Page 49 of Destiny of a King

A broad-shouldered man with silver threaded through his dark beard stepped onto the porch, his gaze settling first on Adira, then on Dravic.

“Looks as though your wife could use some warmth,” the man said with an easy smile.

Dravic glanced briefly at Adira before returning his attention to the stranger.

“That she can,” he answered without hesitation. “We’ve been caught in the storm. I seek shelter for us until it is safe to move on.”

He would not take the chance and continue to travel with the cold and mountains of snow to contend with. No doubt his men searched for him, and they would not abandon the hunt until they found him.

“Go on in,” the man said, stepping aside. “Skellie, the short, bald fellow with a never-ending smile, will take care of you.”

A king had no need to say thank you, everyone in the realm served him but since he preferred his identity not to be known he did something he rarely ever did.

“My thanks,” Dravic said.

“All are welcome here,” the fellow said with a tip of his head. “And so you know, you can’t go wrong with any meals at Skellie’s. His wife Mona is the best cook in all of Caerith. And for an extra coin Skellie will see your horses properly stabled and fed.”

The best cook was at Caerith Castle, but Dravic didn’t argue the point and dismounted as the fellow walked away. Then he reached up and lifted Adira off the horse. Once on her feet, he tucked her beneath his cloak, then tied the reins to his horse at one of the posts in front of the inn.

Before entering the inn, he tapped Adira on the chest, then his own and locked two of his fingers together.

He was pleased when she nodded, understanding he was ordering her to remain close to him.

With an arm around her, they entered the inn.

The warmth that greeted them was almost as welcome as the smell of roasting meat. A large hearth dominated one end of the room, flames dancing over thick logs. Men and women lingered at sturdy wooden tables, their voices low and easy as they shared a meal.

Behind a wide counter stood a short, bald man whose smile seemed as permanent as the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.

“You’ve found your way to the right place,” he said cheerfully. “I’m Skellie.”

“I need a room for my wife and me,” Dravic said.

“You’ve the last one available,” Skellie said. “Storm has kept more than a few travelers from reaching home. Supper is included. Hot stew and fresh bread.”

Dravic set several coins on the counter.

Skellie’s eyebrows lifted. “That’ll cover your room, your meals, and your horses besides.”

“The black stallion out front. See that he’s well cared for.”

Skellie motioned to a young lad who hurried over to him. “Take the horse to the stables and see to him properly.”

Dravic gave a brief nod before asking, “How far are we from Caerith Castle?”

Skellie grinned. “On your way to see the king, are you? Hope you scheduled an audience with him. Heard he does not take well to unexpected visitors.”

“Would you if you were king?”

Skellie scratched his chin. “I suppose I’d feel the same.”

“Caerith Castle?” Dravic reminded.

“Half a day’s ride in fair weather,” Skellie answered. “Though with snow like this…” He shrugged. “A full day, perhaps longer.”

They had drifted further away then Dravic had thought.

He acknowledged Skellie with a nod. “We will eat now.”