Page 10 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

She leaned closer, bending just enough for him to take a gander at her breasts that were nearly falling out of her blouse. “Sure, I can't tempt you with anything else?”

Torden's gaze moved over her. Lori was pretty enough. bright eyes, pleasant smile. Skinny, but he didn’t mind, most women would do. Except the smelly ones. He wrinkled his nose at the thought. Those he would not touch.

He shook his head. “Nay.”

Her smile disappeared and she straightened with a huff and walked away.

Torden didn’t mean to insult her, but he had no regret as he watched her go. Then he cast another glance around the room before settling in.

Lori returned with his ale, setting it down with considerably less enthusiasm than she'd shown before.

Torden slid an extra coin across the table.

Her good humor returned immediately.

He lifted the tankard and took a long swallow. The ale was good. He had a corner to himself. He knew no one, no one knew him, and no one needed anything from him.

Peace at last.

“I bought the last round!”

“Nay, you didn't!”

Torden was about to enjoy another swallow of ale but stopped with the tankard halfway to his mouth. His eyes closed briefly. It was no concern of his. He took a swallow and tried to ignore the raised voices.

“You bought the round before last.”

“And the last one.”

“You're too drunk to remember what you bought.”

A chair scraped across the floor.

Torden kept his attention on his ale.

“Call me drunk again and I'll knock you on your arse.”

“Drunk.”

Several men laughed.

Torden sighed. So much for peace.

He glanced toward the two men. They stood near the hearth, close enough to trade blows but neither looking particularly eager to throw the first one. One was thick through the middle and red-faced from drink. The other was younger and taller, his crooked grin doing nothing to improve his companion's temper.

Neither had reached for a weapon.

Torden dismissed them. Let them argue themselves hoarse.

Lori approached carrying a bowl of stew, and Torden's attention immediately returned to more important matters.

She placed it before him along with a generous chunk of dark bread. “Anything else?”

“Nay,” Torden said, his focus on the stew.

Her smile suggested she hoped his answer might change. But it didn't, so she left him to his meal.

Torden tore off a piece of bread and dipped it into the thick gravy. The smell of beef and onions reminded him how long it had been since he'd eaten.