109 CIX. The Hospitality (1/2)

Karl looked at Dag, smiling.

Reidar continued to move with circumspection.

After all three sat in front of the fireplace, the man returned to the house, his clothes completely wet.

”You were right, it's raining. Your horses will stay dry, I've fitted a protective tarp that will keep them safe” he said, taking off his hood.

”We thank you again!” said Dag, who stood up and walked toward him.

”If you pay, you can stay here as long as you want. From that door you enter the barn, you will sleep there” the old man replied.

”Yes... yes, of course. We will pay you, as promised” Dag replied.

He looked around: it looked like a normal farm, stacked on a wall there were many utensils to work the land. The two old ones were definitely peasants.

Dag sat down again next to his companions, forward to the chimney, when Reidar approached him and whispered in his ear: ”Captain, I don't like the situation. Why do two old folks live so isolated? The nearest village is miles away and I'm sure I haven't seen any horse or donkey nearby”.

”You're right, Reidar. I noticed that, too. We're only going to spend one night here, better not ask too many questions. The old lady seems to be nice” Dag replied.

Meanwhile, the old woman touched Karl's shoulder to deliver him a bowl of hot soup.

Karl thanked her and took the bowl.

Dag looked towards the kitchen: next to a large pot, there were 5 bowls.

”If they eat it too, it means it's not poisoned” he thought, casting a glance at Reidar, who understood without needing explanation.

The man walked toward them and sat by the chimney.

”Fast, woman! Before the soup cools down!” he yelled.

Within minutes, everyone had a portion of soup and sat by the fireplace, on a mat made from straw.

That was the reason why the man had decided to help them as soon as Dag talked about money: they looked like poor people, a silver coin had immense value for them.

Dag tried to relax and approached his nose to the soup, which had a great smell of meat and vegetables.

”I'm sorry, but that's all we can offer you guys” the lady said, looking up at him with a smile.

”No, don't get me wrong! It looks delicious!” replied Dag, trying to hide the embarrassment.

Karl began to eat greedily, while Dag and Reidar waited for the two elders to eat as well.

The old man dipped the spoon into the bowl and carried it to his mouth, swallowing the morsel.

Reidar looked at Dag, who nodded him with his head.

They too began to eat.

After finishing dinner, the three adventurers suffered fatigue on their arms and legs.

”Follow me, I'll show you where you're going to sleep tonight” said the old man, struggling to get up from the ground and lighting a torch, which he carried with him.