p-Mayard and Rhiann jumped down from the wagon. Longbeard, Cecelia Darktop, and Iyaca Vassi watered the halvsies. Two Kobolds wandered out the tavern door. Longbeard held back both his guards and disdain from the gnarly goblin-like folk. The brace of Kobolds walked briskly across the enceinte and exited the trading post. The tavern staff busily scurried around and served patrons of many ilks. Madam Darktop and Longbeard bartered for the rooms Longbeard had reserved earlier when they stopped in route to the mine camp. Rhiann marveled at the diversity of the forest folks. Kobolds entered with fresh fish, game, nuts, and fruits. The barkeep paid the Kobolds, who nervously walked past the Gnomes. The encounters only produced a few insults. Jack Taylor’s guards closed the gates at sundown. Longbeard and Cecelia finished a hearty dinner and warmed by the fireplace. Longbeard’s guards ate in shifts. When the first group finished their meals, they relieved their colleagues, who were guarding the wagons. p-Mayard, Cecelia Darktop, and Longbeard indulged in a mug of ale. Rhiann and Iyaca took in tales the threesome shared by the roaring fire. The proprietor Jack Taylor sauntered into the tavern, stared at the party for a time, and then came over to the table with refills. Longbeard Nineteen-names relayed Burgomaster Storming Norman’s message. Jack Taylor barely acknowledged it and went into stories of increased lawlessness in the area and its threat to his livelihood. Longbeard allowed Jack’s clientele brought with it risk. Madam Darktop quickly tired of the conversation and asked about their accommodations. Jack Taylor gave Madam Darktop a room he used at times… for a price, of course. Cecelia excused herself and went up the narrow stairs in the back of the room. Longbeard organized watch shifts. p-Mayard stretched. expressed his fatigue, and suggested everyone retire. they still had a day’s journey to reach Dry Creek with the heavily laden wagons.
p-Mayard stood. Rhiann and Iyaca took it as their cue to made ready for bed.
Jack Taylor placed a strong hand on p-Mayard’s shoulder and said, “Could we talk for a bit?”
p-Mayard reluctantly agreed and said, “Rhiann and Iyaca, go on to bed. I’ll be up in a while.”
Jack Taylor said, “You are not Mayard Klarje.”
p-Mayard replied, “And you are not Jack Taylor.”
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