Michael Wilson

She woke up to the most wonderful smell of something baking in the ovens of the kitchen on the lower floor. The aroma was so captivating that she felt like she was in a dream. She thought to herself, “What’s going on, did I oversleep?” She rose from her bed, went to the window, and pushed back the heavy curtains. She used them during the winter to help keep the cold back. She thought, “No, it seems right” as she noticed the edge of the last of the moon setting behind the horizon. It was still early morning, and she had plenty of time to enjoy the delicious smell wafting from the lower level of the inn.

Then she remembered, Silviano. She thought to herself, “had he awoken early and begun preparing the morning’s meal? It must be as no one else other than her father had access to the inn who had the talent to fix something that smelled that good.” She went to the wash basin to freshen up. She used her homemade perfume soap to wash off the sleepiness from her face and body. The cool water felt refreshing on her skin, and she felt energized for the day ahead. She dried off and put on fresh clothes suitable for working in the kitchen.

She completed her preparations by slipping on her boots and strapping her long knife to her ankle sheath. She pinned up her hair and used a clip this time to keep her long wavy hair pulled back behind her. From there she went to the stairs and went down to see if her new guest needed to wake up or was already up and about. She thought though that she might be wasting her time since it smelled as if someone was already in the kitchen baking some bread.

She noticed that the room she had left Silviano in last evening was still quiet. She tapped on the door but there was no answer. She tapped again and still nothing, she could sense nothing either, so she opened the door to peek in. She was not really surprised to find the room was empty. She looked around, but there was no sign of her guest. The bed had been made neatly, the towels properly set in the dirty laundry basket and fresh towels properly prepared and stored on the shelf near the wash basin each guest room had. She felt a pang of disappointment.

She thought, “Maybe I was privately hoping he would have left in the night and not turned out to be who he said he was.” She chuckled and mused, “what kind of person am I to have become so suspicious of everyone. My father would not approve of such wrong thinking.” She thought, “He’s okay let’s go see what he’s up to in the kitchen as her stomach was beginning to rumble from all the smells her senses were picking up floating on the morning air.” She closed the door and walked to the kitchen.

She thought before entering, “there were so many different flavors caught up in the air swirling around the lower levels of the inn close to the kitchen. It must be something good to eat.” As she walked into the kitchen, she was greeted by a sight that made her heart sing. The kitchen was alive with the activity of something baking in the oven. The pots were beginning to steam, and the surface used for cooking eggs and meat were full of food simmering away layered on top of a treatment of special oils and spices. Her guest had woken up early and prepared a feast for her and the guests. She felt grateful and touched by his kindness.

She then saw him coming around the corner from the stores with his arms full of vegetables he was preparing to use. He smiled at her and said, “Good morning, Georgia. Please, come and sit for a moment and enjoy some breakfast and coffee.” Feeling grateful for the unexpected gesture, Georgia sat down at a stool that she kept for taking a break while preparing meals for the guests. Silviano set a plate in front of her with some fresh twisted bread, some type of steaming muffin, and freshly cooked vegetables sitting alongside it. He then brought over a cup of hot steaming coffee.

Georgia looked at the muffin and asked, “Silviano, what is in this?” as she pointed her fork to the muffin on her plate. He responded, “Ah, please taste it, you will find it something not found in these parts. I promise you’ll like it.” She took her fork and began to cut off a piece. To her surprise her fork glided through the muffin as if it was soft butter. The piece fell to the plate, and she stuck her fork in it, lifted it to her nose, sniffed and then took a bite. It almost melted in her mouth. The flavor of egg, sprinkled garlic, pepper, and spinach exploded on her tongue.

She smiled, and then cut and ate some of the vegetables, took another bite of the muffin and sipped some of the coffee. The coffee had a slight hint of cinnamon and coco in it. Silvano culinary skills had left her spellbound. She smiled, and then asked, “What time did you get up to do all this?” He responded, “I started around three forty-five this morning.

She then took a bite of the twisted bread and the flavors of two different flours and basil lit up her taste buds. “Wow, I never tasted anything like this before. The coffee too, its unusual but very good.” You’re going to spoil my guests with fare this good.” He smiled and said, “I am happy to see it pleases you so. I felt you deserved a good morning since I kept you up late with my arrival.” Georgia smiled and said, “Thank you Silviano, I do appreciate all that you’ve done this morning.”

