Internally Driven, Ben Burton [general ebook reader .txt] 📗

pay for an honest meal at the local tavern which they would get to in just a few minutes. As they walked, they passed four farms on either side of the road, before they got to the town. There were no gates, welcome signs, or town limit lines, but they passed the first store front, a wagon maker and repair shop, that marked the end of the farms and the beginning of commerce. Along the main road, most of the shops catered to farmers and merchants needing to transport their goods into town, and to other towns. They passed a blacksmith, saddle and horse accommodations shop, a pack maker, and a packaged food vender before entering the small common at the center of town where the taverns, temporary stables, town hall, other assortment of small clothing, gift, and provisions shops, and an open market were all located. Strangely only one in three shops were open for business, and the entire open market was abandoned. They town was not abandoned however, all the farm houses they passed on the way into town had people inside, and they could hear the laughter of children from inside residence located on farms, from the outskirts of the town, and from the buildings where shops were open. No, the town was not abandoned, but the streets certainly were. If it were a local holiday, no shops would be open, but several were, though they did not seem to be doing bustling business this particular day. Thankfully though, one of the few full service taverns was open, so the brother went in.

When they walked into the Blane Inn and Tavern, there were twelve tables with four chairs each, but only one table was occupied by an older couple that looked to be very well traveled, sitting with empty plates in front of them, slowly picking at the crumbs of long finished dishes. A quite bored looking older bar-maiden was sitting at the table closest to the bar, sipping on some sort of steamy beverage. At the bar there were six bar stools, and on two near the middle, there were two young men, each drinking a mug of ale though it was fairly early in the day. The young looking man on the left was sporting a moderately disheveled look with uncombed light brown hair and wearing a typical tan warm-weather traveler’s outfit, equipped with a respectably large sword and worn dirty boots. Starkly standing out in comparison was the darker haired, marginally younger looking man at the bar dress in very clean, very costly looking clothing including a jet black pair of pants and a pristine white shirt that covered his whole upper body to the top of his neck and slightly past his wrists. His boots were shined to a mirror finish, and his face and short curly hair were meticulously groomed. The two companions were in a heated discussion about the difference between dark and light ale and which was better. The dark haired refined man was adamantly arguing on behalf of the lighter ale placed next to him. "Dark ale is only stronger in bitterness, not in alcohol! If I wanted a strong taste I would..." he abruptly turned around and stood up by his stool looking at Dirk and Drake as they stepped in from outside. "You aren't from around here." The statement was not a question. It was not a statement of scorn nor was it a statement of accusation. Rather, a small, subtle hint of surprise to in the statement. "Welcome. Come sit.

Chapter 2 – Blane Inn and Tavern

"Think you can finish up here? It's been a long day for me and I need to get home to make sure the place hasn't burned down." Lackie was not quite sure why Blane had started to go home earlier and earlier in the past few weeks, but she had taken notice and was starting to worry about him and his health. He also seemed to be lacking energy, and though he advancing in years, it was very unlike him to show his age.

"Sure. There are only a couple customers left, and I doubt we will get more than one or two more before the end of the night. Most of the people have already gone to bed to be rested for the early days this summer heat is bringing."

“Thank you Sweetheart.” Blane picked up his hat, an oversized pale leather hat, almost white, that looked as old, but also as well kept as Blane himself, and strolled out of his bar, placing it on his head as he passed through the threshold.

The sun was just starting to set, and a light orange hue was coming through the two west windows on either side of the fire place and made the inside of the bar look almost like there was a small fire lit, but without the heat. This was Lackie’s favorite time of each summer day. The orange light of the setting sun transformed the mood of the bar and signaled the days end, and though she had been on her feet all day, she was comforted by the way the sun seemed to speak to her saying “You did well today girl, relax and rest will come shortly. You have earned it.”

Farmer Mervins was still sitting at the bar, as he typically was after a long day. She never understood why he worked during the heat while all the other farmers did everything they could to avoid it, but Mervins was known for having the most successful crop and most delicious and sought after vegetables in the province. His crops were the reason almost half of the travelers that came to their town, and when they came, they bought more than just vegetables, and they stopped and bought food, drinks, and stayed a night at the inn. And for that, Blane and Lackie were grateful. Mervins had a beer most nights, but usually only one, and never more than two. He was always a pleasure to have in the tavern, normally very quiet and never bothering anyone, but when he did speak, it was always something interesting. He was perhaps the most polite man in town, and for all this, though Blane wouldn’t really consider him a true friend, he wouldn’t take Mervins’ money and those beers were always on the house.

There was only one other person in the tavern, an older woman who had arrived about 15 minutes earlier. She was sitting at a table, and only asked for a cup of water. She looked to be very tired like she had been traveling or shopping all day. She had on boots that looked to be made for travelers and hikers, a small side pack, and a large sun hat. Her clothes were worn but sturdy, and she had the look of a traveler, but not nearly enough provisions to really go anywhere, and she didn’t ask for a room. Lackie knew most of the people in town, but even as small as the town was, there were a few that had no reason to visit the inn, and she rarely left the inn, so it had happened more than once where she had met someone knew and welcomed them to town only to find out that they had lived there longer than she had.

Although there were still a couple hours before she would close down the bar, Lackie started to clean up and wipe down the bar and tables. There might be one or two random travelers or locals that would come in, but washing a few dishes was not a big chore if the rest of the closing chores were already finished. She was sure Mervins was almost done and about to head home, and at this point she was doubting that the woman would order anything else. If she were lucky, she may be able to get a small bowl of stew and sit down herself to enjoy a real dinner. On busy nights she was lucky to be able to take a few bites out of a loaf of bread between serving customers, and she knew that if she waited, she would be too tired to eat a meal after closing up. Even if she could manage it, eating late never set well on her stomach. As she wiped down the bar, as if the action were an exit queue, Mervins got up, said thank you, and walked out the door to head home to his family. She told him “It is always a pleasure serving you sir.” picked up his empty stein and washed it in the sink behind the bar, along with a few other steins, cups, and mugs that had collected over the small rush that had ended about an hour ago. As she finished up, she looked at the woman who looked like she might be asleep. It seemed to be the perfect time to go get that bowl of stew, but as she turned to go back into the kitchen, the tavern door opened and an older gentleman walked in. He looked straight at her and walked towards her with definite purpose. Shooting him a huge smile, she said, “Welcome to the Blane Inn and Tavern. Is there anything I can get for you?”

Not slowing his pace at all, he replied, “A room and loaf of bread is all. Thank you.” When he reached the bar, he placed silver coins on the bar, then turned and walked to the older woman, who had not stirred at all. He went up to her and tapped her shoulder waking her. She jumped a little and then settled back down. “We need to get some sleep. Come on.” He helped her up and she leaned on him as he brought her to the bar.

Lackie quickly picked up the coins and went to the kitchen to grab a loaf of bread. When she returned the older couple was standing at the end of the bar. She handed the loaf of bread and two of the silver coins to the man. “Rooms are one silver, and all meals are free when you stay with us. Your room is at the top of the stairs, third room on the right; room 6.”

“Thank you” he repeated, taking the coins back and placing them in his pocket, and the two slowly climbed the stairs.

…to be continued...

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