She sat down on a stool at the bar and watched the last of the patrons leave the inn’s common room. She thanked them for their business and wished them a good night. With that, she listened and didn’t hear anyone up in about from the sleeping rooms so decided to lock them up for the evening. She would normally wait a while longer but today had been odd and she recognized she was tired and ready to retire.
She realized after locking up The Queen’s Way, that’s what her father named the inn, that she was still a bit wired from the evening’s events, so she decided to pour herself a mug of some of the better ale in the inn. She stared at the ale that filled her cup and began to sip and think about the stranger Elysian.
What did he say during their conversation? He had mentioned something about a mission for her father, something that needed to be protected, and the possibility of powerful enemies that would want to disrupt their attempts at providing that protection.
She didn’t know what to do. It was plain that her father needed her for something. Something important enough to involve this Druid in his business. But she had never met Elysian before, and she didn’t trust him. He had a part of him he kept well hidden. Even from someone with her ability to perceive that which someone desired to keep unknown to others. That made her uneasy and he had left in a hurry, without really saying much of a goodbye.
She thought about the request for her to leave the inn, but help was less than reliable around this town. It was good when it showed up to work, but you couldn’t count on that happening all the time. She had to do most of the chores herself, and she was exhausted by the day’s end too. It was then she heard a soft tap on the door she had recently locked.
She jumped up from her seat, wondering who it could be. Was it Elysian, coming back for some reason? Or was it someone else, someone who had followed him? She unsheathed the long knife she kept strapped to her ankle. She thought to herself as she slid the blade out, “You know it could be dangerous to work at the inn sometimes with rowdier customers once they have had enough drink in them. This was simply insurance that they stayed well behaved.”
She walked to the door and slid open the latch on the small speaking door at face level. It would allow her to talk with whoever it was on the other side. She hoped it wasn’t one of the drunken patrons who had left earlier, or worse, a thief looking for an easy target.
As soon as she opened it a soft-spoken gentle voice asked, “You the proprietor of this inn?” Georgia didn’t say a word at first. She was unsure why someone would ask that this late at night. She peered through the opening and saw a man about her age with brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a traveler’s cloak and a friendly smile.
She responded, “Couldn’t this wait until tomorrow, you know it’s a bit late right now and I am not far from going to bed myself.” The man on the other side responded, “I heard you might need someone to look after the inn for you. At least while you were traveling.
It was said that the trip was urgent, and you might need to leave soon.” He paused a moment to see if she would respond. But when she didn’t respond he continued. “That you needed someone who knew their way around the business and could rely on them.” He sounded sincere and eager, but Georgia felt a twinge of suspicion because of the late hour. She paused a moment and thought, “Elysian, this had to be him meddling in my affairs.” She then thought, “but how could he have gotten this fellow so fast?”
“Unless he already knew that she wouldn’t go without someone being there to look over things.” She then responded, “who sent you to me and how’d you figure out I would even be considering a trip?” The voice said, couldn’t we speak about this inside where it’s a bit warmer. Your exhausted right? I promise not to take up much of your time but at least hear me out.”
She opened the door more so she could see him more and noticed the satchel with an instrument attached to it as well. He then said, “I have some references which I believe will calm your fears. Besides, it’s getting cold out here so won’t you please let me in?”
She thought then responded, “How do I know you don’t have other motives on your mind.” He shot a response back immediately, “You don’t, so I would tell you to use your instincts. You seem like a smart and brave woman, who can handle herself in any given situation. “
There was a pause, then he continued. “You have the insight so let it guide you on how to respond to my request. But please don’t take too long, I’ve been traveling for the last three days and its getting awfully cold out here.” He rubbed his hands together and blew on them, trying to warm them up for emphasis. She could see the condensation floating from his warm breath hitting the cool air.
She closed her eyes and let her inner self probe outward. She felt comfortable, safe, not alarmed at all with the person on the other side of the door. He had a calm and honest energy about him, and she sensed no malice or deception in his words. She responded, “Okay, give me a moment but I am warning you I am armed. I am also quite capable of defending myself.” She hoped he would take her seriously and not try anything funny.
