"Good choice," the barkeep replied, moving back down the bar, only to return shortly with a large tankard. "Here you go. Now, who's this man you're looking for?"

Athgar decided to drop some coins on the table before speaking. "I don't know his name, but he has black hair, a beard, and a scar on his left cheek that goes all the way to his chin."

"That's a very distinctive look," offered the barkeep, a slightly nervous tick to his face, "but I'm afraid I can't help you."

"Can't," asked Athgar, "or won't?"

"There's no one here that matches that description," the man replied. "I'd like to help you further, but I have to see to my customers." He disappeared back down the bar.

Athgar, suspecting there was more to it, followed him, pushing himself between two men to once again capture the barkeep's attention. "He would have been wearing a grey tabard," Athgar persisted, "with a sword on it."

This time the man paled. "Stop asking these questions," the barkeep said. "Trust me, it'll get you nowhere. I told you I ain't seen the man. Now, get out of here and leave me alone."

The men Athgar had pushed aside gave him a dirty look, and he decided it was time to leave. He forced his way back through the crowd to emerge into the open air. The sun was obscured by clouds, and he looked skyward to see if rain loomed. So taken had he been with this new experience that he had wasted away the better part of the day, for the sun was lowering in the west, indicating that evening would soon be approaching.

It occurred to him that he needed a place to stay for the night, and so he resolved to find one as soon as he could. Looking about, he spotted a man selling loaves of bread from a cart. Athgar made his way towards the merchant, waiting as another customer completed their purchase.

"I'll take a loaf," Athgar said, offering up a silver.

The man nodded his head, handing over the bread and taking the coin.

"Tell me," continued Athgar, "can you recommend a place to stay for a weary traveller?"

The man looked at the Therengian's clothing, noting the rough-looking tunic. "I'd say the Drake is your best option," he offered, "as long as you don't mind a communal sleeping area."

"Communal?"

"Yes," the merchant continued, "you share the room with the other guests. It's not the nicest of places, mind you, but it is the cheapest."

"Thank you," said Athgar, "that will do nicely. Can you direct me to it?"