My mouth began watering while my taste buds tingled from the rich smell of meat and potatoes. My stomach rumbled once again. I picked up the fork and knife near the plate and began dissecting the food. The knife cut through the tender meat with ease while the fork had a hard time picking up the separate pieces of crumbling meat. With meat stacked on my fork, I finally proceeded to taste what drove my tongue mad just from the smell alone. The meat melted inside my mouth, the texture is perfect while the spices flawlessly blended with the initial flavour of the meat.

What is this flavour? I thought to myself while my hand instinctively began reaching for another piece. This time I combined meat and the potatoes to see what kind of new flavour I would discover. The result was mind-blowing. The smoked and slightly crunchy potatoes were a perfect addition to the soft and rich flavour of the meat. This is heaven.

In no time my plate was clean and my stomach satisfied, With Only wine left to wash down the amazing after taste. As I picked up the fancy wine glass, the sweet and fruity aroma of grape and alcohol rushed to my nose - an indication this is wine is of fine quality. My tongue welcomed luscious and fragrant red wine as it pierced its flavour through the meat’s after taste, enveloping my mouth in a waterfall of flavours.

I lean back on my chair in satisfaction as I wait for the food to settle in my stomach.

(Wow, how did they make food like this!? I need to give personal gratitude to the chef, this was amazing)

(Now where the hell are my clothes) I thought to myself as I began looking around the room, with a duvet still wrapped around my groin just in case if someone decides to walk in like the last time. After a few minutes of intensely looking around the room, I found the clothes next to the bed. (Really? How the fuck did I not see that? I swear, the more you look for something the less you are likely to find it)

I found pants, a pair of black socks, one white undertunic and brown trousers. As I began dressing, I noticed how well the clothes fit me. Not only were they the perfect size but I can feel the quality even though I have no knowledge of linen. I approach a nearby mirror built into the wall and begin examining myself.

(Damn these clothes look good. I wonder how much they cost. They should be quite expensive as I am a “hero” after all. No, don’t let your ego get the best of you. That maid was probably delusional and had no idea of what she was talking about) I turn around and look at the furniture. (Then again, this room does look expensive so it must be true. Unless...I was put in here by accident)

I approach the room’s door, ready to leave and get some answers or at least try to. I slowly turn the door's knob until I hear a click, indicating that the door is ready to be open. My heart beats fast while my hand begins to sweat. (Why am I so nervous?) I question myself even though I already know the answer. I slowly opened the door wide enough for my head to peak through, only to be surprised by a massive corridor that stretches all the way both, left and right. Its walls are literal wood logs stacked upon each other while the ceiling is made out of polished slate stone. Just like in the bedroom, the floor is made out of oak wood, covered by long strips of different coloured furs.

I turn my head from left to right, scouting the area. The left part of the corridor is completely empty, but on my right however I see a figure approaching me. Due to the distance between us she is not able to notice me, so a plan came to mind. I closed the door and begin to readying myself. I double check my clothes in the mirror and slap myself in the face a couple of times trying to regroup my thoughts.

(Ok Marcus, you are just going out. It’s a beautiful day. Who doesn’t like a beautiful day?) I take a deep breath and exhale slowly then place my hand on the handle. (Three, two, one) I open the door and leave the bedroom. Now being in the large corridor I decide to go towards the figure, trying my best to keep my face still and serious.

“Lord Marcus?” A soft voice comes from the figure. I could not see it’s face as it was covered by a helmet. I could tell she was female from the armor she is wearing.

“Yes?” I quickly responded, keeping my voice sharp and heavy.

“I apologize for my curiosity milord, but where are your personal guards?”

“My personal guards?” I question the knight back, trying to stall while I come up with an answer

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

“Yes milord, has the Inn not provided one?

(Thank god)

“No, I believe they haven’t”

“Well that is just absurd, forgive my selfishness but I would like to escort you to your destination”

(I didn’t know it was this serious, are assassins interested in me?)

“Of course, I am heading to the reception. Lead the way Dame...?”

“Elizabeth, milord”

The knight turned around and began walking the way she came from. I hastily follow.

“So tell me. What do you do around here?” I said in an attempt to ignite a conversation.

“I work for the Inn as a knight, I ensure guests safety and sometimes perform servant duties on the side”

“I see, so you were patrolling around the corridors?”

