“We have heard,” Galinor says.
“The roads into Errinton are particularly treacherous. Be wary.”
He begins to pass and then pauses, a worried expression on his face. “Do you have family or friends to stay with?”
“We do not,” Galinor admits.
“I recommend an inn in Gelminshard, the first town on this road once you’ve passed into Errinton.”
Galinor nods, waiting for the man to continue.
“The Dragon’s Claw. It’s the second establishment you’ll come to—just make sure you pass the first. Tell them Peter sent you.”
“We appreciate your help,” Galinor says.
The men exchange their final goodbyes, and we continue.
“Hopefully it won’t take long to hunt the iktar beast,” I say, casting a glance over my shoulder after the man has long since passed. “I don’t want to linger in Errinton any longer than necessary.”
The last villagein Coppel is barely large enough to call a village at all. A home no bigger than a farmhouse doubles as the tavern and inn, and it’s here we find ourselves on the last night before we venture into Errinton.
The man and woman running the tavern are kind. We eat with them, joining their family for the nightly meal.
Gwen, our hostess, sets a pork roast on the table. “We don’t see many from Glendon around here.”
The family’s three small boys squirm in their seats, eager to eat. Only the eldest, a boy in his late teens, waits patiently. He frowns at the young ones.
“Galinor is from Glendon,” I say. “I am from Primewood.”
Gwen’s gaze moves between us. “You are not married?”
Galinor glances at me then frowns. “We are not, but I am responsible for her well-being.”
The eldest boy meets my eye and gives me a small, crooked smile. Galinor notices and gives him an intimidating look, and I bite back a grin behind my cup.
“Take care while you travel,” says Gwen’s husband, Helmar. “It is dangerous for unmarried women in Errinton.”
Gwen lets out a sharp laugh. “It is dangerous to be a woman in Errinton, whether married or unmarried.”
Helmar agrees and begins to carve the roast.
I thank them for my portion. “What is it you’ve used on the pork?” I ask after I take a bite. “It’s very good, but I don’t think I’ve ever had it.”
Gwen looks up from her plate and smiles. “Do youlike it?” She sees Galinor has almost finished his plate, and she serves him two more large slices. “It’s just some salt and a pinch or two of pansley.”
I start when I hear the herb, and Galinor also looks at our hostess in surprise.
“Pansley!” I say. “We’ve been looking for it. Do you have any fresh? We would pay you.”
Gwen gives me a baffled look. “You’ve been looking for…pansley?”
I nod.
“I have some hanging, but I don’t have any fresh. It’s the wrong time of year for it.”
I sink back into my chair. “That’s all right. Thank you, all the same.”
Dinner continues. I try to avoid the glances of Gwen and Helmar’s eldest, Galinor glares at the boy frequently, and Helmar asks us personal questions we don’t want to answer. I welcome the moment I can escape to my room.
