28 Changes in the Mine (1/2)
”Hey Trom, I've got a question for you,” Rydel yelled as he and Jack entered the Boar's Inn. Trom quickly appeared from the back kitchen and waited for Rydel's question. ”There are two clerics who came back from the mine recently. They lost their party and go by Drad and Slivia. Do you know where we can find them.”
”You came to the right place,” answered Trom as he pointed at a table in the back. ”They showed up a couple of days ago half dead. They passed out on our doorstep, so we gave them a free room and dragged them to bed. Since then, they haven't left the inn, only coming down for quick meals now and again when they get bored of their room. When we asked them what happened, they said nothing and paid extra to keep their stay here a secret.”
”Then why are you telling us?” asked Jack.
”Because the staff and I eventually figured out their identities from the rumors. We know that you guys are heading to the mines and as members of the association, you're the most trustworthy people in town to handle this,” said Trom.
”What about the crown prince? Can't his guards handle it just as easily?” asked Jack.
Trom smirked, ”I hate the Royal Court, all they do is raise taxes and let the Balt Guild handle our protection. The association members that stay here always pay well and handle some trash that occasionally walks in, like last night. I hear everything before everyone, so know that you've got yourselves one of the best sources in town.”
”In that case, we'll cover their meal. Bring our usual order up to our room and bring four rounds of brundy to the table,” said Rydel as he placed three gold on the reception desk and started walking towards the back of the restaurant. He was already familiar with Trom, so he understood how Trom liked to do things.
”It'll be right out.” Trom flashed a smile and winked at the two adventurers before he disappeared like always.
Rydel, followed by Jack, casually took a seat across the table from the two clerics. ”What do you recommend here?”
”Not much, it's good food at a reasonable price. You won't be disappointed,” the male cleric said as he gave a smug grin and started to stand.
”Why the rush, you haven't finished eating?” asked Jack sitting down next to Rydel.
”I lost my appetite,” said the male cleric, determined to leave.
”It's a shame you two have been cooped up in this place for so long. Why not enjoy a drink and relax?” commented Rydel as a serving girl arrived at the table and passed out four mugs of brundy.
The male cleric flinched and sat back down. ”What do you know?”
”Drad and Slivia, right?” asked Jack. ”Have you been able to fully recover after returning from the mine?”
Both clerics let out a depressing sigh. ”I told that man to not tell a soul. When this is all over, I'm gonna—”
”We're with the association.” Jack's interruption caught their attention and they began to listen. ”We'll be heading to the mine in two days, so we've heard a lot about the missing party incidents. Do you guys know what's going on down there?”
Drad was hesitant to respond and grew tense, but Slivia placed her hand over his to comfort him. She asked, ”What good is there to tell you? Just stay away from there, or else you'll end up like our party.”
”I doubt that,” Rydel joked. ”Most people my level don't pay attention to the mine, but I'm not here for the EXP. Besides, if there's something that I can't handle down there, we can always call Zariff.”
When they heard Zariff's name mentioned, the two clerics began to relax. Drad said, ”Fine, but not here.”
”Way ahead of you,” laughed Rydel, who chugged the complete mug in one go.
The other three finished their drinks at their own pace. Jack spoke after he stood up. ”We can meet in our room, our dinner's already waiting for us there.”
The clerics were surprised to hear that these association members were one step ahead of them.
They followed Jack and Rydel up the stairs and entered their room.
Jack and Rydel grabbed their food off the end table and sat on one bed, letting Drad and Slivia sit across from them on the other.
The clerics were anxious and unsure if they should say anything, Slivia's expression change when she saw Bowser start playing with a boar's leg. Seeing her like this Drad chuckled, ”So, what do you want to know?”