Noble By Deed - Casting Off Convention - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Everyone in the company had a spring in his or her step as they approached the city of Dalesholme a few hours later. The city was fair-sized, walled, and a steady stream of traffic moved in and out as the company marched toward the gates. A few of the men, who had visited the city before, spoke about the lively nature of the taverns, as well as the beauty of the women of negotiable virtue.

Cordain sent a young man he met near the gate running to the keep that was his ancestral home, to fetch the pay for the mercenary company. He then directed the company to the hostel where they would bed down for free during their stay.

Along the way, friendly townsfolk and other mercenaries greeted them, and many who knew Cordain and the sisters moved to express their joy regarding the siblings' safe return. The town bustled, with a busy marketplace and merchant shops scattered on nearly every street.

The young man returned with a smiling servant just as the group reached the hostel. Raptor received the coin owed for the rescue and the march, and distributed it with praise for each mercenary's efforts. Cordain then distributed the bonuses, which amounted to double the coin promised for the work. His final announcement, that he would pay for their stay at the hostel, drew a loud cheer from the company. The men quickly stowed their gear and hurried toward the taverns.

Cordain led his siblings, Christi, and Rochelle to the keep, where he showed the two mercenaries to their rooms. The chambers were lavish for guest rooms, and the bath that lay between them was large enough for more than one person to share. Cordain said he would have it filled immediately, and would ensure it remained warm until they chose to use it.

Rochelle clapped her hands as she tossed her pack down at the foot of her bed. "Okay, I'm ready to go celebrate. Let's go join the rest of the company at the tavern."

Celeste said, "I will bring copies of a few easy spells for you in the morning, Christi."

"Not too early. I may not be in the best shape first thing in the morning," Christi remarked with a laugh as she sat down her own pack.

"In the afternoon, then," Celeste responded with a laugh of her own.

"I can have hot water brought for the basins, if you wish to wash before going back into the city," Cordain offered.

Rochelle shrugged and said, "I'm not worried about it. The place where everyone is going sounds like it's a sellsword watering hole, and we probably won't stand out with the grit of the road on us. After a couple of beers, I won't care anyway."

Christi gestured with her thumb and said, "I'm with her. I'm ready for a few drinks."

"The guards at the gates have been ordered to give you admittance at any hour. Go and enjoy the fruits of your labors," Cordain said with a nod of his head.

The two warrior-women did exactly that, without delay.

Continued in Chapter 9