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The two came to the only building with light in the windows, the local tavern. The Bard's Barrel. Sneaking in quietly, the woman steered the child to a table in the furthest corner of the tavern. The tavern was cozy and warm, lit by lanterns and a fireplace on the opposite corner of the room. The tavern only had one other patron this late at night. An older man with his boots on the table and his face hidden by his wide brimmed hat, empty whiskey bottle by his feet. The barkeep, a middle aged gentleman with feathers where his hair should be, cleaned the counter and hummed contently to himself.
"Stay here. I'll get us some food," the woman said to the child. She approached the barkeep who smiled a cheerful smile.
"Good evening. Not often we get visitors this time of night. What can I do ya for?" His eyes danced in the lantern light reminding the woman of a certain set of green eyes and how they looked under starlight. She shook her head, willing the thoughts away. She couldn't think of him. Not now.
Forcing a tight smile she replied, "What do you recommend for two travelers with a long way yet to go?" The barkeep glanced over at the child who was rubbing her wrist absentmindedly. "That would be our potato stew and a slice of tomato. And if the lady is so inclined, a honey cake with a dragon berry sweet bow for the wee lass. On the house."
The woman placed a small cloth bag of gold on the counter. "That sounds divine. Thank you." The food was served and the honey cake placed in front of the girl. The girl looked at the sweet treat and smiled widely revealing a missing front tooth, her eyes wide and sparkling. The woman spoke up, "Thank you Mr.-"
"Just call me Malcolm ma'am. No need for last names 'round here." She smiled and bowed her head to him.
"Thank you, Malcolm." Malcolm walked away and continued his cleaning.
As they ate, the woman told the girl of all the beautiful places they would see on their way to the Northern Woods. Just as the child was about to bite into her honey cake, she got a chill up her spine. The woman with her felt it too and immediately looked around to see if there was anyone staring at them. Malcolm was stirring a pot in the next room, the man in the wide hat hadn't moved, but as she looked towards the door of the tavern, she could see a figure through the stained glass window beside the door. The figure tapped a seven note rhythm on the glass. The woman rose from her seat and knelt down beside the child. "Momma will be right back sweetheart. There is a friend outside who wishes to help us. Don't move from this spot. I will return for you." With that, the woman walked out of the tavern and into the night.
YOU ARE READING
Forged in Exile
FantasíaThe love child between a prince and a lady in waiting is found out after being kept a secret for four years. As her and her mother run from their home, pursued by soldiers who'd rather see them dead than imprisoned, they come across the small town o...
