Chapter 31: Caution in Stone
The Heirs moved in formation, keeping a careful watch in all directions as they followed Jaus through the city.
He brought them to a wide market square just off the main thoroughfare and pointed to a wide five-story building on the uphill side. His words were loud and boisterous. “The Golden Anchor. A big inn with a fine reputation, for the Oligarchs are fine hosts!”
Nathan eyed the establishment, noting the solid stone construction and faint burn-marks around some of the windows. “Fine, but we’re sleeping on the ground level.”
Jaus gave him a weird look but led them into the building without comment. The common area was only about a quarter full, full of the low chatter of people eating and talking. The crowd was diverse, with a broad range of skin tones, a few orcs, and a couple birdfolk in one corner. A few humans in aprons bustled around to serve food and drinks.
A heavyset man turned from a quiet discussion with one of the staff and bustled forward to meet them. “Jaus, my salt-brother! And your predicted guests, true as the tide.” He grabbed a cloth from his belt and mopped his brow. “We have a wonderful suite of rooms awaiting you on the third floor. They’re blessed by a great breeze and a view of the harbor! I’ll take you there right away.”
“We want a room on the ground floor.” Nathan said, holding out a hand to stop the man. “Not above it.”
The man pursed his lips, then looked to Jaus for help. The guard shrugged and rolled his eyes but didn’t say anything. The large man gave a shallow smile. “Apologies, but we have no guest rooms on the ground floor! It’s all storage and kitchens, and staff rooms.”
“A storage room will work,” Nathan replied, eyes calm. “So long as it’s large enough. We’ll pay extra.”
The man stuttered for a moment and shot a hopeless look at Jaus, who shrugged. “I - I think we can make that work. We’ll clear it out right away. Will you take a seat for dinner?”