The Chronicles of Zaor Dreharice

Part 7: The Gruesome Baboon

              From the outside it looks cheerful, delightful and inviting. Clay bricks and wooden pillars make up most of the building's outer structure. It's impossible to see through the curtained windows, but the warm noises from within can be felt outside. As I entered the tavern through the old, metal door, I'm welcomed by the smile of a waitress and laughing voices. The bartender is busy, but still manages to welcome me with a friendly nod.

        It was as alluring inside as it was on the outside. Stone beams supported the upper floor and the lanterns attached to them. The walls were overflowing with signatures and written messages, undoubtedly from happy customers. The tavern itself was packed. Passing traders seem to be the primary clientele here, which was probably the best clientele for the owner. Several long tables were occupied by separate groups of people, all enjoying themselves, but they kept to themselves. The other, smaller tables were also occupied by people who were indulging in great food and drinks, while some did try to strike a conversation, others could barely speak a word between eating what must have been delicious food. Even most of the stools at the bar were occupied, though nobody seemed to mind more company. I had heard rumors about this tavern, supposedly it was famous for something, but I couldn't remember what for. Though judging by the warmth and joy radiating throughout the tavern, it's probably the atmosphere that made this tavern famous. I managed to find a seat. 

      I asked for a Whiskey Hound which was commonplace in the region, but I was surprised to find out that they didn't have any. The bartender said they were robbed just last night, the bandits took everything that wasn't nailed down. I asked if there was any way I could help. She said that they mentioned something about Gims Grotto. " Well where in the Feral Isles is Gims Grotto?" I asked. She gave me a map marked with a dot for where we were and an X for where the Grotto was. I said " I'll be back." and left the Gruesome Baboon. I followed the trail and found a campfire next to a cave with a few guards chatting. I avoided them until I got above them. I jumped off of the lip of the cave and stabbed them both. One with a dagger I had picked up, the other with my sword. I entered the cave, prepared for anything. I sneaked down the passage until I heard voices. " Heave a paul o' heave away.." in drunken song. I figured they were all about as drunk as boiled owls. So it shouldn't be hard to wipe their camp out. First I took out the captain, he was easy. After that, I sneakily got them all to stand within the blast radius of my phial. Then I threw one strategically in the middle of them. They all were blinded, I was free to load up my cargo and steal their ship.

        I pulled up in the harbor and called for a messenger boy. A kid walked over and asked what I needed. I said deliver this message to the bartender at the Gruesome Baboon Inn. I handed him a note. The note said that I had her goods and to meet me down here as soon as possible. Within the hour she was down there with her men. They grabbed the kegs and other crates. The bartender asked how she could ever repay me. I wanted a free room for life and to be able to get as many drinks as I wanted without it costing me anything. She agreed to the first part but not the second. I was fine with it. I stayed at the Gruesome Baboon for about a fortnight until, I admittedly got bored of the place. I decided to go sailing to to the other parts of the Feral Isles.