For the briefest of moments, I swore I saw something of a familiar glint in his eyes, but the moment soon passed as Rowan approached me. I couldn’t help but absentmindedly hug the plate in my arms I had picked up earlier.
“Love dropping in on business that is not meant for your ears, I see…” He left me in a moment of suspense, but I knew I had to think ahead, otherwise there would be a sign hanging outside the window, reading:
WANTED
New waitress
My breath was chasing me and my blood pulsed through my veins, throbbing against my skull as my heart shrunk.
I had to act fast.
I tried feigning an expression of great shock as I stared out in front of me, past Rowan, my eyes never before as broadened.
“Oh, my...”
I had tugged on their curiosities and drew their attentions away from me as they tried to follow my gaze at that very instant. Still trying to make sense of my sudden shock, I used the chance to duck below the sword and run.
Of course, the men were immediately alerted of my escape and rapidly dashed on after me, closing in faster than I expected, but as I turned to look over my shoulder, I threw the plate. It was a perfect hit and caused Rowan to stumble back, disconcerted.
It gave me the perfect chance to run out ahead and catch some distance.
I hastily jostled past the visitors of the Sleeping Dragon’s Inn on my way out. I can honestly say that I upset quite a few people, even winning some terrible curses here and there. Nasty words, those.
I took another chance and looked back over my shoulder as I speeded by, catching a glimpse of the three hooded knights hot on my trail.
Momentarily I was wearing a short waitress’ dress alongside some tight fitting pants beneath accompanied by those delicate waitress shoes I always so despised. The dress didn’t help much, but the pants made up for it.
I slipped out at back. I was sure to stay out of reach for my own safety’s sake.
I flashed a glance at the sky above. It rained heavily, the sky being blanketed my thick storm clouds that carried shades of dark grey.
The day was busily running out and reached dusk.
It wasn’t long before I found myself to be soaking wet, but who cares?
I love the rain!
I caught sight of a lonely old wooden cart filled with a stack of straw parked nearby. I couldn’t help but instantaneously leap inside of it. I tried to cover myself, creeping deeper into the haystack, but a part of me was still riddled with unease.
As soon as the three knights exited, they were sure to thoroughly study the area for any possible sign of me.
Unfortunately, my luck ran out the soon as Thomason gradually approached the cart with the palm of his hand resting on the hilt of his sword tucked in his scabbard.
As he closed in, my heart started to race, pounding against my ribcage as I tried to hold my breath.
Genius, Carlaylin. Just friggen genius. Just look at what you got yourself into now!
I closed my eyes, afraid. I noticed the wind starting to pick up, waving some of the straw about. Thomason leaned in closer, searching the hay until he found me. We were met face to face. I gulped, eyebrows knitted into deep worry and trepidation as I expected him to yell, “Over here! Here she is!” But strangely… he didn’t. He looked right at me and returned to the call of his fellow knights in arms without as much as saying but even a single word.
“She’s gone,” Thomason reported.
“Very well,” said Rowan, “Tomorrow is a new day and she couldn’t have gone far. Let us return inside.”
The knights returned back inside.
I gave a sigh of relief, but my mind was still left with millions of unanswered questions, one of them being how he didn’t report me. It’s obvious, he didn’t see me, but… how?
Either he had very bad eyesight or had one too many to drink. Perhaps he was just plain terrible at hide-and-go-pursue. Can it be that he felt sorry for me?
Despite all, my life hanging on the line right now, I couldn’t help but think of the inn. I had to get back to work or else I would surely be fired the soon as I stepped through that door. I climbed out of the cart and dusted myself off, tossing the loose straying pieces of straw aside.
Thereafter, I quickly entered through the kitchen’s back door.
The kind-hearted, and rather portly chef, Donald, worked hard to prepare the dishes he was ordered to serve. He hopped around the kitchen and chopped some vegetables. He leaped toward the stone stove and stirred the stew. As I observed him, I slowly closed the door behind me with a faint click. The sound of the door closing attracted my little chef buddy’s attention.
“What are you doing? You’re soaking wet!”
I failed to fight back a nervous grin and grabbed the nearest dishtowel to dry myself off with.
“I just… uh… I… You know, it’s really hot in here. I just needed some rain to cool myself off.” Donald stared at me with an eye of suspicion. He was quite a big fellow and his white chef’s clothing and apron really suited him well. He had this sweet little chubby face that always meant peace. His shaved head carried a sheen from the candlelight and kitchen fires.
“Well, you do love the rain...” I threw the towel towards him.
Donald successfully caught it.
“Exactly! Now, if you’ll excuse, me I have work to do and barbarians to feed.” Donald laughed his jolly laugh.
“Isn’t that my job?” I shrugged playfully. “If you say so!” We both laughed for a moment before returning to our necessary duties. I made my way to the door that led to the inside tavern. I opened the door to enter, but immediately saw the three hooded knights back at their table.
From then on I knew that I had little choice at the matter but to play it safe.
“Donald, will it be okay if I stay in here for a while?” Donald shrugged carelessly.
