Page 42 of Whispers of the Elderoak

Casimir sat in a dark corner of The Winking Fox. His friends were off on their own assignments in town, gathering supplies and information as needed, and their animal companions were still investigating the nearby forests.

He kept his hood up to hide his face in the dim lighting and took a sip of ale as he surveyed the bar room. Dark wood surrounded him, lit by a few candles and lamps scattered about. Drunken townsfolk reveled and danced across the stone floor, enjoying the upbeat tune being played by the bard in the corner, strumming along on his mandolin.

A multitude of races lived in Oakshire, the town closest to the border inside the earth kingdom of Monterre, and the tavern was filled with a collection of creatures. Pixies flitted about and sat at little tables attached to the wall, their iridescent wings glistening. A table full of goblins, gnomes and high fae laughed as they played a hand of cards. A brown-bearded gnome pounded the table enthusiastically then wrapped his arms around the acorns in the middle, pulling them toward him as he delighted in his win.

Monterre was the only place you could go where you wouldfind a high fae sharing a meal with a hobgoblin, or a pixie forging a friendship with an orc. It was what Casimir loved most about his kingdom. Most of the other kingdoms looked down upon the lesser fae creatures, separating their housing quarters from the high fae who ruled. As a result of this, the lesser fae rarely mingled even with each other, sticking to their own species. They were seen as mischievous, unintelligent and even a nuisance. But not by his king.

But Casimir wasn’t here to mingle or find companionship for the night. He was here to listen. Where else could you hear all the local gossip but the most popular tavern? And he didn’t want to be recognized.

He had been observing the comings and goings for about an hour, nursing his ale, but hadn’t gleaned anything helpful yet.

The barmaid approached him, speaking in her gruff voice. “Can I get you anything else? Some stew perhaps?” She was an orc with olive skin and twinkling gray eyes. The owner of The Winking Fox. Her pointed ears peeked out from her brown curls, and she was broad-shouldered, wearing a white blouse tucked into her long brown skirt.

Casimir shook his head. “I’m fine. Thank you.”

Before walking away, she leaned forward, speaking low so only he could hear. “If you need anything, general, I’ll be here.”

“Is it that obvious?” he grumbled.

She stood, chuckling, and placed her hands on her hips. “Only to me. I’d recognize your skulking anywhere. You used to do that when you were just a young one, sauntering into my tavern with your friends, ready to drink and fuck as if your lives depended on it. It drove all the ladies crazy.”

Casimir’s face heated under his hood. “You know me too well, Sugha. I don’t do that anymore, though,” he said, shaking his head.

“Yes, yes. I know. You’re the general now. All noble andhonorable. No time for fun anymore.” She waved her hand at him.

“I’m here on business.”

“I figured. You’ve got the covert warrior in the corner disguise going on. Anything specific you need to know?”

He shrugged. “Just listening for now. I’ll know it when I hear it.”

She leaned back down, reaching into his hood and pinching his cheek like an old aunt might. “It’s good to see you, Casimir.”

He smiled, despite himself. “Good to see you too, Sugha.”

“Tell your friends I said ‘hi.’ Oh, and by the way…” She paused. “That scruff on your face makes you look old.”

He laughed quietly to himself as she walked away, comforted to know nothing had changed since he’d last visited this town.

Casimir waited another hour but after hearing nothing of use, he prepared to leave and seek out his group. They’d have to get their information elsewhere. As he was about to stand, a fae at the table behind him whispered to her companion.

“Did you hear what happened?” she said. “The daemon queen has returned.”

“I know. It’s horrible. And do you know whatIheard?” her friend responded.

Casimir paused, ears perking up as he listened with his sharp fae hearing.

“What?” the feminine voice asked, terror in her voice at the prospect of more bad news.

“They brought a human with them,” he said.

Casimir sucked in a breath.A human? How was that possible?

“What’s a human?”

“They kind of look like a high fae, but have rounded ears and are much smaller. They’re also weak and don’t have any magic. They live in another realm.”

“No magic?” She gasped. “What an awful existence! Why did they bring one with them?”

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