Chapter 317 The City Of Esran (2/2)
”Good,” Arran said ”Why are there so many people in town? And why haven't they left for the Hunters' lands yet?”
The innkeeper looked at hi if I did,” Arran replied flatly ”So explain it to h a puzzled look reo, the Hunters closed the border tointo their lands is branded an enemy”
Arran frowned ”They closed the border? Why?”
The”nobody knows for certain,” he said ”Though I'd wager it's because too— well over a thousand a day from Esran alone”
For a few ed situation Then, he asked, ”You said the border was closed to most travelers So some people are still allowed to enter?”
”Correct,” the innkeeper said ”They alloo hundred people a day to enter fro those chosen is no si the overnor's old coin, anyone can be put on it, and they'll eventually be allowed to go But the wait is long — months, if not lanced around, then continued in a softer voice, ”But of course, for a man of means, there are ways to shorten the wait”
”I intend to leave within the week,” Arran said ”How much will that cost me?”
Given the state of the city, he wasn't the least bit surprised that bribery was the answer But if gold would save hi wait, then he had plenty to spare
”A week?” The innkeeper hesitated, but only for a old I don't know if you…”
Although there was doubt in his words, his eyes showed only greed Clearly, he expected to get a cut of the profits
”Gold isn't an issue,” Arran interrupted hie it? If so, I'll reward you well”
”I do,” the innkeeper said in an eager voice ”My wife's brother is one of the governor's stewards If you have the coin, I'll send for hiht away”
”Then do so,” Arran said ”But first, bring me some drinks”
He took a seat at one of the empty tables in the common roo the inn's lukewarm ale as he watched the innkeeper set into ht it was more likely than not that the innkeeper would try to cheat or rob hi the man tried, he could handle And just the chance that the man could help shorten his ould be orth it
Barely an hour later, an ornately dressed lanced around the common room, and when he spotted Arran, his eyes lit up and he iave Arran a friendly smile, then said, ”Good afternoon, Master…?”
”Arran,” Arran said He'd already decided to use his real na known only as Ghostblade, it was as good an alias as any
”Master Arran,” the man said ”A pleasure to meet you My naht do business together”
”I hope so,” Arran replied truthfully
”Very good,” the man said ”But it would be wise to discuss theselook around the room ”Perhaps you would care to accolad to,” he said, feigning a set this business over with, the better”
As they exited the inn, he glanced at the reed It appeared the man was about to make a poor decision