The unexpected breakfast had left Georgia feeling rejuvenated. She was grateful for Silviano kindness and his culinary skills, he left her spellbound. The guests were in for a treat, and Georgia knew that his breakfast would be the talk of the town. Georgia finished her breakfast and coffee, feeling energized and ready for the day ahead. She grabbed her apron, tied it and said to him, “Hey, I am going to open the doors and prepare the tables for the morning guests. Silviano nodded, his eyes fixed on the pot in front of him. “Okay Georgia,” he replied absentmindedly.

She walked from the kitchen to the front common room taking a moment to survey the room before her. The tables were already prepared. Each was immaculately set and ready for the guests. The bar was clean with steaming pots of coffee sitting in the corner ready to be served.

The fire was roaring, and the room was warm and inviting. The smells coming from the fireplace hinted of cinnamon and nutmeg, making her mouth water. She unlocked the door and went back to the kitchen. She saw Silviano tasting what was in some of the pots that sat steaming on the cooking surfaces. Georgia approached him and asked, “Tell me, are you this good with customers? You know the ones at my inn are not of the same type found at the courts of the royals?”

He smiled and handed her the ladle he had been using to stir something in one of the pots and said, “please taste it. I will see if any of the guests are up and waiting for breakfast.” He grabbed a set of prepared covered baskets. Added some butter set on small plates and began to shuttle them out to the common room.

She smiled at him and said, “okay, I’ll be out in a minute to check on you once I’ve tasted whatever you have cooking in these pots. It all smelled so good.” She grabbed a mitten to protect her hand as she lifted the lid off the first pot. The aroma of spices mixed with meats and vegetables rose into her nose. It was some type of stew he had thrown together from her stores. She never smelled anything like it before.

She lifted the ladle to her lips, took a few sips and then dug her ladle in and stirred up the pot. Afterwards she dipped the ladle deep and poured a small amount into a small bowl. It tasted so good with the vegetables. They had the right consistency and the meats almost melted in her mouth. As she savored the flavor, she couldn’t help but think, “An unusual and talented cook, no I correct myself, more like a chef. He is more than another cook that learned his craft in kitchens of the local towns and small cities.”

She decided to check on things in the front common room. But before she opened the door that separated the kitchen from the common area. She heard laughter and conversation flowing in from the room. On opening the door, Georgia found herself enveloped in a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents. She observed Silviano chatting with some of the earlier risers from the guest rooms, and their laughter filled the air with a contagious melody. The room had transformed into a colorful canvas with the arrival of more people eager to discover the source of the tantalizing smells that tickled their curiosity.

In that moment, Georgia felt a sense of tranquility and reassurance knowing that Silviano culinary skills had cast as spell on those present. She could hardly contain her excitement as she pondered the many succulent dishes he would conjure up from the depths of his boundless creativity.

She thought to herself, “it was no wonder that people were likely waking up with quite the appetite.” The inn was filling up fast with both guests and people from town who were coming in. In fact, it appeared as if the whole town was lining up outside to participate in this new attraction to their humble little town.

This was unusual to see so many this early in the day. Somehow the word about something new at the inn must have gotten out. A wistful smile played on her lips as she glanced around the bustling inn that seemed to roar to life with an unprecedented vigor. Children and adults alike streamed through the doors, their eyes glittering with anticipation of a good meal and entertainment. It was if a mysterious force had whispered in their ears, promising them an experience unlike anything they had ever known.

She started to make her rounds and gracefully guided the guests to tables and chairs ensuring a harmonious flow that danced through the busy room. Georgia noticed an array of delectable treats already waiting for them. Freshly baked bread nestled beneath a light cloth, while shimmering plates of creamy butter stood by in anticipation of the union.

One of the town’s people reached out and tapped her arm asking, “What’s the story with this new guy Georgia? We’ve not heard anything from you about a new person hired to help you. Especially a good-looking male who’s managed to capture the hearts and souls of everyone in town.” She thought on her feet and responded, “He’s an old friend of the family. My father met up with him on his travels and sent him to see if he could help while he’s out adventuring since retiring.”

