“As you say. Oh, if this is your hometown, don’t you have some place to stay? A house, or something?”
“My mother lives outside of town, so staying at the inn will be more convenient. I could also stay at the church, but I’d rather have some time to rest before I report to the high priestess, the Archioness. These rooms may be small, but compared to the chapterhouse, they’re practically palatial."
The beds appeared comfortable, enticing Aiden to immediately shuck his boots and lie down to rest his weary body. Pacian was already lying face-down in his dirty leathers, snoring contentedly. Aiden relaxed on the bed, and it wasn’t long before he drifted off to sleep, still fully clothed.
* * *
Aiden started awake, the nightmare from the cave haunting his dreams once more. He held his eyes tightly shut for a moment as he slowly escaped the dream and remembered where he was. A chill and bitter gale was rattling the shutters on the window, and the sounds of the bustling community outside were a constant background noise.
The presence of people nearby was comforting, helping Aiden calm down and catch his breath. Pacian was snoring loudly, so Aiden slowly arose from the bed, put on his boots, and moved quietly out the door without waking him.
The polished wooden halls of the inn were freezing cold; he headed straight for the common room and its huge fireplace. When he entered, Aiden was somewhat startled to see the scattered remains of several chairs and last night’s patrons sprawled haphazardly around the room.
Curiously, a few locals were enjoying their breakfast amid the destruction, as if nothing were amiss. Seeking to fit into this strange new culture, Aiden moved towards the bar, picking his way carefully among the comatose patrons so as not to step on any delicate areas. The bartender this morning was a plump young woman wearing a frilly red dress and a rosy-cheeked smile.
“Morning, young master,” she greeted Aiden as he sat down on an unoccupied and still-intact stool. “Can I get you something?”
“A plate of whatever you have for breakfast,” he ordered. “Is this a regular occurrence?”
“Breakfast?” she asked, seeming confused. “Happens around about this time every morning, last time I checked.”
“Ha, yes; actually, I was referring to the wreckage,” Aiden clarified.
“Oh, that,” she said, as if she hadn’t noticed the current state of the common room. “Maybe once a week, depending on how long some crews have been at sea.”
A reflective look crossed her cherubic features. “Not sure what started this fight, though. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves for most of the evening. Anyway, let me get you something to eat, handsome.”
Aiden leaned back against the bar while he looked with amusement at a few of the locals, slowly rising like the dead from the grave, groaning and clutching their heads. From amongst the wreckage of a table, a familiar figure emerged. Aiden cracked a grin when he saw it was Colt, beaten and bloodied but still in one piece.
“That’ll show the bastards,” the big man croaked, shambling towards the stairs, completely oblivious to Aiden’s presence.
When his plate of food arrived, he focused on his meal and thought briefly about the close proximity of the old dwarven city of Ferrumgaard, only a few days’ travel west from Culdeny. He’d almost forgotten about it in the chaos of their journey here, but with supplies finally making their way south to Bracksford, the old city beckoned to him. Although it must have been looted many times in the last century, part of him still hoped the strange cube he sought was buried somewhere in its murky depths.
“I’m looking for some information,” he said quietly to the cherubic girl. He pushed a silver noble towards her on the counter, enough to pay for ten drinks. “Do you know anyone familiar with the old city of Ferrumgaard?”
The woman took the silver piece and appeared thoughtful. Before she could answer, a short, bearded man sitting a little further along the bar spoke up.
“Sorry, but I couldn’t help but overhear. Yer wantin’ to know more about Ferrumgaard? I can help ye out with that.”
“Yes, that man right there,” the bartender pointed, quickly pocketing the coin, and looking as innocent as she could manage. “Glad to help; I’ll be out the back cleaning if you need me.”
Before Aiden could protest, she was already scurrying through the door to the kitchens. The short man laughed.
“Typical woman, takes a man’s money then runs off,” he chortled. “But ya didn’t want to hear about women, now did ya, lad? Nay, it’s Ferrumgaard what’s on yer mind, and I’ll tell ya what you want to know. The name’s Clavis MacAliese.”
