Chapter X:

That first night was supposed to be a festive night. It was still the Christmas spirit. I didn’t feel like it, though. I sat at the bar with the driver and the other two guys. In contrast to the outside, the pub was rather lively. I felt so out of place here. Everyone looks so happy around me. Do they even know? I shook my head to myself. Of course they can’t. They didn’t even know who I am. How could they?

The food there was good. Not the best that I’ve had but it was better than not eating at all. Meat with some turnips. The driver covered my cost.

“Everything is on me,” he told me. I nervously forced myself to smile. This didn’t feel right but I really needed to eat. I had to have been walking through the woods for close to a day. Food wasn’t the only thing I needed. I couldn’t understand how everyone could come near me without flinching. I really needed a bath.

I felt someone nudge me on the arm. I turned my head. A barmaid looked down at me.

“Are you okay?” she asked. I stared at her, blinking. She looked a little bit older than me. I tried not to stare down her dark green dress. I looked away, shaking my head. She leaned in closer.

“Do you want to talk about it?” the barmaid asked.

“You wouldn’t believe it,” I said.

“Try me,” she said. I turned and looked up at her. She had her hands on her hips. The frown on her face looked so unpleasant. I didn’t want to go on with this anymore.

 “How long do you have?” I asked. This girl had no emotion on her face.

“All night,” she said. Oh damn. She’s not going to go, is she? I put my arms behind my head and sighed.

“Where do you want me to start?” I asked.

“Why are you here?” she asked. I reluctantly spilled my heart out. I left out the part about the demons. The barmaid just stared at me with no emotion on her face. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. I sighed when I finished my story.

“I don’t know what I am going to do next,” I admitted. I looked up at the barmaid. She still had no emotion on her face.

“Do you have anywhere to stay tonight?” she asked. I stared at her for a moment. Did I just hear her right?

“No,” I said. The barmaid looked around for a bit. She leaned close to my ear.

“We have a room upstairs,” she said. I stared at her with big eyes.

“Are you serious?” I whispered. She didn’t say a word as she turned and walked back to care for the other patrons. I stared at her back. I looked around. The patrons didn’t pay any attention to me. I finished up my dinner and had some ale. Having a bed would be perfect right about now. Maybe some sleep would help me figure out what to do next. I looked out the window. The snow was starting to fall again. For reason, I found it so peaceful. I felt myself smiling for the first time since I lost everything.