The bed called to me. I was exhausted, but a gentle knock at the door was the innkeeper informing me that my private bath was ready. Thank God!

I kept my hand cupped to hide the ring and followed him to the room filled with steam from the hot water. Once in the tub, I tried all manner of oils and soap to remove the damn thing, but nothing helped me slide the ring off. It was like it was stitched to my skin.

"Son of a bitch," I muttered again.

A pair of lanterns illuminated the little room. I held my hand up and found the ring's glow had dissipated now that it was on my finger. I lowered my hand into the water, left it to soak for a few minutes, and tried to remove it again. It was well and truly stuck!

I gave up on the ring, finished cleaning up, and retired to my room. The innkeeper had graciously left a bowl of stew with a crust of bread in my room. It was flavorless, but filling. I wished I had some of the wild scallions and garlic I'd found on the road with Caden to spice it up a little.

With a full belly, I slid beneath the covers and closed my eyes. Sleep found me quickly, but so did the dreams.

I dreamt I was Morthisal again, standing before a vast, barren stretch of land in the borderlands. To the west lay the lands of men, their cities and villages blissfully unaware of the impending doom.

A sea of orcs marched toward the west. The ground trembled beneath their feet. The relentless rhythm of war drums pounded in the distance.

A surge of dark power coursed through my veins as I raised my hands, gripping the very staff that Lady Churl now kept hidden. The words that spilled from my lips were ancient and vile, spoken in a language that made me want to recoil in disgust.

The earth shuddered and cracked. Skeletal hands burst through the soil.

I woke with a start, my heart pounding in my chest.

Looking around the room, I was comforted that I wasn't Morthisal. That guy had been an a-hole.

My finger itched where the ring still remained.

"Okay. This ring has got to go."

Maybe Doan would be able to cut it off my finger. I laughed grimly at the image.

As I dressed, I glanced at my clothing and realized it was time for a change. The clothes I'd been wearing were functional but hardly fashionable. Plus, they didn't smell all that great, and I cursed the fact that I hadn't inquired with the innkeeper about laundry services.

My first stop would be getting to a clothier for new duds. I couldn't keep running around in this sweaty and possibly blood-stained clothing I'd taken from the healer's camp.

A quick stop in the common room revealed a plate filled with large breaded pastries. The aroma of fresh baked goods wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble.

The open space had a sturdy table crafted from rich, dark wood, surrounded by five or six straight-backed wooden chairs that looked worn but comfortable. It was simple yet welcoming.

"What are these?" I asked the innkeeper.

"Where are you from? Never had a stuffed puff? It's filled with ham and cheese."

"Really? How much are they?"

"It comes with the room. Enjoy. Take two. I have a feeling I'll have extra today."

I thanked her as I tried a stuffed puff. It was filled with bite-sized chunks of ham surrounded by creamy white cheese. Even at room temperature, it was delicious and filling.

"Thanks. I'll be back later."

"Fine, fine. Rooms are paid up throughout the week. I ain't your boss."

That reminded me of Lady Churl. I hoped she was doing well.

The streets of Everspring were already bustling with activity, and it didn't take me long to find a promising shop. The owner, a friendly woman who claimed to have a keen eye for fashion, helped me pick out an everyday outfit that was comfortable and stylish. I also splurged on something a little fancier, a well-tailored tunic and trousers that would be perfect in case the gems didn't fetch enough money and I was forced to deal with Roland Hightown.

I then sought out one of the jewelers I'd spotted during yesterday's wanderings. The hand-lettered placard suspended above the entrance proclaimed "Everspring Gem Emporium." An etched and tinted azure stone adorned the signboard beside the store's name.

I stepped into the quaint little shop. It was filled with glass-covered displays. The interior was well-lit, and some of the gems within the cases seemed to glow with their own inner light. I found myself drawn to them, marveling at the array of colors and the subtle signs of magic emanating from some of the stones.

As I leaned in closer to examine a particularly dark jewel, a voice startled me out of my reverie. "Welcome to the Everspring Gem Emporium. I'm Seraphina Brightstar. How may I assist you today?"

I turned to face the speaker, a striking woman with raven-black hair and violet eyes. Her small nose curved gently upward, and her delicate chin gave her face a heart shape. I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure.

"Uh, hi. I'm Varix. Varix Vel'Naris," I introduced myself, hoping my nervousness didn't show. "I have some gems I'd like you to look at if you don't mind."

Seraphina smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Of course. I'd be happy to examine them for you."

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small pouch. "I found these during the war," I lied, hoping she wouldn't press for details. "I'm not sure of their value, but I thought they might be worth something."

"Ah. A returning warrior. Let us see what we have, then."

