Longbeard added, “Taylor runs a tight ship. His guards threw the fighting dwarf and kobold outside when we were stopped on the way to the mines. Sharing his space requires leaving conflicts at the door.”
Rhiann asked, “What happens if another fight breaks out?”
Longbeard laughed and answered, “Then Taylor will knuckle some heads. He’s a stout bloke and keeps some mercenaries on payroll. Don’t look at them too closely, Mayard. Most have prices on their heads in Thynna.”
Iyaca said nervously, “Will the Man in Black be there?”
Longbeard said, “If he is, I’ll take exception to Taylor’s ‘no fighting’ rules.”
Cecelia Darktop said, “The last info we had placed the Fearsome Foursome east of Gnome-town. They frequent the roads where the greatest wealth travels. Makes sense. They are highwaymen. Their activity and reports of kobolds again massing together have lead my mate the Burgomaster and my brother Albie to request the additional weaponry from my brother Roswell. The suns are dipping. We don’t want to travel at night and camp in the woods. Jack’s Refuge does have a palisade, though it keeps us inside with insalubrious blokes. You’re awfully quiet, Mayard.”
p-Mayard answered, “I’m just listening. Jack Taylor keeps some pretty good mead on hand. The wagons carry much heavier loads. The animals need rest.”
The little caravan crossed tobacco fields and went up and down two hills and came upon the grassy area that surrounded Jack’s Refuge. A stream traversed the large field. To the left of the road stood the way station’s wooden palisade with a guard tower and open gate. Four men armed with longbows watched from the bartizan. p-Mayard guided the phi gamms to the gate. On both sides of the gate small gate towers were occupied by a single grizzled guard. The guards kept bows trained on the approaching wagons. Cecelia Darktop grudgingly parted with Jack Taylor’s cover fee and the group entered. Diverse folks milled about the small quadrangle. Most shied away from the contingent of Gnomes. p-Mayard and Cecelia Darktop drew the most attention. Mayard Klarje frequently stopped at Jack’s Refuge on his journeys and Madam Darktop commanded attention everywhere she went. p-Mayard guided the phi gamms to the small livery. The stable masters attended the beasts of burden… for a price. Madam Darktop again grudgingly obliged.
Longbeard Nineteen names barked commands, “Stay alert! This is not Gnome-town! I want six guards on the wagons at all times.”
benjamintowe 