Norbadione responded, “Oh, and how’s your father doing? Did he say?” Georgia responded, “I heard he’s doing well thank you for asking. Now, I must be going, lots of other people to provide for.” Norbadione said, “Yeah, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen this place so crowded with folks before.” Georgia responded, “Yeah, it’s something isn’t it.” With that she walked over to the next table and began to cycle through the sea of people, weaving a tapestry of transactions and interactions that filled the room with a vibrant glow.

Most wanted whatever was cooking in the kitchen. They said you could smell it all the way to the other side of the town. Both Georgia and Silviano kept busy for quite some time. It was then she saw him take off his apron, grab a stool, reach behind the bar, and grab a lute. He sat down and began to play some soft melodic tunes that swirled around the air in the room. His music was weaving a new dimension to the enchanting atmosphere. The melodic tunes caressing the ears of those entranced by his performing prowess.

Georgia thought to herself, “There’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. A chef of renown from the royal courts. A storyteller as she heard from the parts of conversations she picked up. and now a bard whose fingers danced across the strings, telling a story without words.” She thought to herself, “I have a lot of questions to ask him after this breakfast crowd thins out.” She allowed herself to enjoy the special treat along with her guests and patrons of this talented chef and bard though as the morning moved on towards the noon hour.

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.

Georgia was returning to the bar when the door opened and a gust of wind blew in, making the candles flicker and the fire crackle. All heads in the inn turned to see a shadow walking through. The atmosphere of the inn had shifted in an instant from its usual rowdy and jovial mood to an uneasy quiet filled with tension.

A hooded figure stepped into the inn, wearing flowing robes, holding a staff in one hand, and with his other hand over the strap on his shoulder bag. He was not an elder considering his stance was standing up straight and tall, his gait steady as he walked in. His staff was carved with strange
symbols along its length and topped with a crystal that glowed faintly.

He walked towards the counter where she was working. Georgia thought, he looks mysterious. With his fur lined hood surrounding most of his face and hiding any hint of who he might be. He came to her and said in a deep and raspy voice, “I hear you have the best food in town in this inn. Can you serve me something hot, give me your best ale.” He placed a gold coin on the counter, more than enough for a meal and a drink. He looked at her with piercing eyes that seemed to see through her soul.

He turned then and surveyed the room, his eyes scanning the faces of the other patrons. He appeared to find what he was looking for and said to her, “I’ll be sitting there at the corner table over by the fire.” He pointed to a secluded spot where a lone candle illuminated a wooden table and two chairs. He seemed to prefer some privacy and quiet, a ways from the noise and chatter of the inn.

She said, “give me a few to get you what you’re asking for. I must return to the kitchen to get the food for you, and I am working here alone tonight.” He responded, “Time is free, whatever you need. I’ll be over there.” He had pointed his free hand towards the corner spot. He then slid his hand further up the staff and walked towards the table he had pointed out to her, his robes trailing behind
him.

She went to work right away as he walked over to sit down. As she walked into the kitchen, she thought that this event was not normal, and he was not the common type of patron who might wander into the inn. He had to pass the table of the rowdy regulars. They were a group of men of different ages who lived off in the hunter camps mostly where they spent time when they began to wear out their welcome in town.

They would come into the inn every night to drink and gamble. As he passed the youngest of them, a blond-haired young man with dark brown eyes and a crooked nose that looked like it had been broken too many times during some fight with someone held out his arm to stop the strangers forward motion.

He said to him with a mocking grin, “where you going in such a hurry? Why don’t you sit with us and tell us some stories of the lands far away. You smell like you been on the road a while so you must have a lot of stories to tell.” He turned and winked at his friends at the table who all began to laugh out loud, expecting the stranger to be intimidated or amused by their jest they were surprised by the stranger’s reaction.

The stranger began to whisper some arcane words to his staff. His voice was low and resembled the
sound of gravel being crushed. As he did so the runes in his staff began to glow with a bright blue-green light that contrasted with the dimness of the inn. The whole room went quiet holding its breath to see what would happen next.

The arm the young man had held out to stop the stranger dropped to his side as if he had lost all control over the strength in it. Then a group of vines began to wrap itself around him, emerging from the cracks between the floorboards. They were thick and thorny, and they tightened around him until he couldn’t move at all.

