Beaumont and the Beast // A Rose To Remember

Chapter 5 // The Avenger

It was a slow night at a small pub that travelers and local farmers frequently visited. Unfortunately for the pub's owner, it was harvest season, which means business was extremely slow. The last thing farmers wanted was a hangover.

The owner of the pub, who was drying a mug behind the bar, sighed and shook his head disapprovingly at the lack of customers. The only business he was getting was the pub's regulars. You know, the town drunkards who lost it all and found solitude downing beer. A couple drinks a night was what made these people feel good. it was the poison that couldn't kill you, unless you wanted it to.

"Looks as if this is shaping into another short night." The owner bowed defeatedly and cursed under his breath, "Damn it."

Once the owner went back to put away the clean mugs, the door to the pub slowly creaked open, letting in the cool, night's breeze. All heads lifted from their drinks and the owner spun around quickly at the odd event. There hasn't been a new customer for many weeks.

A change in the schedule? How odd? many thought.

There was a strange, hooded man who appeared at the doorway. He started walking toward the bar, head bowed and face unseen. All stared as he dragged himself to the bar, curious to who exactly this hooded man was.

The owner smiled and grabbed a mug from under the bar, blowing off some dust that was beginning to build around it. The stranger took a seat and lifted off his hood. All bodies were on the edge of their seats, excitedly awaiting to see this man.

To their surprise, he was an odd looking man to say the least. He was completely grizzly, emitting this horrible odor that even a livestock farmer couldn't stand. He had long, unkempt black hair that fell wildly below his shoulder blades. His face was dark and dirty, but most of it was covered by his large beard and eyebrows. Most of the regulars determined he was a traveler of some kind and went back to hovering over their drinks as usual.

With an excited attitude, and a quick breath of fresh air, the owner asked politely, "May I get you anything, monsieur?"

The man looked up slowly, eyes wild and stiff from the dry dirt, and with a hoarse voice, answered, "I would like a room, bath included."

The owner was shocked. No one has requested a room for ages. He wasn't even sure if any of the rooms were ready for a guest.

"Oh... of course! Right away!" The owner smiled ecstatically, but then frowned. "But it will be an upfront pay. Hopefully that won't be an issue."

The man snorted and tossed a large bag of coin on the counter. "Will this do?"

The pub's owner was speechless by the large bounty. He shook his head, and out of good manner, pushed away the coin.

"Monsieur... this is far to mu--"

The strange traveler lifted his hand to silence the owner and explained, "I won't be needing it any longer. Take it."

The owner tried to object, but the man wasn't having it. "O-Of course... thank you, monsieur."  He then smiled and took his leave. 

At the moment he was out of sight, he ran for his wife to explain the situation. She nearly keeled over when he told her. Once he brought her back to her feet, he pleaded, "Keep it together, Agnes! Let's not keep the man waiting!"

It didn't take long to prepare the room. Just a quick dusting and a change of sheets was all. The owner intercepted his generous guest and guided him to his room.

"If you need anything, please give us a call." The owner explained. "We really aren't that busy tonight anyway." He chuckled nervously at his small joke.