#1 Fates of Meriel. Chains of Fatum

Chapter 13. Magnus

Chapter 13. Magnus

Richard was about to ask what they were looking for, but Groff suddenly stopped his horse in front of a big building. Everyone did the same and looked around. Nothing remarkable, except that they were all located in a bright, wide, clean, and flourishing part of the city.

"A hotel?" It's a good idea, but why here? Richard said in a choked voice, looking up at the gold-lettered sign. There was still a purse of money hanging from his belt, which was left to them by Aunt Aurora and Veya. It is unlikely that this would be enough to make a payment for at least a few days in such chambers, surrounded by fountains, rose gardens, and rich houses that resemble small castles. "And we don't have any money... We could look for something there..." he glanced over to where the slums were supposed to be. Staying there is risky, but how can they be sure that they will save Livia among the snow-white houses with towers, stairs, statues, and flower pots?

He wished now that they had taken something with them on the day of their escape. He didn't have anything of value to sell or exchange, except for a hunting knife, a bow, and a book taken from Groff. All these goods Richard needed, and they weren't worth the big money, and the book didn't belong to him at all.

Groff had packed their bags for their sudden journey, but they were already out of food. A few slices of bread, cheese, and strips of corned beef had been used up for their modest breakfast before they arrived. The old man hadn't counted on a long journey either. And now they have no food, no money.

Livia couldn't betray herself by pawning her elvin sword. Richard wasn't even going to ask her to. All they had of value were their horses. But you can't sell them, because they may be needed at any time. There's something else. It's their own lives, of course.

"Yes, we don't have any money," Groff said, dispelling his hopes that the old man kept a bag of gold. "And that's all your savings I spent on these wonderful horses."

"But then, what should we do?"

"We could sell the horses, but we'll still need them," the old man said calmly. "And we didn't drive through Horgrad just to look at this hotel, did we?" Groff smiled. "The owner is an old friend of mine, and he won't refuse us. We also have three pairs of hard-working hands."

"Four!" Veya said.

"Oh, and who provided all this?" Groff chuckled.

"Couldn't he have clarified that right away?" Richard thought as he slid to the pavement. "He just needs to explain once more: it's a friend, who lives in Horgrad and he will help us!"

Groff hadn't left them in the lurch, but this habit of keeping things quiet was annoying. He did not consider their opinions and did not tell them about his plans, and it became clear to the guy for a long time. Richard still didn't understand. What was the use of an old man helping them? What did he want? It was as if he was living in Bertleben, waiting for something to happen that would make him want to step in. And here you are! That's what happened.

He also wondered why Groff was going with them since they were making him mad. The redrins weren't looking for him, not even Richard and Veya, who could only know where she was, they were looking for Livia. Then why would Groff bring trouble on himself?

In his place, Richard would have given them horses and told them to ride to Horgrad and find the right place. It would have taken them longer, and they would have gotten into some trouble, but it would have been easier, and Groff could have been sitting in his chair by the fire, sipping herbal tea to calm his nerves. Or maybe he wouldn't need this tea, because no one would bother him.