His friends at the table all shoved their chairs back not wanting to be any part of what was happening to him. They looked at the stranger with fear and anger, but none of them dared to intervene. The stranger then said, “I’d tell you to practice some manners. Especially to those who are new to your community. However, I doubt that you would hear a word I said.”

The young man began to say something, but then the staff began to glow again, and he went silent. A vine had wrapped around his mouth, preventing him from speaking or breathing through his mouth.

“That’s better, I wouldn’t want to have to silence you as well.” He then continued to the corner and sat down with his back to the wall facing out to view the room around him. He placed his staff in the corner near him while appearing to be calmly waiting for his food and drink to be served.

Everyone else in the room were busy watching the young man to see what would happen next. They were too afraid to move or speak, wondering if the stranger would do something else to them. The exception was the little girl whose father was watching this show with intense interest. She exclaimed to her father, “Papa, he used magic on the man. Magic, like the ones you’ve told me about in your stories. So, it’s real, I mean you know the magic.” The father looked down at his daughter and smiled and said “yes, it was indeed real.”

Meanwhile, the young man’s friends tried to pull the vines off. They were as hard as iron and as sharp as knives. They couldn’t cut them with their knives or axes, they wouldn’t budge. One of them called out to the stranger, “What are we supposed to do?” The stranger looked back and said, in a bored and dismissive voice, “They will take care of themselves in a few minutes. In the meantime, please be quiet while I eat my dinner.”

There was nothing to be done so the group turned their attention back to the table and continued their conversations. But at a much lower tone then they would have shown or practiced normally. In the meantime, Georgia who had been back in the kitchen the whole time came out with the hot meal and cold fresh ale. She headed towards the table where the hooded stranger was sitting.

She immediately noticed how quiet the room had grown in her absence. She could hear the crackling of the fire and ticking of the clock, but nothing else. Then she looked at the table where the regulars sat. She watched with fascination and a tint of horror as she saw the youngest of them wrapped up in thorny vines.

They began to dissolve and fade as if they never existed as she passed by the table where they sat. as she saw the youngest of them wrapped up in vines. She felt a pang of pity for him, but also a sense of relief that he wouldn’t bother her anymore that evening. She thought briefly about the group and how being the youngest was also the hardest to deal with as he was always trying to impress the elders of the group.

She continued to the table where the stranger sat and placed the tray with its hot meal, fresh bread, fruit, and a cold mug of ale in front of him. He watched her set the food and drink down with a curious and appreciative expression. He then looked up to her and asked, “Would you please take a moment to sit with me, I have some news to discuss with you. It’s for your ears only.” He gestured to the empty chair across from him.

She said, “what about my business? I am working here alone tonight?” She took a moment to glance around the room and saw that everyone else was still frozen in the seats, staring at them, or looking away nervously. He responded, “You’ll find that no one will request more services until we’re done. I have cast a spell containing whispers of silence and stillness over the inn. They will stay content until we are finished.

Please, I would not ask you if it wasn’t important.” She looked around the room. She noticed everyone appeared to be content. She nodded okay and took up the seat that he had pointed to earlier. She sat with her attention turned towards him and looked at his hooded face for a moment. She started to ask something but before she could begin, he pulled his hood back to reveal his face. He was young, looked to be about her age, and was quite handsome. He looked at her and smiled. Then he spoke to her, “Excuse me a minute, while I take a few bites and rinse it down with some of this wonderful cold ale.”

He continued without interruption. He picked up a piece of bread and dipped it in the hot stew. He ate it with relish and then took a sip of the ale. He made a sound of satisfaction and then wiped his mouth with a napkin.

She then asked, “So, what’s so important and who are you anyway?” She was curious and impatient. She wanted to know why he had come to her inn and what he wanted from her. He responded, “that’s two questions and so it requires two answers. I’ll answer the last first and the first last.” He paused a moment, took another swallow of the cold ale, and then began whispering so that only they could hear.

He leaned in closer to her and said, “I am Elysian Salvador, better known as the mysterious wondering druid.” She gasped, but then responded, “It’s said that those were only tall tales. Stories told around the inns or local towns. You know that type mothers tell their kids at bedtime to scare them into falling asleep.” He chuckled and then said, “I assure you; I am very real as you can see. Although I heard you say earlier that the truth was not something told. Let’s see it went something like this. Truth is something you must earn through an assembly of facts that supported it’s premise.”

