The Spirits of the Universe (PJO)

Chapter 24--The Hell of Hellmmount

Fortunately, unlike what End was hoping for, the village was not overrun with bandits. It's name was Helmmount, a quaint residence with a few hundred years of history and a couple thousand residents.  

However, that didn't mean that the people of Helmmount liked outsiders. Rather, it was the opposite.

The portcullis opened, forfeiting a view of a dozen spears pointed toward us. "I think you're misunderstanding something," I quickly said. "We're not here to hurt you guys!"

The guards didn't look convinced.

Maybe drop your weapons? End suggested with an eye roll.

Right. Feeling a bit foolish, I signalled Liam and Aridne to stash their weapons away. I capped Riptide, but played with it in pen form. 

"We come in peace," Liam said.

"What's your business here?" the captain of the guards demanded. He was an older man with scars crisis crossing his face. 

"We need a place for refuge," I said. "Our carriage . . . er . . . crashed and this was the closest place we could find."

"You were going through the Great Forest with a carriage?" the captain asked increduously. 

"Well, no. We were flying. It's a long story, but could you please let us in?" 

A soldier leaned in and whispered, "Captain, I think it's fine. They don't have any animals with them."

The captain seemed to process his words, but he still hesitated. Then he signaled for his soldiers to make way. "The traveler's inn is to the right. Stay for as long as you wish, but you are not welcome any deeper into the village."

"That's just great," I muttered sarcastically, and Liam and Aridne—for the most part—seemed to agree with me. 

We weren't dumb enough to argue, though, so we stepped through the gate. The soldiers glared at us, making a chill of fear run down my spine. They didn't look away until we walked over the mossy cobblestone road and entered the two-story wooden inn.

Inside, the inn was cozy and dimly lit. Torches lined the walls, while a fireplace roared off to the side. Strangely enough, even though it was close to lunchtime, there were no guests eating.

A woman was scrubbing a table with a rag, but looked up when we entered. "Welcome!" she exclaimed with a motherly smile. "You're travelers, I presume?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but, surprisingly, Aridne stepped forward. "That's what the people at the gate called us."

"I hope the guards didn't give you too hard of a time," the innkeeper said sympathetically. "You must understand, they're trying to keep the city safe. They mean no harm. Anyways, how many rooms will you be purchasing?"

Aridne said something else, but I wasn't really paying attention. Because behind her back, she was signaling wildly.

What's she trying to say? I wondered.

No idea, End said. Back in my days, there was no need for silent communication. Fight first, then talk.

Fortunately, Liam seemed to understand. "I'm going to go find a bathroom," he announced, then made his way to the door.

"You don't need me," I protested as he pulled me with him, but it was too late. We were already outside. Liam tugged me behind the inn before the guards could see us. "There's no way you're going to the bathroom here . . ."

"I'm not going to pee!" Liam snapped. "We're escaping!"

I felt like I was ten steps behind what Liam was thinking about. "Escaping from what, exactly?"