Page 7 of The Savage Vow
“He will be in good hands,” Tror said. He was in his teens and worked for the inn. He was tall and lean with his dark hair pulled back.
“Don’t let him talk you into too many snacks.” Nargol tossed Tror a wink.
He grinned and shook his head.
“They all try. I’m firm with my snack rationing,” he said.
She nodded and ambled over to the opening of the barn where Makhel waited for her. They headed up to the main house and entered through the front doors. They were greeted by a sharp-eyed older female orc who leaned against the counter.
“Looking for rooms? I only have one,” she said gruffly. No greetings, just straight to the point.
Nargol could appreciate that.
“Does it have at least two beds?” Nargol asked. She wished they’d inquired about rooms before they had boarded their beasts.
Makhel looked as if she’d had the same thought.
“Room is small, but it has two beds.” The woman sniffed.
“We will take the room. Not sure how long we’re staying, but we’ll pay you for a month,” Makhel said. She slid a small bag of coins across the counter toward the woman.
She immediately snatched the bag up and weighed it in her hand.
“Now I told you it’s small, so no complaining. We offer food if you be needing it, too. Breakfast and supper. If you’re late and miss it, that’s on you.” She turned and snagged two keys fromthe desk behind her. She pushed them across the counter then stopped, keeping her hand on the keys. “I don’t tolerate any trouble. I run a decent establishment. No funny stuff.”
“We are peaceful women who’re just passing through, ma’am,” Nargol said gently. She held the woman’s gaze. “Looking for odd jobs, a place to rest at night, and a decent meal. No more.”
The female studied them for another moment, removing her hand from the keys. Nargol released her breath she’d been holding. Had the female changed her mind, they would have had to make do with a backup plan.
“If you need anything, holler. My name is Agnes,” the woman said.
Nargol nodded and scooped up the keys. Agnes informed them where their room was located. She gave them another once-over then turned back to a ledger that was on the counter before her. They headed up to the second floor where Agnes directed them without a word.
The room was exactly as promised—cramped, with two narrow beds and a single shuttered window, but at least it was clean. There was a communal toileting room down the hall that was for all patrons.
“First impression?” Makhel dropped her satchel onto the first bed. The warrior folded her arms in front of her.
Nargol glanced at her and grinned. Her friend wasn’t speaking of their accommodations. They had certainly slept in worse conditions.
No, she knew exactly what Makhel was asking.
“For someone who openly opposed Magoza’s mating to a human, there are a lot of them in this village,” Nargol murmured.
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
Nargol moved over to the single window and brushed aside the curtain, opening the shutter. There was no grand view to take in. Just an alley and the back of another building. The sounds of the village filtered in. She eyed the small scrap of an area between the inn and the next building.
“It’s not. I’m just thinking that he was so opposed to Amuleta who is half human and orc. Why was his opposition so damn strong when he has plenty of humans roaming around here?” She turned back to Makhel. She was now more curious of the clan leader and what else she’d find in his domain. “Let’s go out. Explore the area.”
“That would be perfect. I hear there’s a fair today.” Makhel rotated her shoulders.
“Is that so?” That would be the ideal way to blend in with the villagers. Get some to start talking, make a few friends. As newcomers, attending the fair would help them blend in with the locals.
“Yeah. There’s a tournament and a market. We could?—”
“A tournament?” Now Nargol was truly interested. She arched an eyebrow at the way Makhel rolled her eyes. Nargol was always down for a little competition.
“Goddess help me. Why did I mention the tournament?” Makhel muttered.
