Ties of Blood by D.W. Jackson Read Free Book Online Page B

and soft bed would do wonders for her mood.
     

CHAPTER VI
    Smithtown was much larger than Eloen had expected. Though it was only early spring the air in the town was warm. The sound of hammers filled the air from the many blacksmiths and foundries. The smell of burning wood and coal hung over the town along with a thin cloud of smoke that eerily hung in their air, almost shimmering as it caught the last vestiges of light from the setting sun.
    Eloen wanted to stay in one of the finer inns of the town but Ballard had insisted that they pick one of moderate means. He assured her it wasn’t in an attempt to save coin or to dampen her spirit but because it would allow for the most diverse group of patrons increasing their chance of gaining information. She wasn’t sure if he was telling the truth or getting back at her for teasing him earlier about his drinking, but decided that as long as they inn had a bath she wouldn’t argue.
    It didn’t take long for Ballard to find an inn he liked. It was one of the larger inns and had a metal sign hanging out front of a large pitcher tipped over on its side. As they walked in the common room the scent of burning tobacco assaulted her nose. As they approached the desk they were greeted by a heavy set woman, with grey eyes and long brown hair.
    “What can I do for you boys today?”
    “We need two rooms, and the lady will need a bath brought up to hers.”
    “We can do that for you. The rooms are three silver a piece and five coppers for the bath. While you wait for your bath why don’t you all get a bite to eat, the cook fixed up some barbequed lamb that’s as tender as a babe’s hind end.”
    “Sounds like a good idea to me.” Ballard said as he handed the woman the coins.
    The common room was far larger than anything Eloen had ever seen before. A large bench wrapped around the entire length of the wall with tables intermittently placed in front of it except where a small stage had been sat up. Other tables of varying size dotted the room but the center of the floor remained open. Eloen wondered at the wasted space but didn’t let it bother her as she followed Ballard to one of the smaller tables located near the corner of the room.
    Shortly after they sat a young woman near to her own age promptly appeared at her table. She was a nice looking girl with a lithe body and shoulder length blond hair and bright blue eyes that remained fixed on Darryl as she approached the table. “What can I get you sirs?” She said her voice light and mousey.
    “Three plates of lamb, a couple of ales and a small glass of wine for the young lady.” Ballard replied not even looking up at the woman.
    “Anything else?” the young woman asked leaning down so that her chest brushed Darryl’s shoulder.
    “That’s all we need for now.” Darryl said trying his best to stare as the waitress pouted her lips and turned, her hips swaying seductively as she walked back toward the kitchen.
    “Looks like you have an admirer, lover boy.” Eloen said smirking.
    “I know with these devilishly good looks of mine it a wonder I haven’t been tied down to the altar yet.” Darryl said flashing a smile.”
    “That’s not a mystery the second you open that mouth of yours they all run as fast as their legs can carry them.” Ballard said slapping his friend hard on the back.
    When their food was brought out waitress continued her hunt of Darryl, taking every opportunity to let her skin brush up against his. Eloen was amazed that her friend didn’t take any of the young girl’s advances. She had not spent a great deal of time with Darryl outside of the army. He was proving to be much shyer than she would have imagined given his bawdry demeanor with the rest of the unit.
    “When are you going to start fishing for information?” Eloen asked giving Ballard a questioning look as he finished off his mug of ale.
    “It’s too early yet. Have to wait until everyone is deep into their cups.” Ballard replied