Lianne stared at Kendel, her mouth agape. Her heart raced fast and her palms were sweating. She went through Kendel's words over and over again. Amra wiped her mouth as the sudden shock made her spit some of her beer out. Faolin was leaning back against his chair, appraising Kendel's words silently.

The riders on the other table were frozen in place. They didn't even talk to each other anymore. They had beers in their hands, but they didn't drink them.

"Are we definitely talking about the same place?" Amra asked hesitantly, raising her eyebrows.

At first, Kendel didn't say a word. He looked through Lianne, Amra, and Faolin one at a time. He had a smug expression on his face as if he enjoyed seeing them confused. He put his hand on the table and opened up his palm. "I need my rings back first," he said, turning his probing gaze at Amra.

When Amra realized that she had gotten caught, she seemed to shrink in front of Lianne's eyes. Her cheeks turned instantly red. Lianne rarely saw her as ashamed as she was now. Usually Amra was the one who did what she wanted and didn't regret it later.

Amra reluctantly dug out the small pouch from her pocket and put it on Kendel's open palm. "I'm sorry," she said in a meek voice as she withdrew her hand and sat on the chair, her shoulders slouched.

Kendel didn't open the pouch. He felt the contents through the fabric and smiled, sensing that both of the rings were still there. He put the pouch to his pocket and turned to look at Amra again, his gaze mischievous. "I'm also in dire need of a drink."

Amra frowned, but without hesitation, lifted her hand in the air. "Hey, Hann. Beer, here!" she yelled and pointed at the table.

"Coming right up!" Hann yelled back, waving his hand from the counter.

The table grew silent as they waited for Hann to bring the beer. Everyone looked at Kendel, anxiously waiting. He only smiled, seemingly enjoying the attention.

"Here you go," Hann said as he walked to them and put a jug full of beer on the table.

"Thanks," Amra said without lifting her gaze from Kendel.

"Of course. Pay me before you leave," Hann said before limping back to the counter.

Everyone kept on staring silently as Kendel poured beer from the jug to his mug. He filled it to the brim slowly as if he was savoring the moment, seeing everyone on the edge.

When Kendel finally put the jug back on the table, Lianne couldn't take it anymore. He had tortured them enough already. "Hey, Kendel, speak," she said firmly.

Kendel once more glanced at everyone before he grinned and leaned closer to them. He checked his surroundings, to make sure that nobody else was paying attention to them.

"As I said, I've been to Clandmere," Kendel finally whispered.

"Are we talking about the same place? The town that's supposed to be in the north?" Lianne asked, wanting a confirmation.

Kendel grinned. "That's the one."

"Have you really been there?" Amra asked while looking at Kendel through squinted eyes.

"As I said, yes."

"Tell us, how do we get there," Lianne asked anxiously. She felt small needles pinching her insides and her hands trembled slightly. He was the best chance they had gotten so far, and she was suddenly afraid that it would slip by her fingers.

"It's not going to be that easy," Kendel said.

Lianne frowned. "Why?"

"You do know that not everyone can get in."

Lianne nodded. That's what she had understood from all the stories she had heard about the place. Nothing good lived or got in, and only desperate enough tried to enter.

"What makes you think you could get in?" Kendel asked, lifting his other eyebrow questioningly.

Lianne quietened down. She couldn't tell Kendel what had happened and why they were searching for Clandmere. He didn't need to know that, but she had to answer him something. She tried to come up with an answer, but all of a sudden her every thought had vanished.

Faolin leaned forward in his chair, crossing his hand on top of the table. "We have to get there. You do not need to know the details," he said firmly, helping Lianne.

Kendel smiled, undisturbed by Faolin's tone of voice. "I merely want to make sure who I'm dealing with," he shrugged.

"Kendel, tell us now," Amra said through clenched teeth while squeezing her fists.

Kendel raised his hands as a sign of surrender. "Alright, Miss, calm down."

"Kendel, tell us now. We're not here to play games," Amra raised her voice, her tightly squeezed fists starting to tremble.

"Alright. It's in the north, but I can't tell you the exact location," Kendel said with a sigh as if he resigned to his fate.

"Why not?" Lianne asked puzzled.

"What would I benefit from it?" Kendel asked and flashed his cheeky smile again.

Amra got up from the chair and slammed her hands on the table. "This is no game! We need to get there!" she raised her voice, her whole body shaking from anger.

"Amra, hush," Lianne said, trying to calm her down. She noticed how people in the tavern had started staring at them. "Amra, we don't want the attention."

As Amra glanced around and saw everyone's eyes on them, she quickly sat down. "Yes, sorry," she said frustrated.

"What do you want?" Lianne asked, turning her gaze back to Kendel.

Kendel seemed to ponder for a moment. He scratched his blond hair and then swept it back. "Please."

