The Stolen Crown

Chapter 17: The Rejection

The cold of the night accompanied the light of the countless stars, as they shined down on the otherwise still scene. Their unobstructed beauty lay for a seemingly rare change unbothered by the veil of the clouds, or the opulence of the self-important moon. They glimmered with a beauty that demanded attention, though for those that did not sleep, the chance to lull in the embrace of such a spectacle was unknowingly fleeting. Yet, for most, as they focused on their closed eyes or the distractions of being awake, they soon found themselves too close to the ground to appreciate the beauty that lay covered by the ever-thickening mist.

Three such souls made their way through the veil of water, as they advanced with speed towards the light of a great deal of candles.

"You weren't joking about an inn," Lucas said with a smile on his face, catching sight of a hanging empty barrel. He wasted little time and rushed forward through the door, the other two following at their own pace.

The inn was crowded with the rowdy spirit of men who had had too much to drink. Worn tables and long benches filled the space, as drink and food were called to be consumed. A man who seemed more of a guard stood behind a counter, as he restricted the quantity of inebriating nectar that flowed passed him, though the only restraint was the demand of payment.

"Sit there," Helene ordered to Lucas and Paulus, pointing to an empty table at the far end of the room.

"What about you?" Lucas asked.

"Drinks, food," Helene replied, leaving their side and beginning to speak to the owner.

With a nod that called Lucas to follow, Paulus led the way. He pressed past the crowds, as the sights and smells distracted him, though he fought to ignore them.

"This place is great," Lucas said, as every distraction caught his eye. He waved to the women with a smile, though was quickly drawn to the food and drink that moved just out of reach. "I can't wait to fill my belly." He slid onto the far side of the bench and drummed his hands over the scattered red of the table.

Paulus was silent on his chosen seat, right on the edge of the bench and table, as if at a moment's notice he would rush forth and depart.

"What are you going to eat?" Lucas asked.

"You should be taking this more seriously," Paulus replied.

"What do you mean?" Lucas questioned, continuing to follow each distraction that called to him.

"I mean, don't you think that it's a bit suspicious that we are here?" Paulus asked. "Don't you think it's all a little too good to be true? Don't you think we are in a situation that could put us in a worse place than the place we were?"

"So, do you think we should try and leave the city?" Lucas asked, leaning in closely. "Make a run for it, after we are given our meal? What do you think? I could pickpocket a few people before we do, you know. The inn is pretty crowded. Could make a good getaway. What do you say? We could get away from whatever it is that woman wants with us. Remember what she said? If we get caught doing whatever she wants us to do, there won't be anything we can do to get out of that cell."

Paulus opened his mouth to reply, though before he could, he was silenced by the approaching presence that shifted his fate.

"I ordered us some food and drink," Helene explained, taking a seat in front of the two. "Should be here in a moment. You both can—"

"You got us out a few moments ago," Paulus interrupted. "You got us here now. I think I can speak for both of us when I ask, what is it you want?"

"Yeah," Lucas added. "What is it you want? Not that we are not happy with you getting us out of that place, and for getting him his purse back, but it would be nice to know what's going on. Maybe we had some connection that you noticed at the King's mourning? I do have that affect. Would not be the first time."