Willowy Inn

They traveled down the road that the girl had shown to them, passing by a few houses before they came to a house with the inscription; 'Welcome to Willowy Inn'

''I think it's here. '' Yuri announced. She was already worn out from the journey and just wanted to rest her head. Everyone came down from their horses and walked towards the house. It was a two-story house, and it looked deserted. The wooden sign rocked back and forth as they approached, not a human in sight.

Dai knocked on the door, but no one answered. He knocked a few more times, and yet there was no answer.

''I think we should leave this town. I don't have a good feeling about it. '' Shane spoke and everyone looked at him.

''The next town is approximately 30 miles from here, and it is already dark. We just have to do with this. We're leaving at first light, so keep your fears at bay. '' Nyx said, and before Shane could say something else, the doorknob moved and the door opened;

A middle-aged woman stood on the other side and when she saw them she beamed;

''I'm sorry for keeping you all waiting. I was sleeping and did not hear the knock just now.'' she said and opened the door wider; ''Come in, you must have come from a far place. '' she said with a smile as she led them into the house and shut the door.

Shane looked around the inn. A few wooden chairs covered in fine leather were placed by the corners.

There was a wine bar, with large wooden cups placed upturned on it. On the walls hung the horns of animals of which, Shane wasn't quite sure. The inn smelt a little putrid. It was slight, almost undetectable, but Shane could smell it, and he looked at the others, but it didn't seem like they could smell it as they all looked okay.

Nyx nodded; ''yes, do you perhaps have any empty rooms? ''

''Of course we do! How many rooms do you want?''

''Two rooms please.'' The woman nodded and pointed at the stairs; ''Come this way, I'll take you to the rooms we have, and you'll make your choice. ''

The woman led them up the stairs and showed them a few rooms. Nyx finally picked a moderate room for her and Yuri. While Dai chose the room just opposite theirs for the boys.

''How much for the rooms, please?''

Nyx inquired, and the woman raised her hand, signifying the amount; ''Just 8 raisers. '' she said. Nyx frowned, ''for the two rooms or just one?''

''Oh;'' the woman chuckled; ''we are having a deal this weekend, so the price of the rooms has been decreased. It normally would have been 16 raisers, but you guys are lucky!''

Nyx counted the money and handed it over to the lady.

''Your water and towels are already in the rooms. Do you need anything else?'' She asked and Nyx shook her head;

''Thank you. ''

''Alright, there is free dinner on the house for first-time customers. Go in and get comfortable. I'll have the boys bring it to you when you've freshened up. ''

The woman's demeanor was a little too friendly. Shane did not feel comfortable at all, but what could he do when the higher-ups had said nothing?

''Thank you. '' Nyx said, and the woman left. After she had gone, she turned to the others; she wanted to say something but saw the look on Shane's face;

''Shane, why do you look like that?'' Nyx asked him but Shane immediately shook his head;

''It is nothing.''

''Don't worry, you can talk,'' she said, easing the frown on her face;

''It's just that I smell something terrible around here, and that woman makes me uncomfortable, '' he explained.

Nyx was quiet; ''does anyone else smell something?'' she asked the others, and they all shook their heads in the negative.

''I see. Since Shane is the most afraid among us, he is going to keep watch for the night.''

''What? ''

Shane asked, looking confused on how voicing out his thoughts had landed him staying awake throughout the night.

''Yes, the best person to keep watch is the one who is most terrified. You're too scared to sleep anyway, so put that time to good use.''

Shane couldn't even oppose it. He had brought it upon himself.

''We'll leave at the crack of dawn so we can get to Azman by tomorrow and hopefully make it back soon enough. You can retire for now. ''

They all went to their respective rooms, and Shane sighed. Perhaps, he should have kept his mouth shut. It wasn't like there was anything different they could do, anyway. They were already there, and it was becoming dark. It was impossible to leave.

Sky chuckled when they entered the room as he slapped Shane on the shoulders; ''Good luck being a security man for the night. Keep good watch over me while I snore away in my sleep. '' Sky laughed, making fun of him.

''Stop laughing, it's not funny; ''

''But it's your fault. You know it's already dark and there's nothing we can possibly do now, and yet you went to rant to Nyx about how uneasy you were feeling. '' Sky laughed;

''don't worry, you can ditch and come and sleep. If nothing happens, no one would scold you by morning.'' Sky said, patting his friend's back with a grin on his chin. Shane wondered if he was really consoling him or still laughing at him.

''Can we take turns, please? I don't want Nyx to be mad if she comes out and find no one keeping watch in the middle of the night. '' Shane pleaded and Sky smiled;

''Well, you're my friend. I cannot let you stay awake all night. I'll take turns with you on one condition.''

''What is it? ''

''That if I'm asked to keep watch tomorrow, you'll take turns with me. ''

''Okay, deal.'' As far as Shane knew, half-sleep was better than none.

They took a quick bath. The water was quite cold as winter was getting closer, but Shane managed it. As he stepped out of the bathroom, there was a knock on the door.

Sky stood up and opened it, and three little boys walked in with trays of food.

They placed them on the table and left as quickly as they came.