Chapter Three. Stew and a Brew.

 

            Phlebus woke early, as did Zyrina but the twins would not be roused. They slept the morning away.

 

After breaking her fast, Zyrina wandered the markets, talking with the locals, occasionally making a small purchase here and there. She saw Phlebus wander over and into the Hall of Learning again but did not follow him. She found a bench in the markets and took a seat to take in the warmth of the morning sun.

 

Finally, one of the old women of the village sat near her to rest a moment in the market before continuing.

 

“Morning to you.” Zyrina offered companionably.

 

“Mmmhmmm.” The wrinkled old woman leaned on her cane and peered over at Zyrina. “You are one of those strangers that’s here to find out what is happening to the valley, are you? What’s your name?”

 

“I am Zyrina, and yes I am an Outlander here with my friends to help.”

 

“That’s fine, I’ve met Outlanders before, some of them live here in this valley. Zyrina? Are you alone in this world?” she squinted over at Zyrina who was squirming a little at the thought of her personal life.

 

“No, ma’am. My family are in the lands I left.”

 

“Why are you here? What’s in it for you?” She didn’t hardly wait for Zyrina to take a breath between questions.

 

“Well, I’m helping a friend who needs help. Have you heard any of the old stories of the valley? When did this happen before?” Zyrina boldly asked back.

 

“Hummphffttt. Stories.” She looked over at some children running around their mother as she shopped in the early morning. “Stories are for children. You aren’t a child.”

 

For a moment Zyrina thought that was all she was going to say. She remained still for the longest time before going on, “Yes, I’ve heard the stories. You better speak with Matt when your friends wake up. He will tell it right.” She paused before adding, “Ask about Charlotte. He’ll know what that means.” She nodded to Zyrina and left with the young mother and her children as they moved further along the markets. Calmer now she walked with one child on each arm helping the old one to walk and both of them chattering away about everything in sight.

 

Zyrina mouthed Charlotte? Who’s Charlotte?

 

            It was nearing the midday and Zyrina could wait patiently no longer. She headed back to the River Rider Inn on the north side of the markets. It was time to rouse the sleeping giants but, in the end, when she arrived, they were both up, washed, fed, and were having a little sparring match in front of the Inn, much to the delight of the smattering of youngsters watching them. After declining to join the fun, she watched Phlebus as he hurried back from the library with several scrolls tucked under his arm.

 

            “Couldn’t resist finding more to read?” she teased him with a smile as he came into earshot.

 

            “I’ll just be a minute while I put these away.” He said as he disappeared down the stairs to the hotel below the inn.

 

            It was easy to find Elnoth’s. As their server had pointed out, it really was kitty-corner to the inn where they were staying. A short time later, after knocking on Elnoth’s large solid wooden door, the companions were admitted by a booming voice.

 

“Enter!”

 

Once inside they could tell the voice was coming from up the staircase to the right of the large stone building.  It was a beautifully kept home. The owner had good taste in his furnishings and even had a piano in one of the rooms.

 

“Please, come in. I’m sorry I’m not at the door to greet you. May I announce you?”

 

Phlebus shouted up the stairs, “Elnoth the Viking Elf has invited us here, to his home so we may speak with Matt, his butler. My name is Phlebus of Midgard and I speak for my party.