After everyone’s composure is restored, the inn returns to its lively atmosphere, with light string music playing and an old Dwarf dancing along while he skilfully swings about a sparklingly colourful chain of sorts. As an eager applause spreads among the audience, the burly innkeeper places a tall jug of firecider and three mugs on their table before taking the empty seat.

“If there’s anything – anything at all – that I can help you with – anything within my power and maybe even slightly more demanding – please let me know. Really, I insist. One night of lodgings is hardly a start to fulfil this spiritual debt you have heaved upon me, my lady. It would ease my soul if I could repay you in full, but that could never happen; my daughter means the world and twice another to me, and you saved her.” He pauses to pass a mug to Iacy and then another to the knight. An attendant of the inn approaches but he shoos her away with quick nods.

“Please, at least accept my hospitality for now until you have decided on how I might settle this debt, will you? The both of you – my lady and your knight, yes? – look to be on a long journey. Take your time in Evaeba; stay here for as long as you like. I’ll make sure you are provided with the best service no one alive can afford – only for you, my lady – free of charge and no need for haggling!” He lets loose a booming laugh. Interpreting a pondering nod from Iacy as confirmation, he claps his hands cheerfully and stands up to leave. “Now that’s a start! We’ll talk more later!” He announces over his shoulder and hurries after the attendant.

The goddess looks around while sipping on her drink. “Don’t you wonder if it’s luck that somehow granted us warm beds for rest? Whether it is fortune or misfortune though, I don’t dare say. Also, it might not be a good idea to stay for more than a night, since rumours are already spreading that there’s an extraordinary mage in the city. That spell I used on the girl gave me away, because it isn’t…” She shakes her head. “Other mages won’t be able to comprehend it. People might start to wonder if we’re hiding something. Already I feel watched.”

“Then it makes more sense for you to stay longer, doesn’t it?” It is the boy who led them to the scene. “People ask a lot of questions, but my father will protect you. You saved Visbelle. We will never forget that. May I sit here, hm, my Lady?”

“Oh, go on. It must have been terrifying for you. I’m glad to see that you’re no longer worried, as glad as I am to hear that your sister is stable and resting. Visbelle is her name, correct? I’m Aiva, and this is Diastre, my companion. And yours?”

“It’s Sand, like sand. I can show you to your room if you like; my father is busy right now, but I can call for the attendants myself. After you finish your drinks, of course.” He stares at the jug as if he is looking at a bottle of frog’s eyeballs, then he sits. “If you have any questions about the great city of Evaeba, I would happily answer them in my father’s stead, Lady Aiva and Ser Diastre.” He offers with a formal tone, which prompts a smile from Iacy.

Currently masquerading as ‘Aiva’, Iacy takes a big gulp of cider just to watch the boy’s expression change and she is not disappointed. Keeping her laughter from spilling out, she brings up the solemn topic: “There is a fortress nearby. Moonmorn. I wonder if you’re the right person to ask, but have you heard anything about what happened there? We observed it from Moonfelled Hill on our way to the city and it appeared to be in…bad shape.”

“There was a huge battle there, Father told me,” he responds without hesitation, “Well, it was a group of Fireskins who told him at the counter and I overheard it. Weeks ago, I think. No one actually saw it though. It was over before anyone knew it started.” Receiving further prompting from Iacy, he clears his throat to continue. “They said there were no bodies found, and there were scorch marks and claw marks everywhere, whatever the first one means. Something to do with fire. Anyway, that’s all I know. You shouldn’t go there, my lady. It’s dangerous outside the city. It’s even dangerous insi…” he trails off, his fingers picking at his nails.

“We needn’t talk about it if you don’t want to,” Iacy suggests.

“I don’t want to,” Sand admits. Noticing the empty mugs, he straightens up earnestly. “Want to go to your rooms now? It’s one room for Lady Aiva and one more for Ser Diastre, yes? The best rooms we have. I can also ask the attendant to refill your jug and bring it up to you later if you wish.”

“That would be very nice. We’re very grateful. And…one room will do, Sand, one room with two separate beds. Can that be arranged?”

“At once, my lady.” And off he goes.

Iacy turns to the knight. “We should stay together, shouldn’t we? Much could happen. I must boast that I am the more seasoned traveller between the two of us right now.” She looks pleased with herself, but she faces away quickly. “I apologise. A joke. Come, let Sand lead the way for us again.”