“Ah, sure. No problem.”
Who says a chef doesn’t pay? I was very glad that Donald wasn’t one to care too much or else things might have started getting ugly. I could only hope that those men wouldn’t book a room. I wasn’t exactly keen on letting them find me again.
Stay positive, I thought.
They won’t spend the night.
CHAPTER 2
NOTHING MORE TERRIFYING
THAN A GIRL WITH A MUG
CARLAYLIN
OF COURSE, BY MY GLORIOUS LUCK, they decided not only to spend the night, but also to stay for a couple of days on end.
My worst fears had been realized.
Oh, this is bad… very bad for me indeed.
A few days after the chase, night had fallen over Thorodan and coated it in stars once again.
The inn was almost completely silent, despite for the few remaining customers.
The rain had subsided into only a light shower that brought a cool late night’s breeze to grace Thorodan Town.
I somewhat regretted not having the chance to listen to the clientele’s tales of heroic deeds over the past few days. I had spent most of the time hiding in the kitchen or trying to disguise myself whenever I tried to get some work done. I had realized that those men would spend the next few nights when they received a room key and number from Olaf at the counter. He was the owner of this not-so-fine establishment – the innkeeper.
Curse you, Olaf!
At least I could get some work done whenever those knights would retire for the night, even if it meant working overtime. I would rather risk insanity than get into another pursue.
I took two large mugs from the counter and handed them to the two beautiful, refined women who had recently ordered it. I was getting fairly fed up with those two.
“Thank you, dear girl,” the one thanked and pushed me away, almost causing me to stumble back and fall to the ground. Not only were they beautiful, but also very rude.
I sighed miserably. To think that this was my life. It’s quite sad actuall
y. I had no family, I worked at an inn and had to serve impolite customers that treated me like rubbish every single day. At least not all were discourteous. Some customers were really nice, like those five hairy men I met earlier this week.
I quickly grabbed a towel and started cleaning some of the messy tables.
Why did it have to be the fried chicken special today?
I was just glad that it wasn’t ‘buy a beer and get one free’ day. Let’s just say that people tend to get a tad… out of hand.
***
After a hard day’s work, the inn was finally closed for the passers by who used the inn to draw advantages out of its food court. I was just busy tying up loose ends... like cleaning every single table.
Olaf stood behind the bar area, cleaning some tankards and delicate wine glasses by spitting in them and drying them off with a worn out piece of cloth.
It was already late at night and the last customer had just left. The people who had rented rooms were all upstairs, sleeping peacefully in their… well, I don’t exactly want to say ‘comfortable’ beds...
Once again, thunder embellished the windy skies alongside a flash of lightning.
I was busily wiping Olaf’s counter clean, trying to avoid eye contact with him, when the door opened. There was a little bell located on top of the door. Whenever someone entered, it would ring its shrill ring.
A mysterious figure, undoubtedly a bit older than me, stepped in through the threshold. He seemed like at least a head taller than me.
He wore a dark robe alongside a black hood that concealed his identity under the layers of shadows it casted. He didn’t even flash a glance our way.
Both Olaf and I stared at him as he silently made his way to one of the empty tables and casually flopped down onto a seat. I was unsure of what I was to do…
Should I go ask him what he wants or just ignore him?
Truth be told, it was actually quite hard to ignore that gent. I loved mysterious people just as much as I liked crazy people. What? The world is nothing without a little bit of spice, isn’t it?
“Lad, the inn is closed. Get out of here!” Olaf demanded. The young man didn’t react in any way. He merely sat there, quietly, without saying as much as a single word. He dismissed Olaf’s remark with no physical response. Secretly, I rather enjoyed the man getting on Olaf’s nerves. It was age-old entertainment seeing that man get angry at someone.
“Lad! You… I… um… Carlaylin!”
Olaf sighed and rested his forehead in the palm of his hand, slowly shaking his head.
“Get that boy out of here. Now!” I looked at the young guy and focused my gaze on Olaf once again.
I leaned in closer to whisper, “Me? Why me? Why don’t you do it?”
“Because I am the owner of this respected establishment and I can do what I want and say what I want. Do you want to lose your food and stay privileges?”
I leisurely shook my head, dropping my gaze to the surface of the smooth wooden counter, almost able to see my own reflection staring back at me.
“Just as I thought,” Olaf retorted, “Now go! Ask the lad what he wants and get him out of here! Do whatever it takes.” I sighed, not exactly keen on doing the deed, but obeyed and went to the mysterious boy anyways. I actually wanted to make his acquaintance from the minute I saw him. He looked like a pretty interesting guy.
Painstakingly, I approached him and cleared my throat. The boy slowly turned his head and glared at me from underneath his hood.
I gulped.
The soon as his eyes met the sight of my odd necklace, he immediately took off his hood, meeting my eyes with ceaseless awe. His identity was revealed. I had never seen anyone widening their eyes as large as he did his.
The first thought that came to mind?
Not too bad looking, even if I do say so myself.
And I should know, for hundreds of men enter and leave this inn on a daily bases.
