They arrived on the evening of the second day. Sir Greggor road up to the first building and announced, “welcome to Laatzen.” Many of the heroes immediately collapsed amongst their packs and weapons in a pitiful heap. Helena took the moment to appraise Laatzen, for calling it a town was too generous.

The town hadn’t so much been built as hewn out of the surrounding forest, with trees coming right up to the edge of buildings. A single muddy track marked the only road, with one- and two-story buildings of rough timber placed to either side. The road continued, past rows of tents and wagons set up in an identical manner, and into a hole in the mountain side. A large sign suspended between two buildings declared: “Laatzen and The Hollering Wilds Dungeon.” Below that it said, “Owned and operated by Harrison and Co.”

A man in a black tabard and metal breast plate watched them from the shade of a building. Now he come over and spoke to Sir Greggor. After a quick conversation, Sir Greggor turned back to the heroes. “Everyone get up, I said get up,” he yelled. There was a chorus of groans, but everyone managed to stand in some manner or other.

“This is Officer Johnson,” said Sir Greggor. He’ll be taking over.” Sir Greggor turned and spurred his horse down the muddy track. Above the bustle, Sir Greggor could be heard hollering, “Oh Candi! Where are you Candi! I’m Back!”

Officer Johnson cleared his throat and then spoke, “if you will all follow me, we need to get you properly welcomed. Afterwards, we’ll set you up with lodging for the night.” He let the group to a two-story building and ushered them inside.

Helena stepped into a large open room. Curious eyes peeked out from the tables and chairs gathered around a half-moon stage. It only took one look at their mismatched equipment to guess they were new adventures like herself. In one corner was a long bar. Behind it, stacks upon stacks of bottles filled the shelves with a rainbow of colors. Up above, an open second floor looked down on them, with doors set at regular intervals.

Officer Johnson gestured towards the other adventurers, “have a seat. The big boss will be out shortly to greet everyone.” Helena grabbed William and moved towards an open table. They dumped their packs with weary sighs.

They had just taken their seats when Williams’ face split in a broad grin. He pointed to something just over her shoulder. “You should turn around and say hi,” he said. Helena gave him a questioning look but did so. She was met with a pair of small black eyes set in a mound of short brown fur.

“A bear,” she yelped and tried to scramble back, but only managed to tumble out of her chair. This was met with a myriad of laughter. The bear gave her a blank look.

Someone at the table stood up and said, “this is Kilo. He’s a druid.”

Helena looked questioningly from the speaker to the bear. She slowly got to her feet. “Kilo,” she asked. The bear grunted and held out a dinner plate sized paw. Slowly, hesitantly, Helena took the offered paw and shook. She said, “pleasure to meet you, Kilo. I am Helena.” Kilo gave another grunt.

“Why a bear,” asked Helena, “if you are a druid, why don’t you just turn back into a man?”

“About that,” said the speaker. “Kilo struggles with transformation. Ask him. He’ll write is out for you. Can’t speak as a bear.”

“Sure thing,” said Helena before returning to her seat. She hissed at William, “do not do that again. It gave me a fright.”

“But it was so funny,” countered William. “Hush,” whispered someone at the table next to them. All eyes turned as two people mounted the stage.

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The first person was a very sleek looking gentleman, about middle age and balding. He wore black pants, a long sleeve white shirt with silver cuffs, and a red vest with a bunch of lace at his throat. A gold chain crossed his front from pocket to pocket. Neatly trimmed black hair and beard completed the look. He was looking at everyone as butcher looks at a herd of cattle.

Behind him was a woman of undistinguished age, with just a touch of grey in her brown hair. Her pale skin stood in contrast to her black leather armor. She carried a pair of daggers on her hip.

The man spoke first. His voice was rather squeaky and had as much enthusiasm as lead. “Greetings adventurers, my name is Big Boss Grobin, or Mr. Grobin for short. I want to personally welcome you to the Laatzen. We operate with the full cooperation with the Adventurer’s Union.” At this moment, he nervously peaked over at the woman. They locked eyes for a moment, but otherwise the woman was utterly still. He cleared his throat and continued, “we seek to bring you some of the finest establishments for new dungeons, including but not limited to Saloons, taverns, whore houses, and armorers. Remember to follow our rules, and you too can look forward to a long and happy career. Through hard work and determination, we at Harrison and Company believe that every employee can rise to the top.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Then the whispering started in. Confused faces looked to others with similar expressions. Willaim leaned over to Helena and asked, “what did he just say? I can’t make hide nor hair of it.” Helena just shrugged, “Me neither.”

Mr. Grobin retreated, and the woman stepped forward. She held up her hand for silence. When people kept talking, the woman said a few words that Helena couldn’t hear. In fact, she could hear nothing but her own heartbeat. Helena looked at William who was saying something. Helena yelled back at him, but William only shook his head and made a gesture: he couldn’t hear either. Then sound came roaring back like a tide.

“That’s better,” said the woman with all the sweetness of a rotten apple. “My name is Rosetta. I am the Adventurer’s Union representative hear at Laatzen.” Her words flowed coolly and soothingly throughout the open room. “You should come by and check out the Adventurers Union. Joining is always optional,” she said the last part with a wicked smile. Helena wondered how true that part was. “Tomorrow, you will choose your adventuring profession. If you choose to become a rogue, you will get myself as a trainer. For tonight, though, Harrison and Company have generously agreed to put you up for the night. I look forwards to seeing who and what you become.” With that said, Mr. Grobin and Rosetta left the stage.

Officer Johnson now took the stage. Above the rising din, he said, “There are rooms upstairs for you tonight only. Tomorrow you will move your belongings into one of the tents. Otherwise, you have free rein of the town,” Officer Johnson pauses here and edged towards the door. “And the bar is open,” he called before fleeing into the night. A ragged cheer went up.

Many heroes were already heading for the stairs. Helena followed them. The first two rooms she tried were full, and the third was holding a bed for another party member. Helena was starting to grind her teeth when someone grabbed her hand. It was Willaim.

“Follow me,” said Willaim as he led her down the rows of doors. Finally, he picked a door and opened it. There was a mummer of voices and then William pulled his head out. “Will this work? There are two open beds.”

Helena gave him a searching look. She said, “It is very improper for a man and a woman to share a bed together before marriage.”

“Don’t be such a prude,” said William. “It’s only a room and not a bed. Besides, there’s already a woman in here.” Helena cautiously followed him in.

A single window in the far wall cast the last of the daylight on four beds with straw mats. One was occupied by a blond-haired, blue-eyed woman who topped Helena by more than a head. She offered her hand and introduced herself as Roxie. Helena recognized her as the speaker for Kilo. She dumped her pack on the bed next to Roxie.

From beyond the door came a grunt and a yell. Then the door was scrapped open, and Kilo wandered in. He gave a grunt to Roxie, eyed Helena, and then laid out on the floor.

“You too friends,” Helena asked Roxie.

“We met a week ago in Harper’s Cove,” explained Roxie. “He keeps to himself; great listener, doesn’t say much.”

William asked, “Anyone want to go downstairs for drinks?”

“No thank you,” said Helena. “I’m too tired,” she admitted.

Roxie declined as well. “I grew up in a seaport,” she explained. “New arrivals are always rowdiest the first night. I’ll lie low tonight. Maybe another time.”

William gave a shrug and left.

"Now what," asked Helena as she laid down, watching the fading light.

"We go to bed," said Roxie, " and tomorrow we become big dam heroes".