Lianne's eyes widened. "What?"

"First of all, be polite," Kendel said smiling, his piercing blue eyes showing a glint of mischief.

"You're the one to talk," Amra mumbled irritated.

Lianne stared at Kendel dumbfounded. She felt as if he toyed with them, but she had no other choice but to go along with his games. "Please," Lianne whispered, her voice pleading. She didn't want to lose this chance.

Kendel looked at Lianne's groveling expression. Then he sighed as if her pitifulness was too much for him. "Look, I can't tell you exactly where it is, but I could take you there," he said and then grinned. "For a fee, of course."

Lianne's heart sunk, plunging with a gut-wrenching feeling. Her excitement instantly cooled down as emptiness started to grow inside her. Kendel had waved a treat above her face and ate it himself. Of course he wanted a fee. She should have known.

"We don't have a lot of money. How much do you want?" Lianne said, her voice weak. She couldn't hide her disappointment.

"Enough silver for a new horse," Kendel said, his grin wide. He must have known he had the upper hand.

"You will only take coin?" Faolin asked, his firm gaze staring at Kendel.

Kendel shrugged. "I don't need anything else," he said and drank his mug empty in one large gulp. Then he stood up and placed the chair under the table with deliberate movements as if he was stalling.

"We can try to get some," Lianne said desperately, not wanting Kendel to leave.

Kendel stopped. "Do what you want. My offer stands until tomorrow," he said and was about to leave when he still turned around. "I'm going to give you an advice for free. You might want to consider this whether you accept my offer or not," he paused, emphasizing his next words. "Not all of you can get in."

Kendel meaningfully looked through them all and then walked away. He started whistling as he walked past the counter. He waved his hand joyfully at Hann before he left the tavern.

When Kendel was gone, the three of them were silent. Lianne felt so disappointed. She squeezed her mug between her hands lightly, feeling her strength diminish. The chance was slipping through her fingers, and she couldn't handle it. A strangling feeling in her throat grew, trying to take over her whole body.

"Well, that was a complete waste of time," Amra said irritated as she filled her mug with the beer from the jug.

Lianne cleared her dry throat. "How much money do we have?" she whispered, her voice breaking.

"Not as much as he wanted," Amra scoffed.

Faolin, who had been silent for a moment, scratched his chin while leaning back on his chair. "Are you considering his proposition?"

"I want to take him up on his offer, but I can't see how it's going to happen," Lianne said. She let out a deep sigh as she slumped down on the table, leaning her head against her hands.

Faolin nodded. "I understand where you are coming from," he said while gazing to the ceiling as if he was thinking. His slender fingers combed through his dark hair. He squinted his eyes and shook his head. "I am going for a smoke," he said and stood up.

Lianne looked as Faolin left the table. His movements seemed heavier with each step he took. His walk didn't have the same lightness it usually had.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

When Faolin was gone, Amra gulped her beer down fast. She slammed the mug on the table and filled it again from the jug. When it was filled to the brim, she started drinking again. Lianne knew that she was irritated and tried to drink herself numb.

"Slow down, Amra," Lianne said while looking at her gulping down the beer so fast that some of it spilled on the table.

"Shut up. Kendel irritates the hell out of me," Amra disregarded Lianne's words and drank. She gulped down the entire mug. As she reached toward the jug again, Lianne pulled it out of her reach.

"Oh, come on, Lianne. Don't be an ass," Amra said, pouting.

"Amra, we need to focus. We need to think of what to do."

"Do with what? We don't have enough money and that's that," Amra snapped at Lianne.

Lianne averted her gaze. She squeezed her hands tightly together, her fingers almost hurting. "I know. I'm just trying to think of something," she whispered.

Amra let out a deep sigh. "Right. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I'm just frustrated."

Lianne nodded. She knew how Amra felt. She felt frustrated and disappointed too. "Should I tell Kendel everything? Maybe appeal to his humanity?" Lianne whispered, trying to think of a way to get his help.

"Does he seem humane to you?" Amra asked with a meaningful glance. "What if we kidnap him and force him to tell us?" she suggested grinning.

Lianne glanced at Amra and snorted. Amra could always lighten up the mood, even if it was only for a short time. "What if we would give up our room and sleep outside? That would save some money," Lianne sighed.

"That's still not enough," Amra shook her head.

"I know," Lianne said, trying to wrack her brains out for a solution. Kendel had been firm about wanting the money. Even if he was sketchy, he was also straightforward.

"What do you think he meant when he said that not all of us will get in?" Lianne asked frowning.

"Don't worry. It might be one of his tricks so that we'd rely on him." Amra shrugged. It was clear to Lianne that Amra didn't trust Kendel one bit.