He chuckled, “I’ve heard that from some of the locals I met here walking around the town earlier. They told me you could be feisty and independent. That you didn’t take nonsense from anyone. He then added they additionally told me you had the best ale around and could fix a most satisfying meal.
She asked, “Why were you doing that?” He answered, “I was trying to familiarize myself with it earlier today so I would know something about your town and the inn.” He shrugged and added, “I like to learn about new places and people. It makes me better able to serve them if I end up being employed by someone locally.”
She slipped back the latches, lifted the final latch on the lock and opened the door. A man about ten years older than her stepped through the doorway. He was well dressed, clean shaven with a well-cut head of hair. He looked to be in good shape too. He wore a dark green travel cloak over his shoulders and a silver brooch on his chest. His eyes were a piercing blue, and his smile was charming.
He came in then said, “can we take a seat over there by the fire?” She liked that. He wasn’t trying to hide anything either. The large fireplace was still blazing away throwing light everywhere nearby. She nodded and led him to a cozy corner of the inn, where a wooden table and two chairs were waiting for them. She noticed he was carrying a leather bag with him, which he placed on the floor next to his chair.
“Okay Mr., Oh, I didn’t catch your name.” He responded, my pleasure to meet you face-to-face Georgia, my name is Mr. Tibbs, or you can call me Silviano if you like.” He extended his hand, and she shook it firmly. His grip was warm and confident. She felt a slight tingle in her palm as she let go of his hand.
She chuckled, “Okay Silviano, let’s sit down. Can I get you a cold one.” He responded, “Thank you, but no, I prefer some hot tea after being in the cold so long.” He removed his cloak and draped it over the back of his chair. She saw he wore a fine shirt and trousers underneath, with a leather belt and boots. He looked like a gentleman, but also like someone who could handle himself in a fight.He then walked over to sit down and said, “let’s not get distracted now though, we need to talk.” Let me show you my letters of recommendations or credentials if you prefer a more formal title for them.”
He pulled out a roll of parchment letters from his leather shoulder bag and handed them to her. She took them and unrolled them carefully. They were written in elegant script and sealed with wax stamps. They looked authentic and impressive. She began to read over them. She then asks, “You worked for a Duchess and managed the queen’s kitchen and guest quarters?” He responded, “Yes, I can assure you there’s nothing counterfeit about them.” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. He looked at her with a calm and confident expression. He seemed to know what he was doing and what he wanted.
In fact, to assure you I am the real deal, the Duchess and the crowned servants should be here by tomorrow. She wants to experience your inn for herself. He lowered his voice and leaned forward slightly. He said, “She’s very interested in your inn, Georgia. She heard about your reputation as the best innkeeper in the land. She wants to see if you can live up to it.”
You can ask her whatever you like when she arrives.” He said this with a reassuring tone and a gentle smile. He seemed to sense her nervousness and wanted to calm her down. She stood up then and said, “She what? She’s coming here! But why, what on earth would prompt her to want to come here to our sleepy little town and visit my inn?” She said this with a mix of shock and disbelief. She couldn’t imagine why a Duchess would be interested in her humble establishment. She wondered if there was a hidden motive behind her visit.
He responded, “please Georgia, sit down, everything will be fine. Don’t forget I am here. It is my way of demonstrating my abilities. Providing you with proof that if you decide to journey away for a while, your Inn will be in good hands.” He used a calm tone with her to prevent her from falling off the edge of the emotional cliff she was hanging onto after receiving this news.
He reached out his hand and touched her arm gently. He wanted her to know he was trustworthy and capable. He hoped she would accept his offer to manage her inn while she pursued her father’s request. She sat back down and looked into his eyes this time. She didn’t say anything but probed with all the insight she could muster. He accepted the probe. She looked at him intently and tried to read his thoughts and feelings. She used her intuition and experience to gauge his sincerity and honesty. He met her gaze and opened his mind to her. He had nothing to hide and wanted her to know him better.
