Daughter of Hauk (The Raven Chronicles Book 1) (6 page)

Chapter Seven

            
 
A
rwenna smiled at Lexi as she giggled uncontrollably at the sight of her as a blonde. “It’s not really your color, Cousin. It does nothing to bring out your eyes,” she giggled a bit more.

Y’Dürkie sighed. “I know. It is not quite right. But ve von’t have to vorry about someone recognizink us much. Ve have been out of touch for over a month. Ve have to go into this Salsburg and try to get some information. There”, she gave a final pass with the brush through Arwenna’s hair. “That is about as good as I can make it.”

              “There’s something missing, though.”  Lexi stood up and rummaged through her pack. “I found this ages ago, Arwenna. I think it’s yours.” She handed her a small cloth-wrapped bundle.

              Arwenna took it, curiosity written on her face. She slowly unwrapped it. Inside lay a small hair comb, like one a child would use. The wood was singed in places, as if it had survived a great fire. In the center, a starburst was carved into the piece. Arwenna slowly traced the design with her fingers in awe, then looked up at her cousin. “How? Where? This was lost when the village was raided.”

Lexi sat in front of her and gently took the comb from her hand. Gently using it to pull the hair back from Arwenna’s face, she explained. “My father was amongst those who went looking for survivors after word of the raid reached us. They didn’t find anyone, but were able to give the dead a decent burial. They found evidence that at least 2 people had gotten away, but they lost the trails. He found this in what was left of one of the houses. Once the priests were able to determine you were alive somewhere, he had me keep it safe in case we ever met up.” She finished arranging her hair. “There. That’s right where it belongs.” Arwenna’s eyes teared up briefly as she gave Lexi a hug. “Welcome home, Cousin.”

              “Ahem.” The sound of Y’Dürkie’s voice reached her ears. “Ve do need to get movink soon if ve vant to reach this town before nightfall.” They nodded in agreement. What was left of the camp was packed and they resumed their journey.

              About an hour later, Y’Dürkie gave in to her curiosity. “What is special about the comb? Is it magic or somethink?”

              Arwenna smiled, and there was even some joy in it this time. “It was given to me as a child the night before the raid on my village. It was a gift from the local priests of Hauk. As long as I kept it with me, they’d be able to find me supposedly. It was forgotten in the chaos during the raid.” She sighed, “Though I wonder who would’ve found me if I’d remembered it. I think we wouldn’t be in this position if I had.”

              “Hey now, do not talk like that!” Y’Dürkie pointed a finger at Arwenna’s face. “You are not the sole reason for anythink bad that’s been goink on, and I refuse to let you think that vay. If it vas not you, they vould have found someone else to do their dirty vork and not know it.”

              Lexi chimed in, “She’s right, you know. If you really believe you’re going to have to fight these people again, or Senyan, you can’t be thinking of what if’s all day long. You are who you are, that’s it. Hauk still loves you, that much is certain. And I don’t think he’d love you if you were some evil creature that just wanted to destroy everything good in the world.”

              Arwenna let a small sigh escape.
It’s nice to have friends who have faith in me
, she thought,
even when I’m not so sure about myself
.

              “Well, if this comb still can do what its original intent was, we may be able to find some good refuge in Salsburg. If there’s a temple to Hauk there, the priests should know I’m coming and be able to help us somewhat.” Arwenna would be willing to take the aid, but Lexi and Y’Dürkie still wanted to watch her every minute, asleep or awake.

              A small movement alerted Arwenna to Lexi’s distracted walk. She kept staring off towards the mountains. Every now and then, she veered slightly off the road almost unconsciously. After the fourth time, Arwenna called a halt.

              “Lexi, what is wrong with you? You keep trying to head to the hills like you’re heading the wrong way.” Arwenna’s face was a mixture of concern and wariness.

              Lexi blinked and turned her eyes away from the mountains looming nearby. “It’s just that I miss my eagle so much. I’d really like to take some time in those mountains and see if I could find another creature to fly.” Grief over the death of her beloved eagle was clearly written all over her face.

