Chasing Blue- The Final Saga (Book 4)

Chapter 1: In Too Deep

A/N: Troy's POV

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Water. The big drops fell from the dark skies pelting the stone paved road; the same town road I tread. More drops fell, as I could feel the cool drops slide against my cheeks, leaving me shivering in the cool autumn rains. The warmth I felt earlier never felt so fleeting before. I kept my eyes low to the ground, as I flicked the hood of my cloak over my face to shield me from the blows of the pelting rain. By now the townspeople had scurried to their quaint cobblestone homes and shops that lined the empty road. Everyone seemed to have a home... except me. Somehow when I walked down the road, I felt that I had walked down these streets before. It seemed all too familiar...

"What are you doing out in the rain?" A gruff voice called out. Startled I looked up at the burly man as his shape leaned against the window sill.

"I was walking," I responded dryly.

"I know you were walking," the man snorted. "But why out in such inclement weather. You could be at home now."

"I have no place to stay," I muttered. "I was hoping you could show me where the nearest inn is," I answered briskly.

"Oh. Well you came to the right place. You can stay here if you like. There are extra rooms in the upper chambers. Downstairs you can have all the drinks you want," he said, flashing a toothy grin. I was not in Aegea anymore; I was in Crete. Just pretend you are like everyone else. Just try to be invisible. As I gingerly stepped inside; the smell of brewed yeast hit my nose. I cautiously glanced around the dimmed establishment as men sat around the stone counter waiting to be served either a hot meal or a cool fermented drink. A few of the older men huddled at a table stared at me as I walked in dripping wet from the rain. With each step I took I could hear my damp sandals squeak against the stone floor. The drops of water slid down my long cloak and formed a trail of small puddles as I slowly walked towards the counter.

This was no inn; it was a tavern. I had never been to one before let alone dreamt I would ever step foot into one. It was certainly not a place for a prince...well I was not one anymore at least. Why did I keep bringing that up as if that even mattered anymore. Here I was like all the other fellows. I could forget my past. I could forget the questions and the judgment from my crew. I could start over in a sense.

"So young lad, do you want anything to loosen you up?" the familiar gruff voice inquired as I made my way over to the L-shaped counter. This time though his voice came off less gruff with his Greek accent. He must be the owner I assumed, as he was stationed behind the counter mixing the intoxicating liquor. I was not certain whether I should thank him or be mad that he tricked me into spending the night at a tavern but I suppose he was not too bad of a character. I was out of the rain after all.

"Um I would like to know where exactly the living quarters are. I thought this was an inn?" I said, as my eyes drifted around the scenic paintings that covered the paneled walls.

"This place has a variety of purposes. I run a tavern on the first floor. And like I stated earlier I have living quarters that I rent out to guests like you on the second story. Anymore questions?" he huffed.

"Is there enough room?" I questioned as I scoured the counter and the scattered round tables that were packed with working class men.

"Oh yes, there should be room," he answered with a glint in his brown eyes. "Not all these men are staying here. Some are here to have a little fun before heading off to their homes and families. I am assuming you are a traveler. For the travelers there is always room upstairs," he gestured. I followed his eyes as a young woman made her way past the men seated at the tables. The men who were drinking had stopped to gaze as her form shifted as she walked. She was beautiful...too beautiful to be at a tavern. As she went carrying the silver platter with crusty bread and silver goblets, I watched as the men would eye her intently. As she briefly brushed past at the counter, I saw her greenish-blue eyes stare in my direction as her loose dark locks swiveled from side to side.