointed at the fire before disappearing into the kitchens to bring the food out.

Tucking into her plate with glee, Erica spoke between mouthfuls, ?I?ve ordered myself some new armour! The smith was perhaps a bit insistent on a proper fit, but the day after tomorrow I should have some banded mail!?

?That?s good news,? acknowledged El-Shad, ?I fear the creatures we are to face will require us to have the best possible protection. I have gathered warm clothes and tents in case we need to sleep outside again.?

?Excellent news!? Ivan pointed at Herman with his spoon, ?How was the church? Found any good looking priestesses yet??

A chuckle went round the table, but Herman answered very cautiously, ?Actually, the church was not what I expected at all. I think the priest there was Vashan!?

Everyone stopped eating for a brief second. ?A Vashan? Are you sure?? asked Ivan.

?I believe so,? Herman replied, ?His skin and build were fitting from what I?ve read. But I thought they had no religion whatsoever, so I can?t understand what his role is. He was also quite distracting, because as I prayed he watched me very intently. It was quite uncomfortable.?

Ivan leant back in his chair to consider Herman?s words, and out of the corner of his eye he noticed other patrons in the tavern paying close attention to them. On a table nearby, there were two women, one of whom was busily writing onto a scroll. Ivan turned and faced them. ?Good evening, you seem quite interested in what we?re talking about. Anything we could help you with??

It was only at this point, when he?d looked at them directly did he realise one of them had wings. His mouth dropped open a touch, to which the two women giggled and the writer scribbled down some more.

?What are you looking at?? asked Herman, turning to see what had caught his eye. ?Good grief! What are those? Wings?!?

The first woman stood up, although she was only short, and bowed low, ?Father Herman!? her voice rang crystal clear, ?My name is Tia, and obviously you have never met an Avarian!?

?Avarian?? whispered El-Shad to Ivan.

?Winged Elf!? he replied.

?Tia, excuse my rudeness, but you are correct, I have never met or seen an Avarian before. Although, what is more intriguing is how you know my name.? Herman asked whilst standing respectfully.

?I know all about the Liberators of Westfall, the Saviours of Suenta, and the Guardians of the Dawn!? she pointed at each of them, stating their names and home towns. ?I am scribing your adventures for my thesis. I have documented everything and I?m looking forward to writing about your conquest of the beast and the darkness!?

?My name is Nadia,? spoke up the other woman, ?I am a druid of the Larkin Circle and I am here to perform some Rebirth rituals for the New Year. Tia and I have just met and I must say, you are fascinating people to hear about!?

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Herman sat back down and faced his food, ?I?m a subject of a thesis,? he said to the others around the table, ?I don?t know whether to feel honoured or part of an experiment!?

?Do not worry my friend,? said Ivan, ?I?ve heard of the Larkin Circle before. They are a very peaceful order of druids, and I suspect that any association demonstrates an honourable intent.? Ivan couldn?t shake Nadia?s lovely eyes from his mind. There was such love and warmth within them. Not to mention her ample cleavage!

With everyone feeling quite on show, conversation was a little bit awkward for the rest of the evening. Fortunately, Tia and Nadia didn?t stay long and bid them goodnight. As they were disappearing upstairs it became easier to relax and plan the next day. It was decided that tomorrow they would rest up and prepare for the following day, and investigate the darkness when Erica was fully protected with her new armour. Hopefully, with the townsfolk warned about straying too far, there wouldn?t be any more killings?.