Chapter 100: The Jovial Count of Brineyard
"Don’t be fooled by the Count of Brineyard’s friendly and seemingly foolish personality."
"For while it is genuine behind his foolishness lies and intelligence only a few get a glimpse into."
"Many have fallen into the trap of underestimating the good count and forget that someone who can survive against the cunning Duke of Deterners schemes...."
"Is no ordinary man."
Darius Hartguard, Second Commander of the Pelican Guards and Captain of Sigismond Security Company
....
The oak door creaked open, a chilly wind bursting through the doorway before it was closed as two cloaked men entered. The glint of light mail could be caught by an observant man hidden beneath the black recesses of the men’s cloaks. A sharp, well-cared steel sword lay hidden in a sheath on his hip, while the other wore nothing but a fine tunic, the wet hoods of the cloaks concealing the two men’s identity.
A fire crackled in the corner. Its warmth combated the cold that constantly threatened to enter and permeate through the tavern, providing a refuge for the few weary travellers on their journeys during the dreary winter months.
The two men walked up to the bar. The one in the fine clothes ordered a beer while his armed friend ordered an ale while asking something of the innkeeper in a hushed tone, who pointed to a dark corner where 4 men sat waiting, happily enjoying their drinks and food these men looking no different from the average adventurer as they revelled in the delectable feast laden on plates on the table.
Walking over to this table, the familiar fragrance of roasted chicken wafted throughout the tavern, getting many a jealous look from its other patrons. A man sitting on the table’s far side gnawed on a chicken drumstick and had a distinctive appearance despite his attempts to look low-key. But thanks to the many interracial marriages in Nathia, such beings were not uncommon, but one this exotic was truly a rarity.
The man’s body was covered in a mixture of fur and feathers, which were violet and gold. His genes seemed unable to decide one colour or the other and, as a result, created this multi-coloured coat that acted as the man’s skin. He had a human-like face and jaw, but opaque jet-black eyes made it seem like you were looking into an endless abyss instead of hair, the multi-coloured feathers and furs continued to enclose his skull in their protection as two pointed curved cream-coloured ivory horns stuck out from the left and right of his head insinuating his minotaur heritage.
Two large wings now folded into his back to help hide them under his coat could be discreetly seen; however, the firelight reflected a golden shine from one of them like that of the sun, giving them away despite meticulous attempts to hide them. When it came to being low-key, this creature struggled emphatically, which is why he faced all his enemies directly, for he was too noticeable and well-known to try to sneak around like halfling.