Eyes widening, the woodcutter asked, “Truly?”
“That’s right. Supposed to meet them at the inn.”
Reneeke added, “Is there but one inn?”
The woodcutter nodded. “That’s right. The Laughing Oak. Can’t miss it.”
“How much further?”
“Less than an hour.”
“Thank you,” Reneeke replied, giving him a nod. Then he and Jaikus passed through the area he had already cleared and got up to a gallop.
“An hour and we’ll be on Adventure number three.”
The trip was proving a bit much on the not-yet recovered Reneeke. He would rather have an ale and sleep the night away than embark on another Adventure.
The leagues flew by. When at last homes appeared among the trees off in the distance to either side of the road, they knew they were getting close. Shortly after that the road opened up onto a village square.
People were out and about going about their daily routines. Most were simple country folk and tradesmen. The homey scene made Reneeke a little homesick.
“That must be the inn,” Jaikus announced.
Coming out of his reverie of home and family, Reneeke saw the three-storied building occupying a prominent position on the square’s northern side. To its left was a stable and on its right a chandler’s shop.
Growing within a stone ring before the inn stood an old oak tree. At about eye level was a squirrel hole and above it two old knots marring its surface. Taken as a whole it appeared as if the tree was laughing.
“I can see where it gets its name.”
Jaikus nodded.
Stopping before the inn, they tied their horses to the post and went inside.
“We’re here!” Jaikus announced as they walked in through the front door.
Every eye in the place turned toward them. More than a few cast looks of annoyance their way.
“Well, aren’t we the lucky ones,” said an old man leaning against the wall not far from the door.
“That you are, my good man,” Jaikus replied completely ignoring the lacing of sarcasm flavoring the declaration.
“And who might you two be?”
“Why, we are Jaikus and Reneeke, brave Adventurers of renown.”
The old man eyed them up and down. “Never heard of you.”
A few of the nearby patrons laughed.
Bristling, Jaikus was about to launch into what was sure to be an extended explanation as to why they were renowned and why they were lucky to have them there when Reneeke laid a hand on his arm.
“Excuse us,” he said and steered his friend toward the bar.
“I’m sure our patrons would not want their business aired in public.”
Jaikus took on a hurt look. “I wasn’t going to say anything about why we’re here, Rene.”
“Anyway, we need to leave word with the barkeep. Let’s do that and get a room while we wait for them to contact us.”
“Good idea.”
The barkeep scowled at them as they approached. His mood didn’t improve when Jaikus slapped the counter and asked for a couple ales.
As he readied the drinks, Reneeke informed him that they were friends of Robert and Rupert. He slid a silver across the counter and asked if he could send word to them that they had arrived.
“Robert and Rupert, huh?” the barkeep asked then took the silver.
Reneeke nodded. “That’s right.”
“You the boys from the Guild?”
Chest puffing out a little, Jaikus replied, “That we are. We forged through many hardships and troubles to get here. So if you could let them know we have arrived?”
Setting the two mugs on the counter, he said, “No need.”
“What? But they said that we were to come here and leave word,” Jaikus argued. “So we would like you to let them know we have arrived. There be things afoot that need settling if you know what I mean.”
The barkeep eyed him, then reached under the counter and produced a small pouch. The jingling of coins could be heard when he laid it on the counter.
“What’s that?”
“For your troubles,” the barkeep replied. “Now get out.”
“What?” exclaimed Jaikus.
Reneeke laid a calming hand upon his forearm while keeping his gaze upon the barkeep. “I don’t understand.”
Keeping his voice low, the barkeep said, “Circumstances have changed since they first contracted with you. They no longer require your services.”
“Then what’s this?” Jaikus asked somewhat irritatingly as he gestured to the pouch.
“Ten percent. It’s the standard fee when a contract has been canceled prior to embarking upon it.” He turned his gaze to Jaikus. “Being Adventurers of renown, one would think you would know that.”
“I don’t think I like…,” Jaikus began before Reneeke said, “I take it the body was recovered?”
“And those who did the deed have been dealt with.”
Taking the pouch, Reneeke said, “Thank you. Come on, Jaik.”
“But…” he said as Reneeke tried to draw him away from the bar, “do you have any idea what we went through to get here?”
“I don’t see how that matters. The contract is no more. Now, take your percentage and go.”
“Jaik, they don’t need us,” he said in an attempt to diffuse the situation. “We should go. Five golds is better than nothing.”
Jaikus and the barkeep glared at each other. One wanted the other gone, the other wanted the first to show the proper respect.
Just then a melody from the common room made itself known. It was a snappy tune with many flourishes.
“…his friend went down and Jaikus stood his ground, yet the troll kept a comin’…”
Reneeke grinned. “Jaik…”
But Jaikus was paying him no heed.
“…You shall not have him! Cried the swordsman to the troll. He hacked at the beast, not scared in the least, and braced for what was to follow…”
Shaking his shoulder, Reneeke broke Jaikus’ concentration. “He’s singing about us, Jaik!”
“What?” he asked, confused. Turning to Reneeke, he saw him pointing to the common room.
“The bard.”
“…though claws raked his chest, he did his best, to save the life of his friend…”
All thoughts of the irritating barkeep vanished as he realized the bard was singing of when he had faced down the troll on their journey back from retrieving the reagents from the mossback. As the bard continued with the heroic battle, Jaikus found his way to the common room, took a seat and listened.
He was famous. What he had wanted more than anything in the world has happened. A bard was singing about him.
Reneeke patted him on the back, and then joined in with thumping the table during the chorus as many others were doing.
Jaikus merely sat there enthralled as the song played out. After the final note hung in the air and faded away, he was out of his seat and heading to the bard.
When he introduced himself and then began telling the bard of their latest exploits, Reneeke sat back and ordered another ale for he knew they’d be there a while. Their next Adventure would have to wait.
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Caravan to Kittikin Page 23