Page 24 of The Lord's Compass
“Eric,” Faith began, needing to ask him what their story was, but he was already speaking to the man who came out to greet them.
“Hola, amigo,”he said. “My wife and I are going to be here for a time and require a room.”
So she was his wife again. She had hoped they would be able to find a different ruse. It was a plausible theory and she supposed she was in no less danger here than she was on the ship, but she found it difficult to keep up the pretense. For one, she could not be as rude to him as she usually was.
She also didn’t like that she was somewhat enjoying the idea that the two of them were wed.
“What brings you to San Sebastian?” the innkeeper asked.
“My wife has relations who she believes used to live here,” Eric said. “The Palencia family.”
That captured the man’s attention.
“You don’t say? They are a noble family, live just outside the city – when they are in residence,” he said.
“What are they like?”
The innkeeper paused, wrinkling his nose as he looked at Faith. “You do not look like any of them. They are dark-haired, olive-skinned.”
“My relation goes back generations,” she explained. “They likely will not even remember me. I just always so longed to see the home that I heard so much about.”
“Oh, yes,” he said. “The Palencia manor is stunning – at least, from the outside. Not many of us have ever been within unless working as servants.”
“I see,” she said. “Do you think I will be welcomed?”
The innkeeper frowned at her. “Truthfully? Likely not.”
Faith exchanged a glance with Eric but said nothing further.
“Follow me,” the innkeeper said, gesturing forward and they walked behind him up the staircase which overlooked the square courtyard below. “Put you in the end room here,” he said. “Planning to stay long?”
“We’re not entirely sure yet,” Eric said. “Does it matter?”
“Not really, long as you pay,” the innkeeper said, fitting a key into the lock and opening up the door.
The room was fairly sparse, but looked comfortable enough, with a washbasin in the corner, a wardrobe, and – of course – the one bed in the middle.
The innkeeper looked them up and down, obviously assessing their finer clothing, although Faith could admit her gown had seen better days before this journey began.
“Do you have servants?”
“Not with us,” Eric said.
“Very well. Anything else you need?”
“Yes, actually,” Faith said, hoping she wasn’t asking for too much but unable to help herself. “I would dearly love a bath if it would be at all possible.”
“It will cost you.”
“That’s fine,” Eric said, stepping forward and pressing coins into the innkeeper’s hand. “Whatever she’d like.”
Faith shot a look at him, wondering if he had any ulterior motive, but his face was the picture of innocence.
The innkeeper promised it would be ready in due time, and Eric and Faith made quick work of organizing their few belongings.
“This is not like any travel I have ever undertaken before,” Faith said, looking around the room, her hands on her hips.
“You have stayed in inns before, have you not?” he asked.
