Chapter 6: THE BELL TOLLS FOR TROUBLE
She had yet to finish her meal when the toll of the church bell sounded again. Three rapid consecutive tolls, five times. Arella could not remember what that one meant. However, everyone else in the inn seemed to know. The air in the room shifted and grew heavy, and the quiet murmurs of the villagers turned into sharp whispers.
Arella looked up from her food, her senses on edge.
Jim burst back into the inn just a few seconds after the toll of the bell. His expression was grim, and his hand was tightly holding onto the hilt of his blade.
"We've got trouble." He spoke loudly, addressing everyone in the eating area. However, his gaze was firmly placed on Arella.
"Care to be more specific. Trouble seems to be following me everywhere these days."
"Bandits." His tone was clipped, "A large group, too large for our guards to handle."
Arella's eyes narrowed in understanding. "And that is my problem because?"
Jim halted, probably realizing that Arella had no obligation to assist them. His gaze then turned on the Shadow Hound. "What about that thing? Is it trained to fight?"
Arella rolled her eyes and stood from her chair. "It is not a dog that you can just sicc on someone, if that is what you are asking. It does what it wants." She walked up to the Shadow Hound and patted it on its furry head—the only spot where its fur was full and lush. "Trust me, I have tried giving it orders."
"Just great." Jim ran a hand through his hair. He was obviously frustrated. "Unless you have a better idea, I would like to request that you join us; we will need every able-bodied person who can fight."
Arella sighed, "You assume I will help because..."