              Y’Dürkie and Arwenna exchanged a look, silent understanding passed between them before Arwenna turned back to her cousin. “Well, then. We need to do something about that! How long do you need? Y’Dürkie and I could do what we need to do in town and meet you up that way, if you like.”

              Her eyes brightened at the offer. “Really? That’d be great!” Lexi was almost jumping up and down in her excitement. “I don’t know how long it’ll take, maybe a week or more. But Y’Dürkie’s a good tracker, I’m sure she can lead you to me once you’re rested up from town.”

              Hugs were exchanged as Lexi headed off into the woods for her trek into the mountains. Arwenna and Y’Dürkie waited for her to disappear before continuing onward.

              “Vas that really smart of us, Arvenna?” Y’Dürkie asked. “I know she is your cousin and all, but I am not certain splittink up before ve find Barek and Mialee is the best idea.”

              “She’ll be fine, Y’Dürkie. She’s good enough with her bow that she can take care of herself. Besides, we may need her in the air sooner than any of us want. Better to take the time now than regret it later.” Y’Dürkie gave in to Arwenna’s argument. Lexi could be very effective from a distance.

              About an hour before sundown, the woods began to open up to farms and a walled town in the distance. The fields showed evidence of being recently cleared and some of the homesteads were still under construction. The walls surrounding the town, while formidable, also showed signs of building.
This is a town expecting trouble
, Arwenna thought to herself. A quick glance at Y’Dürkie gave her the reassurance she sought. They needed to be cautious until they knew what kind of trouble they were facing.

              The gate stood open as they approached. Two guards straightened their stance as they entered. One turned his head to the side and called out for another. A third man emerged from the small guard box and waited in the middle of the gate for them to reach him.

              “What’s your business in Salsburg?” He asked them when they were in range.

              “Just looking for shelter for a few days, and a chance to replenish our stores for the road,” Arwenna answered calmly. “I don’t suppose you could recommend a good inn for us? We’re not familiar with your town.”

              The guard shrugged noncommittally. “Eh, we’ve got two here in town right now, though I wouldn’t be surprised if another one opened up soon. The closest one is The Dancing Fairy. Just off to the right after you get into town. They’ve got baths, if you’re wanting one.”

              Arwenna smiled gently at the guard and pressed a few coins into his hand. “Perhaps you and your friends could have a drink on me once you’re done with your shift, good sir.”

              “That’s mighty noble of you, miss. You be sure to tell them that we here sent you over. They’ll make sure no one bothers you if you don’t want the company.” He stepped aside and waved Arwenna and Y’Dürkie through the gate and into town.

              “Let’s find this inn, Y’Dürkie, and then tomorrow we can see what we can find out.” They turned in the direction the guard gave them. The directions provided by the guard led them right to the inn.

              The common room was well proportioned and showed evidence of good solid craftsmanship. Whoever had built this had paid well for it. A variety of enticing aromas wafted in from the back of the bar, promising good food from the kitchen. There were a few patrons at tables, and a stage in the far corner ready for a bard to perform. That would be a welcome treat after all this time on the road. The man tending bar stopped wiping down the counter and looked over at them expectantly.

              “Good evening, Innkeeper. I was wondering if my companion and I might be able to rent a room for a few days?” Arwenna leaned on the bar.

              “Aye, we have some rooms available. How many beds would you be wanting?” A cautious looking man, one that’s smart enough to know when not to ask too many questions.

              “Two, if you please.” Arwenna responded before Y’Dürkie could answer. She wanted her to get some rest while they were here, too. “And, if possible, would there happen to be a lock to the room?”

              “Aye, all the rooms have locks. Also have some bathhouses just out to the back. Room’s going to be two gold a night, including meals. Using the bathhouse is an extra five silver each.” He glanced up at Y’Dürkie, sizing her up a bit. “Owner’s got a rule about things here. You break something, you gotta be paying him back for it. Goes for stuff down here in the common room as much as it does upstairs.”

