The Heir of Kings

Chapter Twelve: A Generation Early

They made their way quickly toward the village, surrounded by a wall of stone. The roofs were shingled, and men were on watch with bows. The windows in the buildings were mainly on the higher levels and narrow, placed to let in the light of the sun as it rose and fell. It was much warmer here. A day ago, it would have been chilly for summer. But after the life-sapping surroundings of Adrian's domain, nothing seemed warmer. It was odd how a few adventures changed how you thought.

"Finally, we're back in civilization and safety," said Ronald.

"Civilization, perhaps. Not sure about safety," said Estela. "There's the inn. I've drunk good ale there. We'll see what we can find."

They approached the gates of the village, and Estela banged on them. "Open the gates, will you?! Open them!"

There was a long pause. Then, a slot slid aside to reveal an elderly woman clad in chainmail. She looked at them with narrowed eyes. "Who is it?"

"It's Estela and Ronald," said Estela. "We came here before. Remember?"

"Estela?" the old woman blinked. "Squire Estela? Well, this is a surprise. When you entered the woods, I thought we'd never see you again. Much less that you'd come back with your friend in tow.

"There have been quite a few lights in the forest this week."

"That's somewhat our fault," said Relma. "Can we come in?"

"Of course, of course." said the woman. "We've had enough disappearances without you disappearing as well." She opened the postern, and they slipped in.

"We actually know what is happening to the girls," said Relma. "I barely escaped."

"You do?" asked the woman. "Well, if that's the case, you'd best tell the story in the common room of the Coiled Serpent Inn. We've got some people here. Pandora the Sorceress herself at that."

"Aunt Pan is here?" asked Relma. "I've seen her!"

As they made their way through the town, Relma noticed the buildings were blackened. They hadn't been burned but melted. This must have been where the dragon attacked before.

The Coiled Serpent Inn was a large, three-story building that loomed over the others. It had open windows, letting out a golden light. Relma looked at the coiled, golden serpent on the sign.

"Not the most friendly emblem, is it?" she asked.

"Orn, the innkeeper, his ancestors fought on the side of House Gabriel. During the Escorian Civil war, I mean," said Estela. "During the purges, they were forced to flee. House Vortegex helped them and many others escape those bloodsucking De Chevlons.

They keep the symbol as a mark of pride. So come on, let's get a drink and celebrate. I've got plenty of coins.

They opened the door and came into a bustling standard room. Several villagers were speaking with one another over tables. Most of them carried knives, Relma noted. That hadn't been the practice in the inns she'd seen back in the domain of Ronald's Father.

A balding man came forward. Orn, Relma presumed. "Good evening, young ladies. And Lady Estela. How can I be of service to you on this fine day?"

"I'll have the usual," said Estela. "And get something weaker for my friends here."

"I'll have what Estela is having," said Relma.

"You'll have what I say you should have," said Aunt Pan as she approached. She kneeled by Relma. "Relma, what are you doing all the way out here? And Ronald, too? Why did you follow me here?"

"We didn't exactly follow you," admitted Relma.

"You'd best explain. Innkeeper, bring us a hot meal," said Aunt Pan. "I will speak to my niece." Explaining the situation could have been more comfortable. As Relma did, Aunt Pan looked furious, though not at her. "You were kidnapped? How could Father have let something like that happen! The old fool! I told him to be careful, but his wits clearly fail with age!