laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Vibrant greens and browns were picked out in the midday sun as she rode towards the inn nestled within the wooded cover to the highway’s weighstation. Being north of the town now, she hadn’t seen this area yet and was glad to be out in nature again. Perking up, a dog on the porch to the establishment eyed her as he panted happily while she dismounted and noted the trio of horses standing along the front of the two-story, wood building. Their leather barding and saddle each bore the emblazoned symbol of Arhus; she wouldn’t have to go looking for them in the forest after all. Leaving Deidre to entertain the other four legged guests, she climbed the short stair and walked inside.
Traditional furniture and grand hearth fronted by a large bear pelt greeted the tired marshal as she noticed a thin older woman approach with a collection of candles within her upheld apron.

“Good day, madam. I’m Celine, how may I help you?”

“Pleasure. I was actually hoping to find the three knights of Arhus that were in the area. I noticed their mounts out front,” she motioned back towards the door.

“Upstairs. Are you with the local church of Elminoir?”

“No. But, her domain is the whole world,” Marian smiled. “Just as the others I guess. I’m based in this kingdom though.”

“They’re upstairs tending to their wounded. I was asked to send up some food which my daughters are preparing now.”

Marian nodded. “I’ll go up and see what I can do to help.”

“Certainly. They’re in the first room on the right.”

“Thank you,” she said as the marshal headed upstairs to soon find the door closed. Knocking, she waited for a reply.

“You may set the food on the table inside the door, madam. Thank you,” the tired, male voice called from within. Taking her cue, she opened the door to find them each laying on a bed, two still had their boots on and lay atop the blanket and sat up as Marian stepped inside.

“I was told that someone was injured,” her hazel eyes turned to the left to notice their companion sleeping soundly underneath the thick quilt. Sweat trickled down his forehead and she could tell he had a fever. “What’s wrong with him?”

“He was poisoned,” the elder knight informed as he stood and walked over towards the foot of the bed. “It’s working its way out now. I’ve given him some herbs to neutralize it.”

Marian eyed the grey haired servant of Arhus, noting the worry in the wrinkled face. “What was he poisoned by?”

“Snake. The witch out there has her borders protected well. Samuel noticed the runes in an oak as we approached and I think that’s how she knew we had arrived,” he glanced to his quiet, younger companion who now stood to his right, then back to her. “Who sent you?”

“I heard that you were having a problem and thought I might be able to help. Looks like I’m a bit late.”

He chuckled. “I’d say that since he’s not up yet, you’re early.”