I emptied the pouch's contents onto the counter, carefully leaving the glowing stone inside. Seraphina leaned in, studying each with a discerning eye. She nodded politely at most of them, but her gaze kept being pulled to my bag. I picked it up and moved to tie it around my belt, but she held up a hand.

"A moment. I sense something." She stared at the bag. "Something special."

"Oh. Uh. It's nothing. Just a…"

She held out one slim hand, her eyes glued to the bag.

I fought back a sigh of resignation, opened the bag, and pulled out the yellow stone.

Seraphina gasped, her eyes widening with something like recognition. "May I?" she asked, gesturing to the yellow gem.

"Sure, go ahead," I said.

"Did you just call me a goat-head, sir?"

I looked up and stammered, "What? No!"

She had a soft smile.

"Oh. You were kidding," I said and laughed. "Funny."

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"You look a bit nervous. Is everything alright?"

"Yeah. Sorry. I just don't know what to make of that." I nodded at the gem.

"Well, I certainly do. Are you interested in parting with it?"

"It…maybe. What is it?"

"This is an exceptional stone, and it can make certain instruments very powerful," she said reverently. A Star of Luminas has the unique ability to amplify and store magical energy. These are most desired by powerful sorcerers and certain members of the cleric’s guild. It just so happens that I have a client who is quite keen on acquiring one."

"Oh," I said. "That's what I thought."

One of her eyebrows arched. "Yes. I'm sure you did. Now. Are you willing to part with it?"

"Maybe. How much are the other gems worth?"

She looked at them again. "These are fine stones. I'd have to appraise them, but I suspect a price would be no lower than fifty gold for the lot—probably more. As I said, I would need a day to appraise them independently. There is a five percent surcharge for the service."

Dammit. that was only sixty gold.

"And what about the Star of Luminas?"

She picked it up again and hesitated. "I will be honest, Mr. Vel'Naris. A client is very keen to have one of these set atop his staff. I stand to make a good bit of coin. If he pays, that is. He's been having trouble with his funds."

"I like the part about a lot of coins."

"As you should. I will offer sixty platinum sovereigns, that is, six hundred gold.”

It was a struggle to prevent my mouth from dropping open, so instead, I kept my mouth shut and my eyes on the gem. Close! I was so close! With Caden, Mira, and Doan's investment of two hundred gold each, I was still short of a few hundred gold if I wanted to make an offer and still keep a few hundred gold in reserve to update and open the tavern. I imagined purchasing the food, plates, pots, pans, and all the various tools would cost a pretty copper.

"Very well. Six hundred and fifty and not a copper more. I am a very honest person, Mr. Vel'Naris. I could have easily fleeced you for the coin."

"Uh. I can see that," I said and gulped. "Done. I'll take it."

Seraphina breathed out a heavy sigh of relief. "Thank you, Mr. Vel'Naris."

"Please. Call me Varix."

"Very well, Varix. Thank you."

Seraphina picked up the gem again. She briefly closed her eyes and inhaled, like she was sniffing a fragrant bouquet. Her eyes opened again. "This is such a lovely and powerful instrument. You are going to make two people very happy: me when I sell the staff, and the owner once he has it. As a thank you and a sign of respect, I will pay you seventy-five gold for your other gems."

I grinned. "Really?"

"Yes. I need to go in the back to get your payment. Give me a moment."

"Of course." I nodded.

Seraphina returned a minute later with the funds. She counted out sixty six platinum sovereigns, which came out to six hundred and sixty gold. I studied the stacks and knew my next stop would be Doan's so I could stash the coin.

Or maybe I should make another stop first.

Seraphina grinned as she took the gems. I picked up the stacks of coins and wrapped them tightly in my now empty bag so they wouldn’t clank around. No sense in announcing I was flush with cash.

“Thanks! You’ve helped me out in ways you can’t imagine,” I told Seraphina with a big smile.

“You have done the same for me. I hope to see you around village, unless you are moving on.”

“Oh no. I’m staying in Everspring for the foreseeable future.” I patted the bag of coins. “I’m going to open a tavern. I hope you’ll stop in.”

“Most assuredly. Please inform me once it is open. Thank you for your business,” Seraphina said.

“Yep. Take it easy, Seraphina.”

She gave me a peculiar look.

“I got my head banged up. Sometimes, I say weird stuff.”

She opened her mouth. Closed it. Started to say something else, then, didn’t.

I shrugged and shot her a bright smile before setting off to find one Roland Hightown.

As I stepped out of the Everspring Gem Emporium, my mind buzzed excitedly. The tavern was within reach, and I couldn't wait to share the news with my friends. I set off down the street, determined to find Roland Hightown's office to make him an offer.

