Decline the food and drink #96

“No, thank you sir,” you answer, “we appreciate the offer, but we have to get Aggie back. Besides, we have to find room.”
Toma nods and grins wide, “We maybe I can reward you after all! Just tell old Egerton that Toma will cover your first weeks lodgings,” he winks, “food but not drink, included.” You all laugh.

The tent city, unsurprisingly, turns out to be exactly that—a sea of propped up cloth, bustling with thousands of soldiers, merchants and races from around the world. Kutollum, Humans, Evolu…even Iskari—which are blue skinned cousins to the Gypsies mix with one another. The air is ripe with sweat, meats and animal droppings, people constantly pushing and navigating their way through the streets.
You make your way to The Three Swords, one of the few solid structures in the tent city. Paid for by the rich merchants of Roland, over a hundred woodsman were employed to build the lodge in a single season. Crafted to house eight hundred soldiers within its great hall, The Three Swords caters to the needs of the racial armies, trying desperately to exist together in peace.
When you arrive, Aggie introduces you to Egerton, who happens to be the taverns steward…and her uncle. The fat old man nearly cries as the young barmaid explains the peril she experienced. Egerton expresses his gratitude by offering you a room for the first week, free of charge…on top of taking Toma’s money.
“Well that was a nice surprise,” chimes Valda. “We can join the military after all or take our time and look for other work if we like.”
“Options are good,” grunts Dorbane, “…but ale is better. I’m famished and thirsty!”
“Then you should buy the first round,” you add, “and grab that sorry looking dwarf over there!”
Your friends look to see Dagan timidly scuffling near the bar, watching Aggie walk into the back with her uncle.
You laugh, “As for me, I can use a lie-down. I’m going to our room to unpack and wash this dirt from my hands and face.”
“Suit yourself,” scoffs the Kutollum, “I’m sure the ale will still be flowing by the time you get back.”

The room is clean, but small. There are two cots and a fur skin on the floor in between. You toss the fur into the corner and throw your bag on top of it. Let them have the beds tonight, you shrug. I’m too tired to care.

Your stomach growls fiercely. Maybe you should go get food. Go to page #97
You decide to sleep. Go to page #98