Page 19 of Bloody Business

He shrugged.“It's Goblin run.”

She looked up at the curved wooden staircase that went to the upper bedrooms.The central pillar was carved with a bird of war, and its wing arched around the banister.Stained glass windows made colored light play over the room.“I could get used to that.”

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She relaxed with a book before dinner.Fortunately, she read Goblin, because that was the only language available.Artur had a small library, mostly full of business and other boring books, but it did have a couple of fascinating herbals and recent newspapers.

He had her belongings brought in from the cart.She was pleased to have her own things, few though they were.She didn't need the pots and pans of course, but her personal stash of herbs, medicine and cosmetics were welcome.

Her favorite socks were there, and she had a half finished pair in her bag.Knitting always soothed her.There was very little a clean, dry pair of socks couldn't help, and they were excellent trade items.

She decided she was going to play wait and see for the next couple of weeks.

She was comfortable, with plenty of food and a very nice shelter.She had money and could not fault Artur’s behavior.She would be a fool to leave.

If things changed, she would adapt as she always did.There was no sense getting excited about it now.

Snuggling into her feather pillows, she went back to reading about the wonders of medicinal mushrooms.

Bitter Old Crones

Julep was bored.Shefelt better, but not motivated.She didn't know what to do with herself, and was too grumpy to think of a plan.

Two days had gone by, and she felt she was sufficiently rested.Unfortunately, she lacked ambition.

Artur noticed.“Would you like to meet my aunt?She's the only other family member in the city and I'm her favorite nephew.She'll be curious about you.”

They took the carriage to a bar in an old neighborhood.It was clean, but had that slightly run down look you would expect from the working class, the kind of place where the food was good and there was plenty of it.

Like most of the buildings, the bar was made of weathered stone blocks.The door frame was carved with women warriors, and two big stone statues of goblins (a male and female) hoisted overflowing beer and supported the porch roof.Hops vines crawled over them, reaching for the roof.

The first floor sported a polished wooden bar and clean tables, where a few elders were enjoying a late breakfast.A few were already playing the tile game “pebbles”.

The plastered walls were hung with stuffed animal heads, metal gizmos and colorful gas lights.It looked like a nice place to spend a few hours, and Julep felt right at home.

“Artur!”The barkeeper was easily over 60 and fit, with a trim white beard and the stride of a much younger man.“Come to see your aunt?Who's the pretty lady?”He gave Julep a dashing smile.

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