She responded, “You weren’t here then. How could you know that? I didn’t say exactly that at all but something different from what I recall.” She said this with a touch of confusion and curiosity. She wondered how he had heard her conversation with the regulars before he arrived. She had only mentioned her father in passing, as a way of explaining why she was running the inn by herself. She didn’t think anyone would pay much attention to her story, let alone this mysterious stranger who had just walked in.

He smiled and said, “Yes, but you implied it by what you said to that table of rowdy locals over there. She watched him glance as he looked towards the regulars. They were still content and spoke quietly to each other but glanced around briefly with a look of fear and awe as if expecting something to happen soon but not sure of what it was. He had a confident and charismatic aura about him, as if he knew something that others didn’t. She had a sixth sense of being able to read people far beyond what normal people could. At least that is what her father used to tell her when she was younger. It seemed to hold some truth too as the patrons and guest at the inn would often say, she knew what they needed before ever asking for it.

She senses he enjoyed playing with her curiosity, making her wonder what he was up to. She decided to throw something unusual at him. She looked at him directly, and said uninterested, “Hmm, I’m not sure I believe you or any of what you are telling me. Did I tell you I have an inn to run.” She begun to rise from the table as if she was about to walk away when he burst out laughing. She turned then to look back at him and he held up his hand as if to say, “wait a moment while I recover.” She didn’t find any of this amusing and so turned again to walk away.

He reached out and grabbed her hand and said, “Please Georgia, forgive my bad manners. Your father warned me about your ability. I found it curious but did not realize the depth of its reach before now.” She turned then and walked back to the seat to sit down. She had a smile on her face as his laughter was infectious. He waited a moment then said, “It is what you believe is it not?” He then said, “The importance has to do with your father and his adventures since leaving the inn to you.”

Georgia was now alarmed. “My father, what does this have to do with him? Is he okay, did something happen to him? You need to come clear with me before I lose my patience and do something I am sure I would be sorry for.” She clenched her fists and glared at Elysian, who looked calm and composed. He reached out and touched her hand, a pulse of energy passed between them. She said, “Ouch, what was that?”, he responded, “it was exactly as I expected, you’re gifted as your father has told me.” She asked, “what’s this to do with him, please tell me he’s okay that no harm has befallen him.”

She pulled her hand away and rubbed it, feeling a tingling sensation spreading throughout her hand and to the tips of her fingers. Elysian responded to Georgia, “What does your insight tell you about him?” Georgia paused, not expecting this question. She then responded, “My sense is that he is alive, healthy not ill, but concerned about something.” Elysian then said, “Go on, you’re getting close, finish the exploration with your insight.” He smiled encouragingly and took her hand again, this time more gently. He said, “Close your eyes and focus on your father’s voice. What is he trying to tell you?”

Georgia closed her emerald-colored eyes. She breathed in, and then said, “Illusion, something about illusions and people. Something he’s learned since traveling.” She felt a surge of curiosity and wonder, mixed with fear and confusion. She wondered what her father had discovered and why he had left her behind. Elysian then said, “What will you do Georgia?” She spat her words back at him, “What do you mean what will I do? What can I do? I have this inn to take care of, this is his legacy to me, I can’t get up and walk away.” She felt a pang of resentment and anger, thinking that Elysian was trying to lure her away from her home and her duty. She didn’t trust him or his motives.

Elysian responded, “Why not? What’s keeping you here.” Georgia said, “I have a responsibility to the town. It’s the only inn for miles around. There’s a lot of people both locals and travelers who count on it being here to service them.” She had a sense of pride and loyalty, believing that she was doing the right thing by staying and running the inn. She didn’t want to abandon her friends and customers who depended on her hospitality and kindness.

She paused, “I happen to know there are those that rely on my cooking to get a good meal every day.” Elysian then asked, “But what will you do about him? Do you not sense his need? Do you think I am here only by chance?” He briefly filled in some more details about the possible dangers involving other people. He looked at her with a serious expression, hoping to persuade her to listen to her intuition rather than her logic.