              Arwenna placed twenty gold down on the counter. “That should take care of us for at least the next 3 nights, with some for the bathhouse.” She paused, “And for some privacy, if possible.” 

              The innkeeper deftly picked the coin up from the counter and put it away in a pouch on his belt. “Aye, Milady. Won’t be anyone botherin’ you unless you start it up. Not many besides me and my staff that’ll even know you’re here, if you like. Now,” he turned slightly and grabbed a key off the wall, “here be the key to your room. It’s all the way up on the third floor, last door on the right. Dinner’ll be ready in about an hour. If you want it brought up, just send a message down. Got a few girls around to run it up for you if need be.” He handed the key over to Arwenna. “Grenda! Girl! Get over here, got some guests that need to be shown their room!” 

              A young girl came over from the table she was cleaning. “What room?” she asked, boredom evident in her voice. The innkeeper gave her a number and she headed up the stairs, motioning Arwenna and Y’Dürkie to follow.

              “Not often we get new women in town, though there’s been a lot more lately.” Grenda kept a steady chatter going while leading them to their room. “Most everyone in town keeps saying there’s gonna be a war, and that some allegiance between human and orc is in the works to take over someplace to the south, but I don’t believe it. Even if there is a war, it’d be a long way from here. Well,” she stopped in front of a door, and opened it wide, “here you go. There’s a rope over here, “she pointed to a rope hanging down just inside the room, “that you can pull if you decide you wanna eat up here and not back downstairs.” She handed the key over to Arwenna and walked away.

              Arwenna shut the door behind Grenda, and locked it. Y’Dürkie was already shrugging out of her pack and surveying the room. There were two large windows with a bed underneath each one. A small table sat between the headboards. A larger dresser stood off to one side, with a pitcher of water and bowl. A fireplace gaped from the wall opposite the dresser. A small table and two chairs finished off the room.

              “Best get this started before ve do much else,” Y’Dürkie said as she knelt in front of the fireplace. “I am thinkink dinner up here would be best, at least tonight.”  She glanced out the window at the rapidly fading light. “Any lamps in here that you can see?”

              Arwenna took a quick look around as she shed her own pack onto the floor beside one of the beds. Spying something on the table, she brought it over to the fireplace. “There’s some candles over here, that’ll help. Let’s get some light in here; then I’ll ring for dinner.”

              Y’Dürkie nodded. “Goink to take a look at those vindows in a minute. Do not vant someone decidink to come visit us through them during the night.”

              By the time dinner was brought to them, the fire made the room comfortable and Y’Dürkie seemed satisfied no one would be coming in during the night unannounced. Grenda brought them two trays laden with beef and vegetables in gravy, as well as a loaf of bread. Another girl followed behind her, with ale and mead. “Master Ian wanted me to let you know they’ve been getting the fires ready in the bathhouse. Should have plenty of hot water for you both in about an hour or less. It’s just off there,” she pointed out the window at a small outbuilding. Smoke wafted out of the chimney. “Oh, and you can leave your dirty clothing in a basket and we can wash it for you. Master Ian said it’d be a courtesy just for you.”

              “Thank you, Grenda. And you as well,” Arwenna acknowledged the other girl. “I noticed a stage for a bard downstairs. Is there one in residence or someone who performs regularly?” Bards were great sources of information.

              “Not really. Well, it was built with one girl in mind but she’s only here off and on. I think she’s supposed to be back tomorrow, but not sure. She’s the daughter of one of the local shopkeepers.” She paused then looked at Arwenna a little more closely. “They’re both elves, like you are. They don’t get to see many elves around here, so they’d probably like you to say hello.”

              “I’d like that as well, Grenda. Perhaps, if you’re not busy tomorrow, you could take us to his shop and introduce us?” Arwenna pressed a small garnet into the girl’s hand. “I’d much rather have someone who knows the town take us.” She smiled warmly as Grenda quickly pocketed the gem while bobbing her assent.