It didn’t catch his attention the first time, but the Ole Maul & Chain sign above the door should have been his first clue. It featured a rather gruff patron with a weapon over his shoulder and an overflowing horn in the other. The tavern had just as few people as did when he left only a quarter-hour before.
“You stole my book!” The barmaid said jokingly.
Lohmen sheepishly apologised and asked how much he should pay her for it but she laughed off the offer and asked him why he was back so soon.
“Do you know where Tiamui is?” He asked.
“Of course. Heading north you’ll hit the Realms of Az, Zhod then Tauptiimai. Tiumai is one of the more inland towns in Tauptiimai. Just head north until you hit the sea then turn west.”
Lohmen nodded in thanks, but didn’t take his leave.
“Where is the nearest Mount Registry?”
“You don’t know very much, do you, Adventurer?” She quipped. “Nearest one is Muzozas, halfway into Azsateztez. Anything else?” She added sarcastically.
“Yes, if you don’t mind,” he started. “Is there an Iron Bank close by?”
“That’s in Muzozas too.”
“Thank you….” he trailed off waiting for her to fill in the blank.
“I’m Wittlyn. Witti for short. And you’re welcome.”
Lohmen gave her a warm smile, and put his back against the door. Back outside, he pulled out his notebook and scribbled down the information from Witti. Then he paused.
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He tore a page from his notebook and gave his pencil a blot on his tongue, then sketched out an image of a young woman reading at a tavern. Swirls of magic, imagination and wonder flowed from the book around the young subject while sullen and dark figures stared into cups around her. He pushed back through the door, again.
“Divine’s sake man, If I didn’t know any better I’d think you fancied me.” She said, hands on hips. Lohmen blushed a little and gave nervous chuckle.
“Ah, ahem no. I, um.” He hadn’t been flirtatious with anyone in years, nor was he particularly good at it back then. Kahriah had found his awkward courting endearing. Eventually, he found his footing and got to the point.
“I wanted to give you this. You’ve helped me a great deal, Witti. ” He handed her the sketch which she took with one eye narrowed. Then her expression changed.
“This is beautiful, thank you.” She said after a moment. “Most people, don’t really see…me. Thank you.”
Lohmen smiled appreciatively and left her admiring the sketch. He rejoined his horse near the Healer’s office but stopped before he mounted and started talking to himself to confirm his itinerary.
“Okay…two days before I meet Yerik…” He held up his thumb and forefinger, as he studied his notes. He had a thread to chase, though it was old and tattered. A child had gone missing under similar circumstances to Thesdon and he had to investigate.
“Alright, to Mozozas. Go the Bank and the Mount Registry and still have time to visit Yophelin Tiamui. If I hustle I can still make Poshnam and see Yerik.”
I hope he has something for me.