The Dungeon Inn - English

B02C26 - Winter

The first snowflake fell during the night. As soon as it touched the ground, it melted immediately. But it was not alone. Many followed it and as time went on, it took longer and longer for one to melt completely. Then they piled up and a white blanket greeted us in the morning.

"I guess you can rely on Sarah and Bruno in this regard. It's only a day in advance, but it's better than nothing."

Now that Bruno was in hibernation, I was alone with Sven in the bedroom.

"Paul doesn't seem to have exaggerated when he said we would be cut off. The snow is already pretty deep even after the first night."

"We should probably see if Albert's group can take care of the roof in the future."

After breakfast, I asked Albert about it.

"We're happy to take care of it. We're not doing a lot of work, so we have plenty of time for it."

"Unfortunately, they didn't leave us a ladder, do you think that will be a problem?"

"It makes things more interesting. Mia and I will probably take care of the roof then. We are good climbers. Winfried and Viktor are not, so they will clear the snow away down below while we do that."

"Aren't you just passing the hard work on to us?"

"Viktor, would you rather swap?"

"I would like to, but you know how things are."

"Then you should vent your frustration by shoveling."

I led Albert and Mia up to the attic. Mia looked around with great curiosity, but to her disappointment everything was still empty. We were only at the beginning of our outpost career and were able to store the few things we owned in the small storage area. I opened the window towards the doom forest and the two of them climbed skillfully up onto the roof. Albert used his arms to climb up, while Mia used more jumping to get to the top. Once they got to the top, they carefully pushed the snow down and slowly worked the roof down.

There was no reason to wait for them up there. The pigeon room opposite the window had its own lock and the attic was, as I said, empty. So I went back downstairs. On the way I thought about whether we were making things a little easier for ourselves by letting Albert's group do all the work. After all, we were the ones who no longer had any work to do. I provided the living space and food, but it still seemed a little unfair to me. What would be the best way to appease them when they were finished outside? A hot drink might be a good idea. But what should I make it out of? Should I see what a particularly runny slime tastes like? No, I should still have herbs for tea and who would know better than our witch?

So I went to her. On the way there I passed Karl, of course, who didn't seem too happy. At first I didn't know why, but when a small avalanche came rumbling down from the roof and he flinched, I realized it.

"I'm sorry, Karl, but the roof needs to be cleared. Just try to get used to it. They certainly won't need long either."

We passed the cold storage room and Sarah quickly replaced the ice block and later caught up with me again.

"Oh, young master, what brings me the honor of your visit?"

"I want to make a tea for Albert's group when they've finished clearing the snow. Do you have any recommendations for herbs?"

"Of course, otherwise would I be a real witch? Here, take these. They help against colds, so they're perfect for winter. They need to steep a little longer though, so don't wait until the clearing is finished."

"Thank you very much, then I'd better get going again right away."

"Feel free to come back to me if you want to make other tea. I've also found herbs that keep you warm a little longer. So if the cold nights are bothering you, don't hesitate to try them."

"I'll remember that."

On the way back I thought about Hilda's words.

"Sarah, did it seem cold to you at night?"

"Master Marco, as a winter creature I, like Friedrich, don't feel cold. You should ask Sven that."

Fortunately, he was on our way. Guests were unlikely, but winter was just beginning and someone could still force their way through the snow. So Sven lingered at the counter at the entrance to the house.

"Sir, why do you want to know that?"

"I don't remember being cold and I wanted to know if I'm immune to it like Sarah."

"It only got cold at night and in the morning my blanket was still quite warm. I think I'll only see today, if it's too cold when I go to sleep."

"Then tell me as soon as you feel the chills. Hilda also recommended a tea that keeps you warm for longer."

When I got to the kitchen I boiled the water and added the herbs in Hilda's recommended amount. As soon as I felt that the time for steeping was over and I should remove them again, I heard the front door open. Albert's group came in. Mia and Albert had helped downstairs as soon as they had finished the roof.

"Brr, as soon as you stop carrying the snow around, you notice how cold it is outside."

"You're just sensitive to it, Albert."

"If you think so, Mia. We should each grab a chair and warm ourselves up by the fireplace. It can't hurt."

When I came out of the kitchen with the tea, I saw them sitting down in front of the fireplace. Albert had even put one of the furs over his body. He must have been really cold.

"Can I treat you to a warm tea?"

"Ah, Marco, I'd be happy. Any little bit of warmth is fine with me."

"It's supposed to help with colds too."

"All the better."

After everyone had their cup, I sat down at a free table and tried the tea too.

"It doesn't taste bad. Sarah, are you sure you don't want to try it?"

"No, Master Marco. I don't like anything warm."

"I've never seen you eat a warm meal either, Sarah. Where does your aversion to it come from?"

"It's just not my thing, Mia."

"Are you the opposite of our frostbite Albert?"

"Maybe."

Sarah hadn't lied, but Mia's curiosity about her was aroused again.