The Tragedy of Renya

1.3 Don't trust the Wyndri

Fifth day of the fifth month, Caimu

Erica groaned when she woke up. Although, if anyone were to ask her about it, she wouldn’t have called it waking up. She’d spend the entire night tossing and turning in the bed, trying to ignore the springs poking in her back. She’d be glad if she could get back home and sleep in a proper bed again. She got out of bed, stretched her limbs, and took a short shower. It was only half a surprise that there was no warm water coming out. Erica frowned, dried herself off, and put on some clothes. She put her items back in the bag she’d taken with her and went downstairs to ask the owner if she’d be able to get breakfast in the area.

Coming downstairs though, she realised she wouldn’t have to look far. In the entrance room were several people with their breakfast. She ordered some bread and coffee at the bar, not expecting much from it.

Her expectations were fully met. The coffee was watery, but at least the bread was good. After a short breakfast she paid and went upstairs again. She grabbed her bag and went downstairs again to hand in the keys.

There were two people arguing over the bar. On the one side was the owner of the Kent’s Place. On the other side of the bar was a man with a bright green shirt. Erica stood down a few steps away from the guy, and waited until the argument finished. Several minutes later they were still going on so that Erica started to listen in on what they were talking about. Her eyes widened for a second when she heard the name Sother fall several times. She knew she should talk to the man, but instead she remained where she was and pretended not to listen to the conversation. The strange man slammed his hand on the bar, and shouted a string of profanities. Erica shivered and realised she’d have to talk to him, or she’d get into trouble with Professor Sother.

“Professor Sother couldn’t come,” she said softly. The man glared at her and she stepped back.
 “He sent me instead,” she added. The man looked her in the eyes. Before Erica could react he grabbed her shirt and pulled it down a bit. She covered her chest up with her arms although the man had not put it down so far.

“What are you doing?” She shouted, right as a quiet moment fell over the room. As a result, everyone stopped what they were doing and started staring at the bar where Erica tried to run away.

The man stepped backwards and let go of Erica’s shirt as he realised what people were thinking.

“Ah.” After a few more moments he added, “I’m sorry.”

Erica shivered and quickly handed in the key to the barman. The strange man in the green shirt continued talking to her; “I’m Carl Fieldsten. I’d asked Sother here but…”

Erica’s eyes widened for a second.
“No you’re not,” She whispered after a few minutes of silence, “I already met Professor Fieldsten yesterday…”

The man frowned and looked around the hall.
“He’s no longer here,” He concluded. Erica nodded.
“What did he say?” The man who said he was Professor Fieldsten asked.

Erica nodded.

“He hid his eyes and tried not to stand out?” The man asked. Erica nodded again. The man frowned and grabbed Erica’s arm, dragging her to a corner of the inn. Erica protested heavily but it didn’t help.

“I was afraid of this,” the man said as they were standing in the corner, “they’ve been after me. And now they’re coming after you!”

Erica was torn between laughter and disgust of the man.
“Who?” she asked, trying to keep herself from a giggling fit.
“You know who,” The man answered, and he looked around again before he continued, “They. Why else do you think I asked for Sother?”