Chaison looked up from where he was sitting. His gaze followed the five men who entered through the front door of the Monsters and Maidens Inn. Each man wore a wool cloak with an ornate insignia embroidered into the shoulder. He recognized the insignia as the coat of arms of The Red Oak Kingdom.

No one had seen Red Oak warriors in this part of the world since before the time of the Wars of Trozos, almost over three centuries ago.

“ I wonder who these blokes are?” Chaison said to the men who were seated with him.

“Aye, it seems they have been in the grass for sometime.” Observed Tong, the man seated to the left of Chaison.

“Torn leathers, sunburned cheeks, the Red Oaksmen are not adventures by nature.” Chaison remarked . “Maybe they have arrived because they have heard of the escape?”

Tong looked at Chaison, and then back at the group of warriors. “ I don't think so, news does not travel so fast. These men have been in the grass more than a few weeks. They have come for something else.”

The mercenaries continued to eat their meals, ever aware of the newcomers. Chaison signaled for a barmaid to attend his table.

“ How can I help you, my lord?” the barmaid said to the mercenary. She carried with her a fresh platter of wexlor deer and offered it to the three men.

“Bar girl, go to that table and find out where these newcomers have traveled from. Ask them what they are looking for, but be discreet.” Chaison growled.

“I cannot sir, the owner of the Inn believes our customers should not be bothered about their intentions while they stay with us.” The young woman replied with a tense smile.

Chaison narrowed his eyes, and placed his hand on the hilt of a dagger tucked into his riding boot.

“ Do you see this my dear? “ The mercenary said, “ Your inn keeper will not know that you have spoken to those men unless you tell her. If you don't ask those men what I need to know, you will find yourself in a very unfortunate position. “ Chaison pulled the dagger out of its sheath just enough for the barmaid to see the sharpness of the blade.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“ I understand, my lord, I will do my best to find the information you desire.” she said.

“ you will do better than your best.” Chaison said to her with a sly smile.

The mercenary watched the girl as she approached the red oaksman. She bent down to address the warrior closest to the bar. He was a lean man. Muscular. Chaison guessed not more than thirty years old. His head was shaved on both sides, all that remained was a long dark haired braid that fell below his shoulders. A simple tattoo stained the place behind his right ear and took the shape of a serpent twisting into an infinity loop.

Chaison had seen the Red Oaksman only twice before in his lifetime. The old stories told of how, in battle, they were a formidable opponent.

He observed the barmaid speaking to the red oak warrior. The warrior seemed surprised, and took his time responding to her. She leaned forward, closer to the warrior and whispered something in his ear. He smiled, he looked around the inn and his eyes met with Chaison. Chaison held his gaze for a moment and then sliced a piece of wexlor deer, placing it in his mouth, slowly chewing the meat and savoring its juices.

Twenty minutes passed before Chaison waved again to the barmaid for service. This time when she approached his table she carried with her sweet red wine and three goblets.

“ My lord, a sweet drink for you.” she said

Chaison grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close. “ Of course my dear, fill the goblets for me and for my men. Now, tell me the stories you have heard.” He pulled her even tighter. She felt the pinch of his grip as she slowly filled the goblets.

“They are from the Red Oak Kingdom,” she said.

“Yes, yes I know that! I can see the coat of arms on their cloaks, you stupid girl. What else did that oaksman tell you.”

“ They have just crossed the Quintana plains, they are on a religious pilgrimage for their king. They intend to cross the Wexlor passage in the morning and they have told me they will stay in the Village of Stars, for worship, before returning to the Red Oaks.”

The story seemed plausible to Chaison but he was not entirely convinced.

“ You have been spared a most unfortunate fate,” he said, squeezing her buttocks. “Now go, fetch me the innkeeper.”

The other men laughed, and goaded Chaison's behavior. Chaison held up a small satchel and pulled from it a glowstone. His men fell silent.

"Look at what I have here. Something so rare it will make us all rich." Chaison said.

He possessed a glowstone given to him by emperors, it was the first part of his payment, but the second half of the payment was more important. A genie named, Khor. As he spoke to his men he became aware that one of the Oaksman had watched him reveal his secret. Chaison put the stone back in its pouch, concealing it from the Oaksman's view. Chaison and Cathol made eye contact.

“ Religious pilgrimage my arse” Chaison said aloud

The three mercenaries rose from the table. Chaison laid a few coins and a note on the table for the innkeeper. He and his men could not wait any longer for the Innkeeper. They were within striking distance of the escapee, the reward and the Genie.