“Yes milord”

(The Inn must have a lot of money to hire knights as guards, that would make a lot of sense if they provide accommodation for lords and nobles.) I begin rubbing my chin (Interesting)

“Excuse me for asking milord” The knight interrupted my thoughts.

“What is it?”

“How does it feel to be a powerful sorcerer?”

(A sorcerer? Now that’s something new. I didn’t know I was a mage.)

“It's a lot of responsibility, no matter who you are, with power comes great responsibility.”

“Of course milord, thank you”

(I just said the most random shit and it worked. Damn I am good)

After walking through a few large corridors, we finally reached the reception. A large and a busy hall to be exact, a lot of people are scattered around it. Some are sitting on the nearby couches, others are walking to their rooms while some are talking to the receptionists. The hall has the same design as in the corridor and the bedroom. Logs of wood serve as walls while the ceiling is made out of polished slate stone, the floor does not contain any expensive furs like the corridor but instead, carpets with fitting designs are laid out in asymmetry.

(That’s a lot of people, from the looks of it not all of them are noble. While I see that some are wearing what looks like to be expensive jewellery, there are those who look of a middle or lower class. Perhaps this inn provides lodging for everyone)

“Thank you for the escort Elisabeth, I will be on my own.”

“Oh but milord are you sure you want to wander around without security? I can call people to accompany you.”

“Yes Elizabeth I am sure.” I said with a more serious tone

“Apologies milord. Please take care”

I nod in agreement and proceed to walk through the reception hall. Almost instantly I notice how much attention I gathered. Humans, orcs and elves all around began looking at me, not with disgust or fear, but with joy and happiness. Their genuine smiles and ecstatic face expressions uplifted my mood and I began smiling myself. Something that I did not expect. What did I do before my amnesia? I find question myself once again.

(Why are these people so happy to see me?)

“Oh Lord Marcus, it’s so good to finally see you again” A gruff voice came from behind

I turn around and find an old small man standing with two knights by his side.

“A pleasant surprise indeed” I reply

(Shit)

“So how you finding the Inn lad?”

“It’s amazing, especially the food I received earlier. Need to personally thank the chef”

“Glad you like it, how was the maid? I handpicked her just for you”

“She was beautiful indeed, hard to find these days”

“I would drink to that. It was hard finding a maid with a big rou-”

“Lord Belos! I would advise you to refrain from making inappropriate comments in the presence of Lord Marcus.” A knight interrupted Lord Belos from finishing his sentence.

“Ahh, apologies” Lord Belos said while grinning and winking at Marcus.

“Well it was a nice chat but I must get back to my duties, the Inn won’t run itself you know” He said with a sigh.

“Pleasure was all mine Lord Belos. Take care”

I turn around and begin walking out of the establishment.

(Well that answered some questions. That guy or should I call him “Lord Belos” Is in charge of the Inn. He is a Lord but must be a lower ranking as a knight was able to talk to him nearly as an equal. Maybe that knight in particular is of high status himself.)

As I walked through the large open entrance doors, warm sunlight hit my skin. While a slightly cool breeze blew at my face and hair. What a lovely summer afternoon, I think to myself. The entrance of the Inn is surrounded by a massive yard. Flowers and trees are planted around it, making it a perfect area for families and children alike. Next to the entrance a stable is located, where customers can leave their horses to be looked after and cleaned. Few guards are stationed at the entrance while others patrol the Inn. However, in a wealthier part of the Inn knights are stationed, as they provide better protection for nobles and lords. This Inn itself is larger and more complex in terms of structure when comparing to other Inns and lodging establishments, allowing even more customers to visit at once.

The Inn is located on the hill right below a large city. It is about an hour's walk from the Inn to the city but takes longer when walking back up the hill. Near the Inn, a small town is located. Not only do most workers from the Inn live there but the village also provides fresh meat and vegetables, hence the amazing quality of food that the Inn serves.

I take a deep breath of fresh air. A pleasant smell of the flowers fill my nostrils while my ears pick up the noise coming from the bustling town.

I avert my attention to the town.

(That must be what I was hearing whilst in my bedroom...)

(I need to gather as much information as I can, the local tavern is perfect for that)

I decide to set out on a journey to the town, I hope it will clear some things up and I will find more about this world.