“How many rooms?” The old man asked, giving us a quick appraising glance.
“Three,” I said and the eyes of a clerk landed on my face.
His back straightened and he examined our group.
“Twenty coins. Per night,” he added.
I frowned, reaching for my pocket.
“I got this.” Erin made a theatrical gesture, making sure that both girls saw his pouch.
Frid rolled her eyes while Alina looked away.
“Show off,” Victor muttered to himself.
“Single beds or double?” The old man stilled by the board with keys.
“Single!” we all said at once.
After our account was settled, we were given three sets of keys. Erin and I had to share a room, while Victor and Sol took one and the two girls would stay together.
“You’re lucky. I’ll be leaving tomorrow morning and then you’ll have the whole room to yourself.” Erin walked up the stairs.
I exhaled, following him.
CHAPTER SIX
ALINA
As soon as we got into the room. Frid walked past me and dropped onto one of the beds. I stayed by the door, examining my surroundings. It was a small, but comfortable, setting with two narrow beds and an extra wide window with white flowy curtains. A well built table was placed on the opposite wall. I locked the door and walked past Frid before dropping down to the second bed.
My mind would not stop analyzing the situation I was in. My future was uncertain and if I was honest with myself, I was scared. I was not scared about dying, I was not scared about the possibility of physical pain. The only thing that chilled my blood was the thought of ending up in another prison. I remembered the suffocating smell of the rottingflesh, and the darkness of the four stone walls all around me; and my eyes opened wide.
Never! I will never go back to a cell!
“What do you think about getting a bath?” Frid sighed, turning to her side.
“That would be great,” I responded, watching the blond girl stretching her strong, curvy body on top of the covers.
“I’ll make the request now, otherwise I’ll pass out.” Frid walked out of the room and a moment later returned with a tea kettle and two tin cups.
Shortly after, the old man who manned the desk below walked in and stood in the doorway expectantly.
“We need two baths and a change of clothes for both of us. Except, her clothes can be disposed of,” Frid instructed.
“What would you like?” The man turned to face me.
I glanced at Frid, unsure.
“We need a change of clothes. Boots, undergarments, everything,” Frid continued.
“That would be ten extra coins,” the man responded without interest.
“Alright,” Frid added.
“I have no money,” I said, noticing the clerk’s brows furrowed.
“You saved my life. It’s the least I can do.” Frid stretched out on the bed.
