“We’re ok.” Jack sighed turning back to me. He rummaged around in his pockets and handed me a pouch of coins, which rattled merrily.
“Jack, what-?” I began.
“Just take it.” He said closing my hand around it, “I’ll be back to see you tomorrow, okay?”
I looked at the money half heartedly then nodded, “Don’t keep me waiting.” I mumbled.
Jack smiled and kissed my forehead before waving at Samuel Bludvok and dashing from the Inn. I turned to the owner, sighed and noticed moisture in my eyes. I sniffed it back and rummaged through the coin sack.
“How much do I owe you?” I asked Bludvok.
He looked me up and down before sighing, “Just five gold coins for you.” He decided.
I handed over the appropriate amount of money, “I may stay more than one night. I’ll let you know tomorrow.” I mumbled.
“Are you sure you are all right, Miss?” Bludvok said seriously in his thick German accent.
I nodded, my throat tightening as I held back tears. I was such a cry baby lately.
“Do you think you could … pretend you never saw me? Please?” I asked in a weak voice.
It seemed Bludvok had a soft spot for fragile, emotional girls for he nodded silently and seemingly understood that I was indeed in a spot of trouble.
“I shall take you to your room, Miss.” He said, stepping around the bar and flicking through a ring of keys. I heard a bar stool slide across the stone floor behind me so I turned around and found the curly haired man who was drinking a pint, staring at me from his table. He was oddly familiar.
“I know you.” He squinted at me from across the room.
“Excuse me?” I said, rather alarmed. Who could possibly know me here?
“Yeah, yeah. I do know you!” He said getting up from his stool and staggering towards me. He was obviously slightly intoxicated.
“Careful.” Bludvok said to the man, “I don’t want to kick you out, Stone.”
The name rung a bell. A distant memory.
“You don’t remember me?” Stone said, rather disappointed.
“Never was very lucky with the ladies.” Bludvok smirked, though I thought that Stone was a very good looking lad indeed.
“You’re familiar.” I said slowly.
Stone grinned and I suddenly remembered.
“I work at the Gates of Frost Arch.” He said proudly, puffing his chest out.
“You escorted me to the Power Seer.” I recalled.
“See, she does remember me, Sam!” Stone said excitedly to Bludvok.
I forced a small smile and looked to Samuel Bludvok, waiting for him to take me to my room. He noticed my awkwardness and cleared his throat loudly.
“No funny business, yes?” He stared at Stone, “I’ll be right back.”
Toby Stone nodded and gave me an enthusiastic wave as I followed Bludvok up the wooden stairs to the left. Usually when I was in an unfamiliar place such as this I would worry about accidentally burning it down, but today was not such a case. I had no Power therefore I couldn’t ignite anything here. It was depressing. How ironic that I had wished to be rid of my Power, and only now that it was gone did I realise how much I depended on it. Irony, I scowled.
We went up two flights of stairs before we walked along a hall and stopped outside a little wooden door with the number six on it.
“This is your room.” Bludvok told me, “Here is your key.”
He handed me the little brass key which I pocketed.
“Thank you.” I said, “Please, don’t tell anyone I’m here. My friend Jack who was with me, it’s okay to let him up to my room though.”
“Of course, Miss.” Bludvok nodded and gave a little bow. It seemed he could tell something was very wrong, for I was certain he was never this polite with others.
Samuel Bludvok left and I hitched my bag higher on my shoulder before putting my key in the lock and opening the door. It was a small room, but cosy looking. Everything was a lovely rustic wood, and it was very warm inside. I heaved a sigh and placed my rucksack on the bed, before sitting down and placing my face in my hands. I really had made a mess of things.
It was certain now, more than ever, that no matter where I went or what I did, destruction and misery seemed to follow me.