When Worlds Collide

Seventeen

"Duck your head when we enter," Callan had warned as he stepped inside. My thoughts were so muddled that I almost missed his advice and just about ducked in time to avoid a rather embarrassing moment and an unsightly bump to the forehead.

I wondered why it had been built so small, until I remembered that Lycans had not always owned it. Perhaps it had been just as lively when humans ruled Inhatia a very long time ago and I found myself wondering what it must have been like. The interior of the inn was homely and warm; a fire in the common area was just being lit by a young boy and already I was feeling its effects. Callan walked straight up to the bar, resting his hands across the smooth and polished oak surface.

As though he sensed it, a large, bearded man came from a back room and greeted Callan with a deep bow then clasped his hand in a handshake. 

"It is good to see you my King, what brings you to the Old Oak? I have heard about your arrival on the grapevine, but I awaited for myself to see the truth," He laughed suddenly, "I knew that if you were in Briargate, you would not leave without stopping at my inn."

Callan laughed along with him, "You know me well Samuel. How is your wife?"

"She is well my King, swollen with our fourth babe and I imagine there is not too long to go either!" 

"What do you have now?" Callan conversed politely as I turned my head to gaze upon the decor. 

"Two girls and a strapping, young lad," The Lycan boasted proudly. 

As the two men talked and caught up, clearly rather friendly with each other, I noted how beautiful the inside of the inn really was. The low ceiling still had its original wooden beams, and the walls were decorated with art of all kinds, including antlers and mounts of a few different animals, most commonly deer. A narrow staircase was to the left of the bar, straight across from the front door and behind it, when I peeked around, I could see someone busily cooking away in what seemed to be the kitchen. 

A few people were milling around in the common area, I noted two men with pints of ale and a black and white game board; a young couple sitting cozily together on a armchair and an old man sat alone at a table with a well-worn book. It seemed the inn catered for all kinds of people, Lycan or otherwise and it had that sort of homely, comfortable atmosphere to it that put somewhat at ease.

"Josephina." 

I turned around and noticed I had inadvertently taken a few steps away from Callan's side, upon noticing this he had called me back to stand beside him. I did as I was told, not wanting to ridicule him in front of his friend. 

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"Don't be, this is Josephina," He introduced me to the Innkeeper who bowed his head low. 

"It is lovely to meet you my lady, His Majesty was just telling me he found you in Brookvale." 

I nodded, "yes you would be correct Sir. You really do have a wonderful inn," I praised. 

"Isn't she charming?" The innkeeper had finished speaking to me and turned his gaze back to Callan who nodded in return. 

"Do you have a few rooms available?" He asked. 

"Of course, I always keep a couple spare, but I have been rather busy. I have three rooms for a night, is this something that pleases you, your majesty?" 

"I need four rooms if I may, Samuel." 

Samuel frowned, "I am deeply sorry my king, I do only have three rooms available, all the others are taken and it would pain me, and my business, if I should have to turf somebody out before they have rested."