Chapter 86: Inn with an Elf

Chapter 86: Inn with an Elf

It was said that there were things in existence that were indescribable. Nerosal wasnt one of those places, but it was pretty close. Dallion had been in some pretty big cities when he had been back on Earth. Some of them were crowded, some of them were wide, but none were exactly like what he was looking at now. Clusters of towers shot up from clusters of houses separated by parks, forests, hills, lakes, even a lone mountain in the distance. Near one of the lakes, on top of the tallest city Dallion could see, a castleor rather a collection of very tall, very large interconnected towersrose above everything else, almost shining in the most perfect white ever seen. It was as if the whole building had been made of solid milk. Dallion didnt even want to think how many level improvements had been necessary to get the material to what it was now, now what was involved in the mending process.

Your eyes will fall out if you keep looking that much, Fatus said. The man had been grumbly ever since Dallion had improved his wagon. Even so, he had stayed true to his word, driving the boy almost to the outer gates.

Maybe its worth it, Dallion thought. He hadnt seen anything of the sort in Aspions memory of the place. The city must have developed a lot in the last fifty years.

Do I need to do anything to get in? Dallion asked.

Just walk through the gates. The driver waved with an annoyed expression.

Thanks, Fatun. I owe you one.

You better remember it. The man grinned. Ill be back to collect sometime. He pulled the reins of his horses making them turn the wagon around. A piece of advice. Get some new clothes before you get into trouble. Take care, kid!

Dallion remained where he was for a while longer, admiring the city before him. This was the place for which he had spent ten days wandering through the wilderness. Looking at it, there was no question that it was well worth it. Now all he had to do was walk in.

Humming a tune, Dallion made his way to the city gates. A squad of four soldiers stood there, none particularly interested in what was going on. At this time of day there didnt appear to be any movement in and out of the city.Alll latest novels at novelhall.com

Years of preconceived game notions had made Dallion expect one of the guards to call out for him and start a series of questions for which hed have to use his wit and possibly a bit of bribery money to slip through. Instead, two of the guards gave him a passing glance as he passed by, returning to their previous conversation.

The instant Dallion stepped past the invisible threshold, a cold chill shook his entire body, almost causing him to fall. A second later, the sensation was gone.

I really need to find a place to eat, Dallion thought. Ten days on rations and rabbits had been enough to keep him alive, but definitely was nowhere near enough to help him recover from the leveling of the wagon. Normally Dallion would rely on his senses to point him in the direction of food. The city was so abundant in aromas, however, that he wasnt able to make out one thing from another. The only solution was to find a place the old-fashioned way.

Continuing along the stone-paved street, Dallion carefully examined the nearby buildings. As he expected, almost all of them were inns, taverns, and trading shops. Signs boasting the best conditions for the least price were placed next to every entrance. Dallions experience in the marketing practices on Earth told Dallion that these were likely the worst deals to be had in the city. Travelers that came from the outside would usually choose something close to the city gates and not bother with the far better deals further in. Thats why instead of looking at the facades and the offers, Dallion looked at the buildings surrounding the inns.

The further he went in, the more residential buildings started appearing. About twenty minutes later, after walking aimlessly along the streets, Dallion finally reached a neighborhood he found suitable. After another five minutes of asking passers by, he finally found exactly what he was looking for.

The Gremlins Timepiece, Dallion read. Not the best name, though definitely intriguing. Brushing off the dirt off his shirt, he walked up to the entrance and stepped inside.

The inn was mostly empty when he got insidenothing but a few local regulars enjoying their drinks. Seeing him several of them stopped their conversations. Maybe it would have been a good idea if Dallion had taken Fatuns advice and bought some new clothes, after all.

Hello, there, a tall woman with flaming red curly hair said from behind the counter. There was no mistake she was the innkeeper, just as she wasnt particularly pleased to have riff-raff visit her establishment. What can I get you?

Hey. Dallion flashed his best smile. Id like a room and something to eat. He took out all the coins hed gotten from the village and placed them on the counter.

I can get you food, but rooms are a bit pricier than that, the innkeeper looked at the copper coins with amusement. Sorry. Youll have better luck at one of the inns near the city gate.

I know, I wont. Dallion had no intention of giving up. Theres more I can offer. Im a level six awakened and I can work to earn my keep.

Get registered tomorrow morning. Ill tell you what you need to do. Until then, dont go out too much. Oh, and another thing. She swept her hand over the counter, grabbing his pouch of coins in the process. Whatever clothes you have, throw them away. Ill give you a set for free. Everything else youll have to buy on your own. Youll get half a silver for every item you improve here after you register. Questions?

Dallion started opening his mouth when the innkeeper interrupted him again.

Good! she cut him short. Go find a table. Jiroh will bring you your food, then prep your room. Dont give her any trouble! One mess up and youre out, I dont care how good at mending you are!

Yes, maam. Dallion whispered. He had seen drill sergeants less aggressive. Then again, all the drill sergeants hed seen were in movies and YouTube videos.

Leaving his backpack on the floor, Dallion took his half full glass of water and went to one of the free tables by the window. It would have been nice if the innkeeper had poured him beer or ale, or even some kind of fruit juice.

While Dallion waited, looking out of the window, the kitchen door opened. Dallion could tell it was the kitchen door by the bouquet of aromas that burst into the room. His mouth watered. Dallion swallowed.

Here you go, a high-pitched voice said as a large plate with steaming food was placed on the table in front of Dallion.

Why, thank

Dallion froze. Even since coming to this realm, he had seen a lot of interesting and unusual things. The awakening powers alone were nothing short of magic. However, this was the very first time he had set eyes on a sentient creature that wasnt human.

An elf? Dallions pulse quickened. There was no mistaking it. The sharp ears, the long white hair, slender frame, and sharp facial features there could be nothing else. Somehow the thousands of fantasy artists back on Earth had gotten it right.

Are you okay? the elf asked. Is it the food?

Hes a village kid, Hanna shouted from across the room. I bet its his first time seeing a fury.

A fury? So thats what the race was called here? It was definitely an elf, though! Dallion was certain of it.

Sorry. He managed to stop himself staring. I just

Its okay, the fury smiled. It happens when you get to a big city. Theres a lot more than humans here.

I know I mean, I thought I was just never told that there were other races here.

Strictly speaking there werent. Things changed after the war.

Thanks to his improved perception, Dallion was able to see that this wasnt a topic the fury enjoyed talking about. For the time being the best thing he could do was shut up and eat.

So, enjoy your meal. Jiroh smiled. Ive told the cook to keep the spices down, but just in case you better get more water. Ill go get your room ready. She went in the direction of the staircase at the far side of the room. Top floor. Its the only room there, the fury said before disappearing up the stairs.

Dallion nodded, then several seconds later looked at his food. This was it! He had finally made itthe first step towards his own adventure. Tomorrow, he was going to go about the city and learn what is what in order to make a name for himself. As for today, he had just rented a room in an inn with an elf. Could things get any better?