The woman chuckled. “All these cowards runnin’ from the shadows like they’re goin’ to grow teeth and nip at their heels.”

“You’re not afraid of the nightdemon?”

“Nah. If it comes for me, the brute might be surprised when I bite back.” With that said, she cackled gleefully to herself. “Now git where yer goin’. The shadows mightn’t be dangerous, but what lives in ’em is.”

The proprietor of The Milky Udder was snoring fiercely with his face planted on his desk when they entered his door. When the door closed behind them, a small but loud bell announced their arrival, jolting the man from sleep with its overzealous tinkling. He wiped a line of drool from the left side of his mouth as he stared at them with wide eyes magnified by rather thick spectacles. A hat with a narrow brim was tilted at an angle atop his head to hide a badly receding hairline. The rest of his face was red and puffy, dark circles having taken up residence beneath his eyes.

“You’re…here,” he said, his lips wagging several times more than was necessary to speak those two simple words. He scanned their faces, cringing slightly upon seeing their golden markings.

“Indeed, we are, my good man,” Shim said. “Need a room for the night. Preferably one with two beds, if you have one. Otherwise, a portable mattress will do just fine for me. Or a coffin, if you have one.”

“A…a…what?”

“It was a jest, one made in poor taste, I now realize. Given the tragedies that Seer has suffered as of late.”

“You know about the nightdemon?”

“It’s not exactly a secret.”

“And you’re travelers? Are those pagan marks you wear? Cuz I won’t suffer any heathen rituals in my joint.”

“I can assure you, we performed all our heathen rituals before we entered.” The man scowled at him. “It was another joke, good sir. Like you, we are gods-fearing folk just passing through. We’ll be safe enough inside, right?”

“I, er, yes. You should be. If you hear any scratching on the doors or windows, ignore it. That’s the most important thing, do you understand me? Stay silent, and do not, under any circumstances, open a window or door after dark.”

They both nodded.

“Good. Rate’s one bronze a night, extra for hot water or supper. Both of which will be brought to your room. Alas, we cancelled table service a couple weeks back on account of, well, I guess I don’t need to explain.”

“No, you don’t. And thank you. We’ll take supper in an hour. Whatever you have that doesn’t contain meat.” The man raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment on the odd request. “I’m sure my cook can whip something up that suits your discerning palette.”

Shim deposited the required amount of coin on the desk, the man gave him the key, and then they headed upstairs.