“Aiden Wainwright. Good to meet you,” Aiden said, getting off his stool and moving over to shake the man’s hand firmly.
“So, Aiden, what’s yer interest in the fallen city of Ferrumgaard?” Clavis continued, sipping ale from a large tankard. “Nobody goes there and returns the same, y’know. Changes a man — makes him see his own mortality.”
“I have an interest in the historical aspects of the place,” Aiden carefully explained. “Specifically, some research that was being done before the city was abandoned. Tell me, how familiar are you with the layout of the old city?”
“I’m well acquainted,” Clavis assured him, “having lived there as a lad. Also, I visited there not two years ago on me own little expedition. Didn’t make it past the third level, afore I ran into some difficulties, but ya won’t find anyone more qualified to guide ya through the depths of ol’ Ferrumgaard than I.”
Aiden gave him a doubtful look. “Wait a moment; you said you were there as a ‘lad’? That city was destroyed a century ago.”
“That surprises ya?” Clavis chuckled and wiped the foam from his beard. “I’m a hundred and twenty-three years old, I’ll have ye know. We clansmen are long lived, compared to you longshanks.”
“Oh, you’re dwarven,” Aiden exclaimed, suddenly making the connection. He glanced down at Clavis’s feet, and noticed they were much higher off the ground than his own. “Sorry about that, sir; I haven’t met one of your kind before. I was expecting something ... shorter.”
“This must be a real thrill for ya,” Clavis joked, drawing a short laugh from Aiden.
“You mentioned running into some difficulty,” he pressed, keeping the conversation on topic. “What exactly does that mean?”
“Well, ya know, an ancient underground city and all. Not exactly in the best condition. Ran into a few collapsed sections that slowed down the expedition. We were about done cuttin’ through the rock when we ran out o’ supplies, so had to turn back. It won’t be a problem, lad, if that’s what yer thinking. So long as we’ve got enough provisions, that rock fall won’t be an issue this time.”
Though he realized there was a chance that nothing related to his relic had survived all these years, Aiden suddenly couldn’t bear the thought of not visiting the once-great city. The dreams he experienced twice a week wouldn’t let him forget that fateful day in the cave.
“Do you think it’s likely the lower levels have all collapsed?” Aiden pressed, with unintended intensity. Clavis seemed to notice this, shifting backward in his seat a little.
“I doubt it, mate,” the dwarf explained. “Me people knew how to build these things to last, even if a couple of columns have fallen over the past century.”
“So, it’s possible to bypass any obstructions to get below?”
“Most definitely,” Clavis assured him. “I look on me past attempts as test-runs, and now I’m ready to crack this thing wide open and get what I came for.”
“Good, that’s good,” Aiden muttered, feeling a measure of relief at this. “If I might ask, what’s your interest in the old city?”
“I’m looking fer a family heirloom that was lost during the fall,” Clavis explained. “Much was left behind on that fateful day, most of it in the lower sections o’ the city. It’d be good to bring it back and return it to Stonegaard, where it should be.”
“That’s your new
mountain home, yes?” Aiden confirmed, receiving a nod from Clavis. “I think our goals might be compatible. I’ll have to talk it over with my companions, who may or may not wish to join in.”
“Oh, ye’ve got some friends? That’s even better. I was gonna poke around for a few more to join the expedition, but if yer mates come along, that saves me the trouble.”
“Well, as I said, I haven’t asked them yet, so I’ll have to get back to you a bit later,” Aiden reiterated. “Are you in a rush to set out?”
“Well, I’d like to get movin’ in the next few days,” Clavis replied, tugging his beard thoughtfully. “But truth be told, I haven’t been able to find anyone else interested in me little underground expedition besides yerself, so I’m thinkin’ I’ll be available for the next month, if nobody else comes along. Still, I’d like an answer in the next few days, if ya could, lad, out o’ politeness.”