He then said, “Elysian was right, your instincts for reading people are strong. Very strong indeed!” He then asked, “So, what did you perceive, truth or lie?” He asked this with a hint of admiration and curiosity. She knew Elysian had told him about her special gift of insight. He wondered what she had learned from him. He asked her a direct question and waited for her to answer.
She exhaled a bit and said, “Truth, no deceit at all. Very rare these days to find it in anyone.” He laughed now and said, “I am glad to hear it.” She said this with a sigh of relief and a smile of appreciation. She was impressed by his honesty and integrity. She felt a connection with him that she hadn’t felt in a long time. He laughed now and said this was genuine happiness and warmth. He was pleased by her verdict and felt closer to her than before.
Then he said, “Look its’ late, your tired and so am I. Why don’t I rent a room from you. I’ll meet you out here bright and early and I can jump right in to help you get things ready for the morning customers. Oh, and no charge, this one’s on the house.” He said this with a friendly and generous tone. He wanted to show her that he was serious about helping her and not just looking for a free stay. He also wanted to spend more time with her and get to know her better.
She paused, then nodded okay and said let me show you to your room. I’ll be starting at five tomorrow morning, so I hope you’re a good sleeper.” She said this with a hesitant but grateful tone. She agreed to his offer, but she was still unsure about him and his motives. She also felt a bit awkward about having him stay in her inn. She hoped he wouldn’t cause any trouble or make any noise.
He responded, “I can sleep anywhere on anything and in any position. Years of service to the royals can provide one with unique opportunities to learn how to rest.” He said this with a humorous tone. He wanted to reassure her that he wouldn’t be a bother or a burden to her. He also wanted to make her laugh and lighten the mood. He shared a bit of his experience with her and hinted at some of the challenges he had faced.
She smiled and said, “Come along, I have a room open near the kitchen. It’s made up and cleaned, so you should be able to retire whenever you’re ready. I’ll be knocking on your door at four forty-five tomorrow morning. We can eat as we prepare for the morning customers.” She said this with a polite and professional tone.
She smiled at his joke and appreciated his kindness. She took him to the room near the kitchen, which was convenient for both. She repeated to him when she would wake him up and what they would do in the morning. She tried to act like a normal innkeeper and not like someone who was intrigued by him.
He stood up and waved his hand in the direction of the kitchen then said after you my dear.” He said this with a gallant and playful tone. He stood up and followed her to the room, showing respect and courtesy. He called her my dear, which was a term of endearment and affection. He wanted to flirt with her and make her feel special.
She showed him to the room, opened it up and lit the lamps for him. Checked to make sure everything was in order and then turned to him and said, goodnight, I’ll see you in the morning.” She said this with a cordial and brief tone. She showed him the room, which was cozy and comfortable.
She lit the lamps for him, which was a gesture of hospitality and care. She checked everything was in order, which was a demonstration of her attention to diligence and detail. She then turned to him and said goodnight, which was a way of ending the conversation and leaving him alone. She didn’t linger or say anything more than necessary. She wanted to keep things simple and avoid any complications.
Georgia, who had all the rooms on the upper floor
of the inn, retired to her bedroom. Her bedroom was spacious and elegant. This arrangement gave her privacy and security after the long day spent managing and taking care of the inn and its guests and patrons.
She prepared for sleep by slipping into a warm nightgown her father had purchased for her once when traveling to the kingdom’s capital to take care of some business with other inn owners that he had an association with. During the cold nights she appreciated his thoughtfulness at having gotten this for her. Her room had a fireplace that was kept warm throughout the evening with hot coals she brought up each evening from the large fireplace downstairs.
They kept the worst of the cold away without making a lot of noise that fresh wood would do as it spit and hissed as it burned down to transform into coal. She pulled down the warm layers of blankets, slipped into the soft sheets and fell fast asleep despite everything that had happened that day.
In fact, it was possible that it was because of everything that transpired during the day that she fell fast asleep. This implied that she had experienced a bit more emotion than normal concerning the events of the evening.
With the arrival of the Druid and then his partner in crime, Silviano. Her mind needed to process and release the tumultuous effect something like this would have on her. Her rest would allow her to recover for the coming day.