Brian Pratt - The unsuspecting mage

Walking inside, he can immediately see that this is an upscale establishment. There are several pictures hanging on the walls, also various pieces of sculpture set in small alcoves around the common room. The tables all have linen tablecloths and are set with plates and silverware.

A man sees him enter and comes over, “Can I help you sir?”

“I hope so,” James replies. “I am looking for a bard by the name of Perrilin. He said he might be engaged here.”

“He was,” the man says.

“Was?” asks James. “He told me he would be here for about a week.”

“Yes, he was going to be” the man explains. “But the city watch came in last night and took him away in the middle of his performance. You can probably find him at the city jail.”

“Do you know why they took him?” he asks.

“No, they didn’t bother to inform us,” the man replies. “Miss Gilena was very put out that they disrupted her place in such a way. They didn’t even wait until he was finished,” the man continues, “just came up and took him off the stage right in the middle of a song.”

“Too bad,” says James. “I happen to be in need of a room and a stall for my horse. I have a boy with me, he’ll be by after a while.”

“The rooms are a gold a night,” the man explains, “and another silver for your horse. Meals are extra.” Gesturing over to the far side where a lady is stacking glasses, he says “That is Miss Gilena, she can get you set up.”

“Thanks for the help,” he says gratefully and then walks over to where Miss Gilena is busily stacking glasses.

“Excuse me ma’am,” James says as he approaches her.

Turning around she says, “Yes, how may I help you?”

“Looking for a room and a stall for my horse,” he tells her.

Looking him up and down with an expression bordering on snooty, she says, “It’ll be a gold a night and another silver for your horse.” The expression on her face clearly says that she doesn’t think he will take the room, much less be able to afford it.

James reaches in and pulls out two golds and two silvers, handing them over to her.

Upon seeing the money, her mood completely changes. Where disdain once reigned supreme, now smiles and cheerfulness rule. Snatching the money from his hand, she says, “Welcome to the Silver Bells good sir.” Reaching under the counter, she brings forth a room key and hands it to James. “We have one room left. It’s on the third floor, top of the stairs, all the way at the end on the right.”

Taking the key, he replies, “That will be just fine, thank you.”

“The stables are out back,” she says, gesturing to a door at the back of the common room. “Gunther should be out there and he’ll find a stall for your horse.”

“Thank you,” he says gratefully. “There is a young boy with me by the name of Miko who will be coming by a little later. Could you direct him to my room when he gets here?” Seeing her nod yes, he turns and goes back out the front for his horse. Miss Gilena returns to her glasses, placing the last one upon the stack.

James takes his horse around to the back and finds Gunther who soon has his horse settled in. Taking his belongings, he returns to the inn where a boy comes over to show him to his room. Taking his bags from him, the boy carries them as he leads him up the stairs to the third floor. At the top of the stairs, he proceeds down the hallway to the last door on the right and holds it open, allowing James to enter first.

The boy then brings in the bags and sets them down by the bed. He stands there looking at James, not making any move to leave. Understanding dawns and James pulls out a couple coppers, handing them to the boy who pockets them and promptly leaves, shutting the door behind him.

James settles down on one of the beds just as he breaks into a big yawn. Realizing just how tired he is, he decides to relax and rest until Miko arrives. He lays there for a time worrying about how Miko is making out, but soon exhaustion overcomes him and falls asleep.

Miko opens the door to find James fast asleep. Keeping quiet, he begins to close the door slowly until a mischievous grin spreads across his face. Realizing such an opportunity may never repeat itself, he opens the door wider and slams it shut with all his might.

Wham!

He watches in amusement as James jumps two inches off the bed and proceeds to fall over the side where he lands on the floor with a thud. Smiling and chuckling quietly to himself, he goes over and sits at the table while a startled James flashes quick glances around the room.

When his gaze settles upon Miko and the way the boy’s grinning, his eyes narrow. “Did you have to do that?” he asks angrily.

“No,” replies Miko before his grin turns into a full blown smile. “I guess I didn’t, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”

“Don’t ever do that again,” James says sternly, then mellows out and can’t help but smile himself. It was pretty funny.

“I’ve got good news,” says Miko, “and bad news.”

“What’s the good news?” James asks.

“There is an archive located near the castle, past the inner wall. Supposedly it has hundreds of books scholars come from near and far to research.”

Now off the floor, James comes over to the table and takes a seat. “And the bad news?”

“There may be a small problem with gaining access to it,” explains Miko.

“What sort of problem,” James asks.

“Well first of all,” Miko begins, “only those with business in the castle area are allowed within the castle area. If you try, they will at best turn you away, at worst take you in for questioning.”

“I see,” says James. “What else?”

“Since the Empire has attacked Madoc, their security has been doubled. Anyone caught there without a reason will be treated as a spy and taken to the castle’s dungeon for questioning.”

“Alright,” James says, “it sounds like this is the place I need to go. Any ideas on how to get in there?”

“No,” replies Miko shaking his head. “Maybe Perrilin will have an idea.”

“That’s another problem,” James explains. “He was taken by the city watch last night and most likely is in jail.”

“Great,” says Miko, “now what are we to do?”

“After lunch, I plan to go down to the city jail and find out what is going on. Until then, I suggest we adjourn to the common room and see what there is to eat.”

Never one to turn down food, Miko quickly agrees and head downstairs with James who is carrying the ever present backpack. Coming into the common room, they find an empty table next to a window overlooking the street. It isn’t long before a girl comes over to take their order. In less than a minute, she returns with two big steaming bowls filled with chicken stew, a loaf of bread, and two foaming mugs of ale.

Miko eats with his regular gusto, while James takes his time, savoring each bite. Between, and during, mouthfuls of stew Miko offers to ferret out what those on the streets may know about Lord Colerain’s presence in the city, while James finds out about Perrilin.

“Try to draw as little attention to yourself as possible,” James cautions. “We don’t need any more surprises.”

“Not to worry,” Miko assures him as he puts a last bite of stew soaked bread into his mouth, “I’ll be careful.” Getting up, he hurries across the common room and soon has disappeared out the door.

James finishes the last of his lunch while he gazes out the window, watching Miko walk down the street until he’s lost amidst the crowd of people. After downing the remaining dregs of ale he scoots his chair back and comes to his feet. Shouldering his backpack he makes for the door. Once outside he heads further into the city in the hopes of finding the jail and discovering what has happened to Perrilin. It’s not long before he spots one of the city’s constables and questions him as to the whereabouts of the city jail. The constable gives him directions and he’s quickly on his way.