“I am nothing if not polite,” Aiden assured him. “I’ll probably get back to you by tomorrow, if all goes well, as I have a few things to attend to … and you look like you’re incredibly busy right now.”
Clavis roared with laughter. “Yer all right, longshanks. I’ll be here, as I have been for the past week, when yer ready to talk some more.”
“Wait, were you here through last night’s brawl?” Aiden asked as he was about to leave.
“Of course,” Clavis replied, quaffing his drink. “I wouldna’ miss a good brawl.”
“How is it you’re not injured? Everyone else here looks like they’ve been through a war.”
“A good bar fight takes practice, lad, and I’ve had a few extra decades to learn a trick or two,” Clavis explained with a wink. “Not that I go around starting fights, mind you; I just tend to be the one that finishes ’em.”
“Did you finish this one?”
“Surely did,” the dwarf assured him. “Laid out some sailors who were enjoyin’ themselves a bit too much. They were havin’ a go at some big brute in camouflage leathers, suggestin’ his mother was a bear. Why?”
“Oh, no reason,” Aiden replied, struggling to keep a straight face. He was heading towards the front door of the Seaspray Inn when Nellise, Pacian, and Sayana came down the stairs.
“Good morning,” she greeted him. “You and Pacian should get some breakfast and bathe before we visit the mayor’s office. The same goes for you, Sayana. Come with me.”
They parted ways, and after his bath, Aiden did feel a lot better, as if he’d washed away much of the recent turmoil he had experienced. He didn’t linger on thoughts of their battle on the highway, though the look on the face of the first man he’d killed would probably haunt him for the rest of his days.
After he’d dressed, he knocked on the door across from his, where Pacian had gone for his own bath. “You done in there?” Aiden called.
“I’d rather stay warm a while longer than talk to some bloated politician,” Pacian called back. “I’ll meet you later.”
Unsurprised by Pacian’s choice, Aiden headed out and followed Nellise’s advice, buying some new clothes to spruce up his appearance before he rejoined the ladies on the street a little while later.
They expressed their approval as Aiden fell into step with them on their way to the mayoral offices. Sayana was clean from top to toe for the first time since they’d met, and Aiden thought to himself that she looked like a new woman.
Her red hair was curly and had a spring to it, cascading down her shoulders. A smattering of freckles adorned her face, and large, bright green eyes looked at her surroundings with growing confidence.
Nellise pointed out a few features of interest, mostly for Sayana’s benefit, and Aiden noted that the two women seemed to be bonding quite nicely. Nellise had a thing for helping people in need, and Sayana was very much a fish out of water in this urban environment.
Nellise guided them toward a huge, elegant building in the crowded market area of the town, an old mansion that had been converted into an office. It dominated the town square, and was easily the most expensive building Aiden had ever seen. There were signs of recent work on the house, and it positively gleamed in a town full of plain, homespun accommodation.
“I guess someone has money to throw around,” Aiden observed dryly, a little disgusted at the garish display of riches.
“Were you expecting a nobleman to be modest with his wealth?” Nellise said. “At least he’s spending his money around town. He is no better or worse than the rest, though I still find dealings with all people of means to be a little distasteful. Let’s get this over with, shall we?”
Without further delay, they strode up the stairs and walked inside.
Chapter Seven
Two guards standing inside the doors scrutinized them carefully as Aiden and the women went past. A long hallway, lined with paintings and plush chairs, led to a pair of finely gilded double doors, open to reveal a large room beyond. Judging by the colorful language coming from within, the mayor probably wasn’t aware he could be overheard.
There were several people in the hallway awaiting their time to speak with the head of the town, some of them members of the town guard, who were unshaven and appeared near exhaustion. Among them, much to Aiden’s surprise, was Colt, sitting in one of the chairs right next to the doorway.
Feeling self-conscious, Aiden quickly led his two companions past other waiting people before they could protest. Sayana held back for a moment, clearly nervous about being in a room packed with people, but Nellise coaxed her inside with gentle reassurance.
