Dark One Rising(31)

As soon as the sun started to set, and the gloom of dusk started to set in, she got back on her horse and went through the woods into town from the west side. She went across the bridge over the creek and passed under the still unlocked gate that went into the town. She rode slowly, not wanting to bring unwanted attention, and rode straight through to the Calderon Tavern on the far side of town. It wasn’t the nicest part of town; the buildings here were shabby, and the thick smell of stale ale and urine filled her nostrils. The tavern was at the end of a narrow street. It was the off season for travelers, so it was quiet tonight, but she knew that if it were discovered before morning that she had run, there might be a lot more noise than Garreth could handle. She hoped she had at least until morning before Fallon was on the hunt. A good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast would make the hard ride across the border easier.

She dismounted her horse and pulled her hood tighter on her head, wrapping the reins around the post and untying her bags. She threw them over her shoulder and entered the tavern.

There weren’t many people yet, a few merchants already settling in for the night, eating a meal and having a drink before going home, but for the most part it was empty.

She spotted Garreth behind the bar drying a glass with a towel. He was a large man, a torso like a barrel, muscular arms and legs, and hands the size of meat tenderizers. He had a full head of black hair and a full beard and thick mustache. He may have been just a tavern owner but he was tough, and although he couldn’t handle all the trouble that passed his way, he could handle a lot. She also knew that despite his size, he was also a softy, who loved his wife and son and would give the shirt off his back if you really were in need.

She sidled up to the bar, trying her best to look inconspicuous, and sat down on the stool closest to him. He turned from drying his glass, tossed the towel over his shoulder and looked at her.

“What can I get you, stranger?”

She leaned in closer and whispered. “Garreth, it’s me, Melenthia. I need a room for the night, and I need it quiet.”

He eyed her closer and put his hands on his hips. “Is that so? Do you have enough coin to pay for the room, and the silence?”

She pulled the hood back just enough for him to see her face, and he jerked back, surprised. He recovered himself and leaned in closer.

“Melenthia, what are you doing here? What’s going on?”

“I’ll fill you in when I’m somewhere where curious ears cannot overhear.”

“Okay. I have a private room, in the back. I will have Kya take you there. I’ll be up later, and you can talk.”

“Okay.”

So as not to be noticed, she slid a couple of gold pieces across the bar to him. He smiled, picked them up and put them in his apron pocket. He opened the door at the back of the bar, to the kitchen area, and called for Kya. A plump woman, only about five foot, came out the door and looked at her husband. She had brown hair, speckled with gray which was pulled back into a bun on the top of her head. A few pieces had come loose and were hanging in her face, and she brushed them back with a flour dusted hand. She then wiped her hands on her apron and put them on her wide hips.

“Please show our guest to the “back” room.”

She eyed Melenthia warily for a moment, then looked back at her husband.

“It’s okay, Kya.” He leaned over to whisper to her. “I’ll explain later.”

Kya nodded to him, and Melenthia stood from the stool to follow Kya up the steps to the rooms located on the second level. The warmth from the small tavern chased the chill off, but since she wasn’t sure it was safe yet, she kept her hood up. She followed Kya down the dimly lit hall and around a corner, to a room that was separate from the others. She pulled out a key and unlocked it.

She pushed the door open and went inside. She shuffled across the floor with quiet feet and lit the lantern next to the bed.

The room was small, but cozy, and very clean. From the outside of the tavern, you’d never know that Kya and Garreth kept a tidy inn. This room, which looked mostly unused, was no exception. There were clean linens on the bed, and the floor boards were shiny and swept. There was a wash bowl and pitcher on the side board, and a bathtub sat in the far corner. There was also a small table and one chair.

She smiled under her hood as she looked toward the tub. She didn’t know when she would get to take a hot bath again, so she wanted to take advantage of it. She may not always dress like a lady, but she certainly liked to smell like one. She went to the door and shut it and turned toward Kya, pulling off her hood. Kya stared in disbelief for a moment, then approached her and kissed her on the cheek.