"You might be right," Lianne sighed. Even if she hadn't drank that much, she felt as if her head was spinning. Her thoughts were going around in circles. She needed fresh air. "I'll take a breather," Lianne said while standing up. "Will you be alright in here?"

Amra nodded and reached for the jug that Lianne had pulled further from her. "Sure. I have this friend here with me," she grinned while filling her mug again.

"I'll be back soon," Lianne said and walked away from the table. She walked past the riders and saw that they were still sitting in place. They weren't talking to each other or drinking. It was as if only their bodies were there, and not their souls.

Lianne felt the cool night air hitting her face as she stepped outside. It felt soothing. Lianne filled her lungs with fresh air and saw Foalin sitting at a bench next to the wall. He was surrounded by a cloud of smoke, his form lighted by the moon.

Lianne pulled her cape around her body, to stop herself from shivering. She walked next to the bench, the grass rustling beneath her boots.

"Am I disturbing you?" Lianne asked.

Faolin shook his head. "Not at all," he said, his pipe hanging from his mouth. He had a straight branch in his other hand and a knife in the other. He was whittling the branch, small chips of wood flying next to his feet. A couple of whittled branches were next to him on the bench.

Lianne sat on the bench. "What are you doing?"

"Making shafts for the arrows," Faolin replied.

"Oh, right. That's clever," Lianne replied while turning to look to the distance. The moon was high in the sky. The wind ruffled the trees and the bushes, and an owl hooted in the distance. Faolin's whittling filled the air with a calming sound. It was peaceful.

Lianne realized that she was tipsy from the beer. As she sat there listening to the calming sounds, she started feeling drowsy. Even if her mind was a mess, her body was languid.

"Have you thought about what Kendel said?" Faolin asked, breaking the calm silence.

Lianne cleared her throat as if she woke up. "We talked about that with Amra, but I have no idea what to do. I need his help," she mumbled silently.

Faolin stopped whittling. He put the knife and branch on his lap and leaned back. "Kendel must have a weak point," he pondered. "There is no man who is not swayed by something."

"Maybe we should sell Luna, or give it to him if he wants to? We could travel with two horses for a short while," Lianne shrugged, even if she didn't want to do that.

Faolin took a hold of his pipe. He inhaled and then released the smoke into the air. "I do not see him as a man who would agree to that."

The earthy smell from the pipe lingered on Lianne's nose. It was sweet and mellow. She had no idea why she liked that scent so much. It seemed familiar, even if she didn't know from where.

"What's that you're always smoking?" Lianne asked.

"It is a blend that I have made myself," Faolin answered.

"Really? That smells nice," Lianne said and smiled, feeling the scent relaxing her.

Faolin turned to Lianne. "Do you want to try?" he asked, taking the pipe from his lips and offering it to Lianne.

Lianne cleared her throat hesitantly. "I'm not really used to smoking," she said but still reached out her hand and took the pipe.

The wood felt smooth beneath Lianne's fingers. She lifted the pipe closer and inspected it. It was carved with small ornamental decorations that resembled the markings on Faolin's body. The smell grew even more alluring and Lianne put the warm pipe on her lips.

Lianne inhaled and instantly felt the smoke starting to tickle her throat. She involuntarily started to cough hard, the smoke escaping her mouth in one large puff.

"There, there," Faolin said surprisingly nurturing as if Lianne was a child. He took the pipe and put it back on his lips.

Lianne covered her mouth and coughed for a moment, her eyes watering. Then, after a moment, she started laughing. "I said I'm not used to smoking."

Faolin smiled affectionately as he took the knife and started whittling again. When Lianne had gotten a hold of herself again, she wiped the tears off her eyes and leaned back on the bench.

"This reminds me of my mother," Lianne said while watching Faolin working.

"How come?"

"My mother used to carve. She was extremely good at it," Lianne replied, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Your mother must have been a great person," Faolin said, a small chip of wood falling down to his feet.

"Everyone in the village had something she had carved. She usually made animals that suited each personality and gave them as gifts," Lianne said. She smiled at her memories and the image of her mother carving.

"What did she carve you?" Faolin asked.

Lianne's smile cooled down. She remembered the beautiful small fox carved from the wood of a walnut tree. She had loved it but had thrown it away when her parents had died. Later she regretted it and tried to find it but never did. "It was a fox, about this size," she said while measuring the small size with her fingers.

Faolin stopped whittling for a moment and lifted his eyebrows. "A fox?" he asked and seemed to scan Lianne from head to toe. "Foxes are fascinating," he said silently, almost baffled.

Lianne instantly averted her gaze. She didn't know what to reply. She felt her cheeks growing warm even if the night air was cool. She fidgeted with her fingers nervously as a small tingling made a home in her stomach. She felt strange but she knew what it meant. She had to admit it to herself. She was fond of him. She didn't want it to be so, but that's what had happened.