Georgia responded to him, “I have no idea why you’re here. My sense of it is you choose where you want to be and for your own reasons.” She sounded defensive and distrustful, not wanting to admit that she felt a connection with him and that he might have something important to tell her. Elysian then said, “Georgia, these are your decisions to make. I came to get you to follow through with insights you had already been considering about your father.” He spoke softly and gently, trying to reassure her that he was not forcing her to do anything she didn’t want to do already.

He paused, patted her hand, and let it go. He then said, “I’ll be around for a while longer. Consider your choices, let your insight serve you and once you decide I’ll know.” He smiled warmly and leaned back, giving her some space and time to think about all she had just learned. He hoped that she would make the right decision and go to join her father. Elysian finished his meal, drank the rest of his ale, stood up and walked out of the inn. He didn’t say a word to anyone, not even to Georgia who had served him and kept him company during his meal. Georgia sat there a bit longer than stood up.

She grabbed the dishes and walked back to the kitchen to drop them off. She returned to the area where they had sat, wiping the table and the chair with a damp cloth. She noticed he had left a generous tip on the table, which she pocketed with a smile. She returned to the bar where she began to wonder about everything that had transpired there that night. She hadn’t even noticed that once Elysian had left the inn the whole area returned to normal. All the chatter and calls for more drink or food returned to normal as if nothing had happened. The other customers seemed oblivious to the presence of the stranger who had just left.

Georgia felt a pang of disappointment, as if she had missed an opportunity to learn more about him. She shrugged it off and continue to complete her work there for the night. Georgia finished with her kitchen clean-up duties. Then got the bar straightened out for the next day’s customers. Checked the stocks and thought about what to prepare for meals tomorrow. She decided to make a stew with some leftover meat and vegetables and bake some fresh bread in the morning. She also thought about making a pie with some of the apples she had bought from a farmer earlier that day. She loved to bake and took pride in the skills she had developed over time in meal preparation.

As Georgia served her never-ending stream of customers, she couldn’t help but overhear a conversation between a father and his young daughter, nestled into one of the farthest corners of the room. The father, a tall scruffy, and stout man, regaled his wide-eyed daughter with tales of his youth, describing fantastical lands and grand adventures that could only exist in the realm of imagination. Though Georgia was occupied attending to her duties, she smiled as she heard the little girl’s awe-stricken gasps in between each story.

Georgia had no problem keeping herself busy filling orders throughout the evening. She took the opportunity to continue to listen to the father and daughter as it reminded her of her own childhood and her father who had been a very worldly person.

On one of her rounds to deliver another round of drinks and fresh bread she remembers hearing the young girl pleading with her father, “Papa, please, another story! Tell me about the land where the creatures could change their shape and control the elements!”

The stories of great battles and daring escapes came to life in the little girl’s eyes, and as the father continued, she could sense the growing excitement in his daughter’s voice. The sweet sincerity of the interaction filled Georgia’s heart with warmth, and she wondered what her own father was up to since he left the inn to travel.

Georgia was in her young thirties but in good shape from her long days of preparing meals, maintaining the inn, and serving patrons and guest food and drinks through the night. It was not often she found herself with idle time. Her auburn hair was tied into a ponytail, revealing her delicate features and bright green eyes.

She was quite attractive, which is why she was also well liked. Even with those like the rowdy group she had finished serving another round to, they always tipped her generously and complimented her smile.

The inn was hers; her father gave it to her when he decided to retire. He had told her, “Georgia; I am going on a journey to visit the lands and learn what I can. I’ve had myself tied to this place for too long now and yearn for an adventure”.

She had hugged him and wished him well, knowing he deserved some freedom after working hard for so many years. She loved the inn and its regulars, but sometimes she wondered what else was out there for her.

She chuckled to herself thinking. “Imagine that he didn’t decide to putter around this town chewing on the local’s ears. Sharing his stories from the inn. He wanted to go out and create his own adventure he had told her.”

Georgia had just finished delivering some desserts to the table with the father and daughter letting them know it was compliments of the house and she appreciated the wonderful stories he told his daughter. The young child turned and gave Georgia a shy smile, “Thank you, lady. Your place is magic, “she whispered, clearly believing the tales her father had been telling her. Georgia just smiled, thinking about the girl’s innocence and belief in the stories her father had told her.