Silas turned forward. “Muscle for hire. They catch criminals, guard the high-class, collect debts, that sort of thing.”
“I’ve never seen anyone that big before.”
“Ha. Big as they come.”
“What happened to that one’s head?”
“No idea. Looks like someone tried to cut him in half.”
Several hours passed before the trees came to an end. Mara didn’t mind the forest during the day but hated it as night fell. Silas had told him the strange sounds that echoed around them were night birds. He didn’t believe him. He thought he’d seen things dash between the trees, things like Mother.
Out in the open, he relaxed. Small houses appeared in the distance, thin lines of smoke snaking into the air from their roofs.
Arnolo dropped back to ride next to them. “Ever been to Vespen, Peter?”
Mara shook his head.
“Funny place. Wouldn’t you say, Barda?”
“The people are friendly enough. As long as you stay away from their women,” Silas said.
“Ha. Hear that, Peter? No women for you tonight.” Arnolo winked at Mara.
Mara smirked. He had no idea what to say to that.
“We will eat and drink together. Fine ale in Vespen, Peter.”
Arnolo seemed like a happy man from the moment they met, but his face changed as soon as they entered Vespen. He no longer smiled, and a brief glimpse in his eyes made Mara feel like the man had looked right through him.
It looked like Vespen only had one road, with a line of small houses on either side. From what he could see in the dark, the wooden houses looked nice with their straw roofs.
They stopped at the only stone building he’d seen. It sounded noisy inside.
“We’ll join you shortly, friends,” Arnolo said.
Silas tipped his head, then pointed Mara into the building.
The warm, bright and noisy room stopped Mara in his tracks for a second as he waited for someone to tell him to get out – he’d never been welcome in a place like this. Silas placed a hand on his shoulder and guided him through the tables to an empty one in the corner.
His eyes stung from the smoke that hung in the air; it looked like everyone blew it out. At least it’s not the red stuff. Thinking about the Mist made him look at people’s hands. None of them had the stains on their fingers from it. Maybe they don’t have it here. That’s good.
A woman with a big smile and a white frilly skirt approached the table. “What will it be, my darlings?”
“Two stews, an ale, and water for the boy,” Silas said.
“You wantin’ a room?”
“Please.”
“Not a bother, love.” The woman looked at Mara. “Why aren’t those some beautiful eyes? I’ve never seen nothin’ like ’em.” She tapped him on the bottom of his chin and smiled.
Mara’s cheeks felt hot, and he looked away.
“Aww, don’t be shy, my darling. I’ll be right back with your grub.”
Mara smiled as he looked around the room. They all laughed, drank, and smoked. Some pushed each other like they were set to fight but ended up hugging instead. Several men sang about breasts and thighs. Silas laughed at this, so he did too.
A huge black cow stood in the opposite corner. “They keep animals inside here?”