Lianne let out an involuntary sigh. That was the last thing she needed at the moment. "I'm going inside," Lianne said as she reluctantly got up. She wanted to stay but thought it was better for her to leave. She couldn't stand her loudly thumping heart.

"Are you leaving?" Faolin glanced at Lianne, his eyebrows raised, a lonely tone in his voice.

Lianne felt her heart hit a strong beat. "Yes. It's a bit chilly here," she said and turned around. She couldn't look at Faolin now that her mind was a mess.

"I will stay for a moment," Faolin's calm voice said as he started whittling again.

"Keep yourself warm," Lianne said and walked back inside. Her steps seemed heavy as if her body didn't want to leave.

When Lianne was at the door of the inn, she suddenly stopped. She felt as if someone was watching her. Lianne glanced back at Faolin, but he was immersed in what he was doing. Lianne scanned the surroundings and thought she saw a figure in the dark. But when Lianne looked again, there was nobody. Lianne frowned and quickly stepped through the door.

Lianne walked back to Amra, who still sat on her chair, the mug of beer before her. "Welcome back," Amra said, her voice a bit slurred already. She had enjoyed the beer while Lianne had been away.

Lianne sat on the chair and took the jug from the table. She started to pour some beer into her mug, but nothing came out. The jug was empty. Lianne put the jug down and let out a deep sigh. She could have used a drink now. She wanted to forget about her thoughts.

"Don't worry. I can order more," Amra said, already starting to turn and sign to Hann when Lianne stopped her.

"No, don't. We don't need another," she said while folding her arms and leaning back on her chair. "We can't spend more money."

Amra shrugged before she leaned closer to Lianne. "So, hey, I've seen keeping an eye out for those riders. They haven't moved at all."

Lianne raised her eyebrows. "Really? All this time?" she asked, finally forgetting about her other thoughts.

Amra nodded while Lianne turned to look at the riders. They were still sitting at the table frozen, their vacant eyes staring ahead.

"Who are they?" Lianne whispered to herself. The men seemed as if they were statues, and she still hadn't seen the person in the wagon. She was thoroughly intrigued and wanted to find out more.

"Hey, Amra. I have an idea," Lianne said while leaning closer to Amra.

Amra's eyes started to instantly sparkle. "Really? What?"

Lianne once more glanced at the riders. "I want to know where the fourth one is. Could you keep an eye out for those men while I check their room?"

Amra's eyes widened. "Oh, how clever. And stupid. I like it."

"I'll go and take a look. If the men leave, you warn me or try to stall them. Alright?"

"Are you sure? I could do it?" Amra suggested.

Lianne shook her head. "No. I want to know."

Amra seemed to ponder for a moment. She glanced at the men, and then at Hann at the counter before she nodded. "I'll do that, but how will you find out which is their room?"

"I'll figure out something," Lianne said while grinning at Amra.

Amra inspected Lianne's expression for a moment before she grinned too. "I've always loved this side of you. Alright, but be careful."

Lianne laughed softly as she took Amra's mug which was still half full. She gulped the rest of her beer down thirstily. She put the mug back before Amra with a thud and nodded. "Right. I'm off. Wish me luck."

Amra grinned. "Good luck."

Lianne started walking away, trying to act as nonchalant as she could. She walked past the men, past Hann who smiled widely at her and past the door outside.

Lianne arrived at the hall. When she was out of Hann's sight, she walked straight to the table with Hann's book in it. She stopped and looked around, to make sure that nobody was there to see what she was doing.

Lianne slowly picked up the book from the table. She turned it to the last marked page and looked through Hann's markings. He had kept a good record of the guests and the rooms.

There were three markings that day. They had been the last ones to arrive, and Kendel had been the first. After Kendel, three people had arrived and Hann had put them in the first large room upstairs.

Lianne closed the book and placed it silently back on the table. She started taking careful steps upstairs as if she wasn't allowed to go there. She once more glanced behind her to see that nobody was there. The stairs creaked loudly as she ascended one step at a time. Her heartbeat seemed to grow faster the more steps she took.

The creaking stopped as Lianne came to the first door in the hallway. She glanced around again. She felt as if someone was watching in the darkness, but when she didn't see anyone, she blamed it on nervousness.

Lianne tiptoed closer to the door. The dark wood seemed to glow faintly as if someone had cast an aura over it. As Lianne put her hands carefully on the door, shivers went through her body.

Lianne braced herself and leaned closer, to see if she could hear anything from inside. She pressed her ear on the rough wood and listened. She stopped breathing as she tensed her every muscle.

A faint screeching sound was heard from inside the room. It seemed to reverberate through her and then disappear. For a moment it was silent until Lianne heard footsteps from inside.