His hair was a shade of dark brown with a somewhat billowy touch, almost reaching his shoulders in length, but, yeah, that’s how I like ‘em.
Not to mention those mysterious grey eyes that looked as though they could pierce through any living soul on this damned earth.
In this case: mine!
I took a deep breath and knew it wasn’t going to be easy to say what I had to. I had scarcely been so nervous in my life. Especially since he kept eyeing that necklace of mine.
Please don’t be a petty thief. Be a knight in shining armour and carry me away from this blasted inn.
“Excuse me, sir, but the inn is closed. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
The gent stared at me in silence for a long and uncomfortable moment.
The boy’s expression was solemn as he studied me, especially eyeing that special necklace of mine.
“I just want a drink and then I’m off,” he finally answered, though, muttering.
“I… I’ll see what I can do for you.” I turned back and hurriedly returned to the counter, biting down on my teeth. It was harder than I first thought it would be.
“Olaf!” I called in a rather hushed tone, “He wants a drink and then he’ll leave.”
I could see Olaf’s blood starting to boil as his face flushed. He usually looked like an angry tomato whenever he would get mad.
Sometimes I swore he was on the verge of blowing up.
“What? No! Tell him to leave! I won’t give him that damned drink! I just finished cleaning the last glass!”
I, myself, was starting to get fed up with Olaf. I tried to feign a stern expression, mustering all of my courage in order to stand up to him once and for all since what I was about to do required a lot of that.
“NOW, Olaf!” I ordered. He gaped in disbelieve. I normally wouldn’t stand up to my boss like that, but it was about time I did. My mouth would have fell open myself if I saw what I was doing.
“Why you little-”
“Get that large arse of yours moving and get that boy a drink! I don’t care if it took you two hours to clean those mugs, but a customer is a customer! No matter who they are or how late it is. You said so yourself once, remember? Besides, didn’t you tell me to get him out of here by all means necessary? You know: ‘Do whatever it takes’?”
Olaf looked even angrier than he was before, but did take some time to try and recap the past to when he had said those words, but I didn’t fully give him the time to do so.
“Now get back to work and get that drink, Mister Olaf!” He opened his mouth to start arguing, but decided against it. It was probably best for his health… and mine.
He hated to admit it, but I did have a good point at hand.
It took a while, but Olaf finally brought the drink. I took it from him and thanked him gratefully, hoping I wouldn’t lose my job after that stunt I pulled. I swung around and went straight to the mysterious figure of a man that kept staring out the window. He didn’t seem to have paid attention to any of the drama. I figured that we were little more than ghosts to him.
I looked back over my shoulder and saw Olaf trying to simulate choking me in mid-air as though I was there to enjoy the strangling in person.
“I see you!” I scolded in a hushed whisper. Olaf stomped his foot on the wooden floor and scowled, but returned to his duties.
“Sorry ‘bout that,” I finally apologized and gave the guy his drink.
“Thanks.” His tone was rather half-hearted.
“If you are interested, there are a few rooms open to spend the night here. This is an inn after all.”
The boy stared at me with this expression that said: I really don’t care.
“I’m just saying,” I shrugged. The young man returned his gaze back to the window, watching in silence as the gentle raindrops rolled down the windowpane.
“So…” I started, dying to start a conversation, absentmindedly leaning on the top rail of the chair, hearing it creak.
“What brin
gs you to Thorodan? I can see you’re not from here.”
“Take a seat,” the boy gestured. At the same time I was very pleased and yet very cautious. I still remembered what Millicent had told me: Some may act to be your friend, waiting for the right time to strike. You may expect some to be your enemies, but are actually your true friends.
I effortlessly obeyed and sat down.
“You’re right. I’m not from Thorodan. I’m from Hayley.”
“Hayley? Never heard of the place, but perhaps it’s because I don’t get out much. So that’s quite understandable, eh?” The boy gave me a faint smile, but strangely I could see a glint of depression lingering in his eyes. Though, I knew better than to ask. I only revelled in my moment of victory with that smile.
“What are you doing in a small town like this?”
The boy sighed miserably.
“Not much. I’ve been sent here to carry out an… assignment, so to say. And by the looks of it, I’m halfway through.”
“An assignment? How interesting… Please, do elaborate.”
He gradually shook his head, his gaze failing to meet mine.
“Apologies, but I’ll only tell the one I’ve been sent to find.”
I gave a single chuckle and rolled my eyes.
“I think you’ve just explained half of it just now.”
“Guess I did,” he sighed and took another sip of his drink. He looked at me and his expression turned grim and even more serious than before. His eyes glinted as he asked, “What’s that around your neck?”
I was wondering when he would ask. He had been eyeing it since the moment I made my appearance.
When I was little, I was left on the doorstep of Millicent’s house with nothing but old ragged clothing and this necklace. It carried sentimental value to me and I never took it off. It might be the only thing I have left of my mother… I carefully touched it with my one hand.
“It’s nothing, really. It’s just a necklace,” I said as truthfully as possible.
“Just a necklace? It’s an amulet.”
Wizard of Elements Page 2