Colt was slumped in his comfortable chair, still looking hung over from last night’s entertainment. He glanced up briefly as Aiden stopped in front of him, and then continued looking down at the floor, shielding his eyes with the raised hood on his cloak.
“You tryin’ to cut line?” he said, voice grating. Aiden was sure he didn’t intend to sound mean and dangerous; the words were simply coming out that way.
“That depends on what you’re doing here,” he replied. “Truth be told, I was expecting you to be asleep right now.”
“I got sleep last night,” Colt corrected him.
“On the floor of the common room?”
“You’d be surprised how comfortable a pile of fat drunks can be. And to answer your question, I’m here to speak with His Mayorship, probably same as you’re doing.”
“Looking like that?” Nellise asked, amused and shocked at the same time.
“I’m a ranger; we’re expected to be covered in muck.”
“I was referring to your bruised and bloodied face, actually.”
“I figure it’ll help back up my claim that it’s getting rough out there,” Colt said with a shrug. “Assuming he doesn’t faint at the sight of blood, of course.”
“Well, we’re coming in with you, then. We’re with him,” Aiden added for the benefit of a scowling farmer sitting next in line from the ranger. There were no spare seats for them, so they stood in the middle of the hallway and waited their turn. Sayana idly picked at her new clothing and shifted her shoulders, trying to get comfortable in her strange new garments.
“Bugger this,” Colt eventually grunted, and stepped into the mayor’s office. Shrugging, Aiden followed along cautiously, wondering how long it would take for the guards to be called.
An officious little man was standing close to the door and quickly moved to block their entrance. “You must wait your turn, sir!” he complained.
Colt didn’t reply, instead focusing his attention on the pair of gentlemen behind the little man. One of them was large, balding, and dressed in a gold-embroidered blue longcoat, with a large upstanding collar, who appeared to be talking to an old farmer.
“I’m sorry sir,” the official apologized to the mayor. “They just barged in. Shall I call the guards?”
The mayor gave them all an irritated look. “No, I enjoy hordes of unwashed peasantry tramping through my office. You interlopers had better offer up a good reason for this intrusion.”
“My apologies to you sir, and you, Your Honor.” Nellise spoke just as Colt was opening his mouth. “This is an important matter regarding security on the highway to the south.”
The mayor looked at her for a few moments, and then nodded to his associate. “You may speak, miss, if only to give me a brief respite from these damnable common folks.”
The small official bowed, and quickly ushered the surprised old farmer out of the chamber. “Mister Colt and … er ... party, Mayor Buchanan will see you now,” the official declared lamely.
“‘Mister Colt?’” Nellise remarked quietly. “I thought Colt was your first name.”
“What kind of a first name is Colt?”
“That’s what I said to myself when I first met you,” she responded lightly.
“I do apologize if I am interrupting, but will you kindly get to the point,” the mayor almost shouted.
“A small matter, Your Honor,” Aiden began, his tone carefully deferential. “Mayor Olaf of Bracksford requests additional soldiers for his garrison, and for that of Coldstream as well. There is an imminent threat of Akoran raiders moving up from the south, and he feels they do not have the—”
“No, they cannot have any troops,” Buchanan interrupted impatiently. Then he leaned over and shouted down the corridor. “Neither can any of you! I can spare no further men-at-arms for outlying villages, so you parasites can scuttle back to where you came from.”
A collective groan went up from more than half of the assembled men and women, as they tiredly rose from their seats and shuffled out of the door. Nellise’s brow furrowed slightly, offering a hint as to her apparent disapproval.
“That was downright cruel,” Colt growled. “Those people came here expecting help, the kind what’s armed with bows and swords.”
Buchanan straightened his expensive coat and stood tall, making his ample waist more pronounced. “You may think of me as you wish, but my first duty is to this town and the people within her walls. Better that a few suffer, if it means the greater number remain safe.
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