As I navigated through the crowds, the streets were bustling with activity. I couldn't help but smile at the lively atmosphere. As I turned a corner, I spotted a familiar face—the old woman who had given me confusing directions the day before. Our eyes met briefly, but she showed no sign of recognition. She glanced up the street, turned around, walked the opposite way, came to a stop, and put her hands on her hips.

I went in the other direction.

A glint of sunlight reflecting off metal caught my eye, and I turned to see a diminutive man dressed in dark leather, wearing a pair of long daggers on his belt. If this guy was skulking, he was terrible at it.

"Good day, sir." I greeted him with a friendly smile so he knew I could see him.

The man turned to face me, his expression a mix of confusion and bewilderment. "How is it I am here? How are you talking to me?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

I stepped back, my brow furrowing, and then I realized he had a slight white glow. The ring on my finger tingled, sending a mild electric shock through my hand. A chill ran down my spine as realization dawned on me. I was seeing another dead man, just like Garin Thorneblade in the forest or the elf in The Shadow's Respite. I swallowed hard, trying to push the unsettling thought from my mind.

"I... I'm sorry," I stammered, backing away slowly. "I must have mistaken you for someone else."

I turned on my heel and hurried away. I couldn't let these encounters distract me from my goal.

After a few more minutes of walking, I finally spotted the estate steward's office. Taking a deep breath to compose myself, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. While I had most of the money I needed, I had to be realistic about expenses. If I paid the entire sum, I would have nothing left to spend on furnishings, repairs, and supplies to open the tavern.

Roland Hightown looked up from his desk, his eyes widening in recognition. "Ah, Mr. Vel'Naris! What brings you back so soon?"

I smiled, mustering all the confidence I could. "Mr. Hightown, I’m back about the taverns.”

“Ah, yes, the taverns. I regret to inform you that The Wandering Boar has been sold to Baron Bertram Swiftwood. He’s been interested in the property for some time. I’m sorry.”

I felt Roland had shown me the more expensive tavern to force the noble’s hand. He had mentioned someone had been interested in it.

“I see,” I said and launched my bluff. “How many parties are interested in The Shadow’s Respite? I’m now considering purchasing it, but there may be a delay in funds. Will it still be available in a few weeks?”

“Ah. The Shadow’s Respite. ‘Twas a lovely location, and I firmly believe it will shine again someday. You have nothing to worry about, for now. You are the only party who has inquired about it in some time.”

Roland snapped his mouth shut, but it was too late, and I seized on the opportunity. “You know, Roland, when I stepped into The Shadow’s Respite, I felt a sense of history wash over me—and I believe this is what you feel when you talk about the old place. The sense of nostalgia, am I right?”

“Er.”

“I knew it, Roland. You’ve mentioned that you miss the tavern. Was it a sense of family? Was it a place you visited where everyone knew your name and they were always glad you came?”

“Er, well, It was a fixture of my youth. ‘Tis true. I do have many fond memories.”

“Let’s keep those alive, shall we? Now, I have an offer for you, and I think you’ll agree it’s more than fair. I will give you one thousand gold right now.”

Roland’s face scrunched up as he considered.

“I’m sorry, but the price is fifteen hundred.”

“I can do eleven hundred, and think about this. You will be instrumental in helping me bring this place back to life. I want to restore it so it matches your memories. What’s more important than having that sense of place from your youth? I’m sure it wasn't even that long ago. If I had to guess, you appear to be a man in his early thirties." I figured a little flattery wouldn't hurt.

“You are too kind. Too kind."

“I know, right? So what do you say?”

“Thirteen five and I can go no lower.”

I had to keep some money in reserve. This guy was killing me.

I leaned in and lowered my voice. “Picture this, Mr. Hightown. You’re sitting at the bar in this tavern, sipping your favorite drink. What’s your favorite drink, by the way?”

“A peach ale from the port of Stormcrest Bay. I can taste it now.”

“When was the last time you had this ale?”

“It’s been more than a few years.”

“It will be the first thing I stock, assuming I can procure it, and brother, I intend to procure the shit out of it. One other thing, Mr. Hightown. As you sit, sipping the mug of peach ale, how would it feel to look up behind the bar? Your eyes are drawn to a shiny commemorative plaque adorning the wall. Do you know what it is?” I paused dramatically.

“Ehh-”

“It’s a dedication to the best estate steward Everspring has ever known! Mr. Roland Hightown. And think of it this way. Anyone sitting at the bar will see your name, and they will think of you for all their estate needs.”

His face remained impassive. Oh no. I’d overplayed my cards!

Slowly, a smile cracked his lips, and a glint sparkled in his eye.

I must have rolled at least a 19 or natural 20, because my charisma was on point.

“For twelve hundred, it is yours.”

“Done and done!”

With matching grins, we shook on the deal.

I was now the proud owner of a tavern!