Chapter 65: Vesha’s Secret
"So you were attacked by wild wolves, lost your mount, and then Lady Vesha found you on the road and brought you all the way here, huh?" The bartender said, sitting across from Adyr as he scratched his bald, leathery scalp. The entire inn had gone quiet, everyone listening in.
"Yes," Adyr said with a sigh. "I can’t thank her enough. She really saved my life." He delivered the lie with convincing sincerity—even convincing himself for a moment.
"That’s Lady Vesha for you. So kind. That’s just the sort of thing she’d do," someone in the crowd said, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes, the alcohol clearly loosening his tongue and emotions.
It didn’t take long for the rest to join in. Almost as if on cue, they all began praising Vesha at once.
Adyr chuckled inwardly, but on the outside, he wore a curious and grateful expression. "Can you tell me more about Lady Vesha? I noticed how much everyone here seems to love her. She must be an amazing person."
The bartender let out a small laugh. "You’re right. She must be the kindest soul in the kingdom, second only to the esteemed practitioners."
He paused, then sighed deeply and added, "But also the most unfortunate girl. Poor thing... if only her fate were as beautiful as her heart and face."
At those words, the mood shifted. A quiet sadness settled over the room, the joy from before replaced by something heavier. Adyr noticed the sudden shift in mood and leaned in slightly. "If it’s not too personal, would you mind telling me why you said that?"
The bartender shook his head. "No, it’s not," he replied, then took a deep breath before continuing. "I remember her childhood well. I used to see her with her family all the time. Everyone around loved her—she was such a warm-hearted girl. Even as a child, she was always helping people, always trying to make them smile."