As we exit the building a group of city guards surrounds us to keep people back. As we go down the street everyone stops what they are doing to stare, almost like we are a parade. I don't really like being stared at but I guess I can understand their curiosity.

Aside from the people staring at me I have to say that Illium is a pretty city. Not that I have much experience with human cities, but so far I am liking what I see. The people sure don't look like they have any idea of what to make of us.

Even though they are confused by us I am glad to see no hostility aimed at us. It is somewhat weird for me, I am used to hostility or desire in the eyes of humans when they look at me. Mercy's people were somewhat better but it was still there, here it isn't, well I still see desire in the eyes of some of the men.

That will probably never change, at least not until I become old and wrinkly. That is what makes Ash so different, even when I offered myself naked his eyes were different. Sure I could tell he liked what he saw, but there wasn't the usual desire to possess me that most men would show.

To have a man look at me as a person and not as an object was a truly unique experience for me. It isn't the only thing I love about him but it was the first thing. That idiot better be alright, everything depends on him, we all need him.

Roddick says "Here it is, the street of the summoned."

Mericel says "Ash owns this whole street?"

Roddick says "Yes. The shops are rented by the summoned heroes who are crafters."

"This street is quiet, do the people not like the summoned?"

Roddick says "It's not that they are not liked, but some nobles spread rumors that they were dangerous."

Mericel says "Let me guess, the nobles who spread the rumors were those with similar businesses?"

Roddick says "Exactly."

"Typical."

Roddick says "The heroes don't really care, they just want to work on their crafts. Especially now that thanks to Ash they don't have to pay rent anymore."

Mericel says "They may act like they don't care, but I would wager it does bother them."

"It bothers me and I don't even know any of them. I bet it bothered Ash as well, that's probably why he wanted to own the street."

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Roddick says "I don't know about that, you would have to ask the high priestess."

"I may do that when I return, for right now retrieving Ash is the only priority."

Mericel says "Yeah, we have to save Ash before his plan gets him in too deep."

"If it's not already too late."

Roddick says "The way you talk about Ash doesn't match my impression of him."

"Oh? What was your impression of Ash?"

Roddick says "A highly competent and dangerous man, yet fiercely loyal to his friends."

"That is one hundred percent accurate, but not complete. You see Ash comes up with these plans, they are always good plans to his way of thinking, but he never accounts for danger to himself."

Mericel says "His plans are always for the benefit of others so the risk to himself isn't a factor for him."

Roddick says "Ah, I see. And what plan is he working on now?"

"We weren't told the details, only that if it works it will buy us a few years before the invasion."

Roddick says "That is definitely a goal worth some risks!"

Mericel says "The problem is Ash is taking all the risks by himself without any backup at all."

"And Ash has no concept of turning back if things get too dangerous."

Roddick says "Sounds like you might have a reason to worry."

"There is always reason to worry when Ash is out of sight. He has a knack for finding trouble."

Mericel says "He is even better at finding trouble than he is at finding people."

Roddick says "I still want to hear the story of him finding an army. This is the inn, and this is the innkeeper Sarah."

Sarah says "Welcome to the Happy Traveler! If you will follow me to the stables around back, we have prepared them for you. The stalls have been removed, she will have the whole place to herself."

"Sounds good, thank you."

Mericel says "Am I welcome here as well?"

Sarah says "Oh, wow! A real ghost! Yes, you are welcome here! But just be warned some of the guests may pester you. In our world ghosts were a rather strange subject, some people were totally obsessed with them."

Mericel says "As long as no one tries to banish me I'll be okay."

Sarah says "No, the worst thing you have to worry about is endless questions."

"Anyone have issues with beastmen?"

Sarah says "Nope, especially after Ash removed our rent. Although, some of the guys may have a thing for bunny girls."

"That I am more than used to."

Sarah says "I'm sure you are, but our guys will be more polite about it at least."

Roddick says "No one will bother you while we are having dinner at least."

Sarah says "That's true, everyone is too worried Roddick will fireball them."

Roddick says "I would never blow up your inn, Sarah."

Sarah says "I appreciate that Roddick, now let's get inside and I'll cook you up some dinner."

"Sounds good to me!"

After putting Lizzy in the stable with a wheelbarrow full of meat we all follow Sarah into the inn. The common room goes quiet when we enter, although there are only five people who all turn to stare at us. Five people is nothing compared to the crowds on the other streets so it doesn't really bother me.

Sarah says "Have a seat anywhere you like. I'll go get cooking."

While we are waiting for our food we tell Roddick the story of the mines and how Ash gained an army. He is still laughing when the food arrives which leaves me free to dig in. Since Mericel can't enjoy the food she wanders over to talk to the five heroes.

Nothing could pull me away from this meal now that I've started, it is absolutely delicious. Sarah is an amazing cook, I can't believe this place isn't packed to the rafters. As I am finishing eating Roddick offers to show me the way to the temple on his way back to the guild.