“A cult?” Odelia asked.

“Yes. A cult.” The Governor agreed. “Dedicated to Beshaba. It breeds discontent and chaos until it then brings death.”

“Is that what the black antler pendant is?” Shaynen asked. The Governor looked at Shaynen, surprised.

“The one who approached us wore such a pendant.” Odelia said. The Governor nodded.

“Find the cultist and there will be more gold.” He said.

“That probably won’t help.” Shaynen shrugged. Turning the attention to him.

“Excuse me?” The Governor asked.

“Well think about it. This isn’t a giant city or particularly great vantage point. Why strike here?” Shaynen said.He paused just long enough for the Governor to begin to speak. “I’ll tell you why. It’s easy! You’ve created an environment where a push isn’t even needed. A good stiff wind will spin this town into chaos.”

“I odn’t know if-” Odelia warned but was cut off by the Governor.

“And what would you know, boy?” He thundered. Towering over Shaynen.

“What do I need to know? Haunted, hungry faces and a single storage full of necessities? Why is it here and not somewhere that serves food? Do you have daily meals here?” Shaynen continued.

“You don’t know a single thing about running a town!” The Governor reached for his weapons, but Shaynen didn’t flinch. “What do you think you know?”

“I know a lot about going hungry.” Shaynen spoke low. “Probably a lot more than you.” Shaynen and the Governor stared each other down.

“Let’s not be hasty,” ODelia grabbed Shaynen’s arm and yanked him back. “I’m sure there was no offense meant.” The Governor stepped back, still watching Shaynen.

“There was offense taken.” He said. “But I’ll let it slide. This time.”

“Well we’ll get to work on that cultist” Cleatus said. Also grabbing Shaynen and pulling him away.

“We throw a banquet.. .Or what do they call it…” Shaynen sighed. Suddenly jovial again. “A buffet! We have a table of food and then as everyone goes by we check for the antler pendants. Easy as that.”

“You want me to put out food for everyone to just take?” The Governor asked skeptically.

“Well we would be standing there.” Shaynen defended. “We could make sandwiches! Those are easily portioned. You know what? I’ll even be here tomorrow, bright and early to help prepare the food.”

“Very generous.” The Governor said. He sighed in defeat. “Okay. Fine. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.”

“Wonderful! I will be here in the morning!” Shaynen twirled and began to leave. The party slowly turned and began to leave after him.

Together they returned to The Rusty Nail. Shaynen turned to ask who was going to be sharing a room, but Cleatus and Haagut both passed right by him and into two of the three rooms. Leaving Shaynen staring at Odelia. He smiled as brightly as he could.

“You wanna-”

“No.” She said. Turning toward the table in the corner.

“Or you could take the room. I don’t mind sleeping on the floor.”

“No.” Odelia sat in the corner and pulled down her hat. Ending the conversation. Shaynen shrugged it off and went to the last room. It was a bit gloomy but it was nothing Shaynen didn’t expect. He sat on the lumpy bed and curled up tight around his quarterstaff.

He spent most of the night wondering how disappointed Mast Ayra would be but pushed all the insecurities away. He couldn’t be sitting in the shadows of the past. He put down his things and curled into the bed. Falling asleep quickly.

---

Shaynen woke up by habit. The sun wasn’t peeking up and the colors were only just blending through the skies. Shaynen continued his morning habits with the yoga taught in his monastery. It was comforting so far from home having something consistent. By the time he’d finished, the sun was up if still hidden behind the marsh. He took up his things and walked down to the inn. Odelia was standing up and rolling out her joints.

“Goo---oood Morning!” Shaynen sang. Odelia glared at Shaynen, he shrunk back. Cleatus came down next and went straight to the bar. Haagut came down last and sat at the table with Odelia. Shaynen cleared his throat.

“I.. uhm.”He regained his confidence. “I am heading for the town hall.” His announcement went largely unnoticed. Cleatus jumped over the bar. Shaynen took a deep breath.

“I have an appointment at the town hall. You can find me there in the kitchen. Doing some ACTUAL good for this town.” Shaynen stomped his foot to punctuate his point, then he turned toward the door.

The door to the inn swung open and there was the hooded figure of Timothy.

“Oh! How convenient! WE would love to talk to you about-”

“YOU!” He shrieked. “YOU RUINED EVERYTHING! Now we’re all going to STARVE!” Shaynen’s mouth dropped open. He never got a chance to speak. Timothy pulled a dagger out of his cloak and charged at Shaynen.