Finally, clear of the taller buildings, RatShambler slowed to a trot. He looked over his shoulder at the glow behind him. It was as if the sun were coming up ten hours early. The entire town was engulfed. There were streams of people leaving in all directions. “Rats from a ship,” remarked RatShambler as he turned back to watch where he was trotting. “Where to Drim?” He asked.
Grimbledung was also looking back at the town. He met Drimblerod’s eyes. “How many people do you think know the truth?” He asked.
Drimblerod looked around the wagon. “Well,” he began, “counting the people that are in the wagon or not?” Grimbledung continued to stare at his partner. “I’d say as far as important people, just Mayor Shinn.” He looked down at his hands. “That’s it. So, one.” That one he knew- he held up a finger. A howl wafted by on the hot breeze from what once was Aution. “On second thought, maybe two,” continued Drimblerod sheepishly.
The two stared at each other as the wagon bounced along. Nulu finally broke the silence, “Where do you think would be a good place to ...” She considered her words. “Hide out?”
Drimblerod looked at Nulu, “You’re going to stay with us after all we’ve put you through?” He smiled, “You are one crazy Trolless.”
Nulu shook her head, “No, no. You two owe me. And more importantly I owe you. If I left, I’d never get my comeuppance. So where to?”
“There’s always Big Julie,” offered Grimbledung. “She’s got a lot of space. We’ve got a lot of wands. Maybe we can work something out.”
Drimblerod considered this for a moment. It would be a good location. It was close enough to the former town of Aution to see how things were going there rebuilding-wise. Plus, he had an Abyssmal Box to retrieve- they were, for all intents and purposes, indestructible. He just needed the coast to be clear to sneak back into town to get it. On top of that, working the school kept the coins flowing. “If she’ll let us set up shop that may work out.” He turned to look at Nulu, “You know, she wanted to start a town around the school. If it’s a town starting up, it’s going to need an Inn.” He smiled at her, “and every Inn needs a Bar and Restaurant. And seeing as how there isn’t a town nearby anymore, she’s got a good shot at making it happen.”
Nulu considered the business opportunity. Getting in on the ground floor was always the way to maximize profits. The stickler would be Big Julie. Two strong women in one location might cause ruffled feathers. “Is Big Julie easy going? What’s she going to think of me moving in on her action?”
Drimblerod shook his head, “She seems pretty reasonable to me. She’s a real businesswoman so I can’t see her not seeing the profit of having an Inn set up shop nearby. She wants a town and you can’t have a town without an Inn. That’s what brings people around and makes them settle down.
Grimbledung smiled. The prospect of two large women in close proximity was a dream come true. “Then it’s settled!” He clapped his hands once. “We can discuss the details over some drinks,” he suggested, “Say Nulu, have you ever tried Melonchello? The last time I drank some, I lost three weeks and ended up dead. You’ll love it!”
Nulu turned and looked forward without saying a word.
Tales From a Second Hand Wand Shop- Book 1: They Were the Best of Gnomes. They Were the Worst of Gnomes. Page 75