Selene watched the exchange, once again puzzled. She couldn’t recall seeing the mountain people smile when her mother rode into their villages. The gatekeeper’s reaction to Damien moved her.

The horses’ hooves clicked as they rode across the cobblestone street. Wooden shutters lined the windows that graced the fronts of two-story homes built next to each other with no space in between. Trees devoid of most of their leaves stood on the street corners. The houses disappeared the deeper they rode into Rone, replaced with small shops, smiths, stables, local guildhalls, and a covered market area. At the end of the market stood a large wooden building three times the size of any other nearby, with an array of windows along both floors and candles lit within.

Damien dismounted and gave instructions to Karl before heading over to Selene. He held up a hand and helped her down. The moment her feet hit the ground, she let go and took a step back. She glanced at the faded sign above the door. The Bored Boar. Hopefully the inn also had a bath. Or at least some way she could wash up.

Taegis led the way inside, followed by everyone but Karl, who stayed back to see to the horses. Warmth and smoke filled her nostrils as Selene’s eyes adjusted to the bright and cheery interior. The inn consisted of one large main room, with a set of stairs over to the right that led up to a second floor overlooking the main room. Wrought-iron chandeliers hung from the wooden beams above, and dripping candles stood on every table, which were filled with a mix of farmers, travelers, and merchants.

Behind the long counter on the left, various animal skins and horns hung as decoration. A short, stout woman stood beneath them, her thick black hair pulled into a dense braid that hung over one shoulder. Her cheeks were rosy, and there was a mischievous glint to her brown eyes.

“Aye!” she hollered over the conversations and laughter around the room. “Travelers! Over here.”

Taegis led the party over to the counter.

“Name’s Mildred and I run this here establishment. What’ll you be needing this evening?”

“The gatekeeper recommended your inn,” Taegis said. “We desire food and bed for this evening. And perhaps a bath, if you have the means.”

Mildred looked over the party, her eyes lingering on Selene. Selene looked away, but she had a feeling the innkeeper knew she was a woman.

“I have all three,” Mildred said, her gaze returning to Taegis. “Might I ask who you all be, and where you’re heading?”

“Taegis, guardian for his lordship, Grand Lord Damien Maris. We are returning from our trip to Rook Castle, heading back to Nor Esen.”

Her eyes widened. “Grand Lord Maris?”

Voices within the room paused.

“Yes,” Damien said, stepping forward. “I do not need any special accommodations. Just rooms for myself and those traveling with me, as well as food and a way to wash from our travels.” He reached the counter and leaned forward. “And yes, there is a woman in our company,” he said so quietly that Selene barely caught his words. “She is my wife, but she is still adjusting to the title.”