Chapter 20 #2
Despite their ragged appearance, they didn’t appear to draw notice as they rode into the large town.
It helped only a handful of people were out and about.
A few cast them a quick glance but didn’t question their presence probably because Avera and her companions fit in with their ill-fitting and filthy clothes. Even the horses looked worse for wear.
In some respects, the vacant streets and shuttered buildings of Seaserpent Bay’s reminded her of Herder’s Respite, only the people here weren’t afraid or missing, just downtrodden.
The lack of commerce had led to the once thriving city’s decline.
Entire buildings had been abandoned, their windows boarded over, their exteriors unkempt.
People had moved away, and those that remained appeared suspicious of the strangers arriving in their midst and cast them side-eyes.
But at least none of them screamed and pointed at Avera in recognition.
Josslyn murmured, “Why does anyone stay? It’s obvious there’s nothing here for them.”
“Because it’s their home,” was Avera’s soft reply. “And where would they go?” Families tended to stick to the areas they knew.
“I see an inn ahead of us that still looks to be in business.” Gustav pointed.
Named the Serpent’s Shanty, the sign had long lost its luster, the snake under its name partially peeled and the paint beaten off by time and weather. As they entered, the few patrons sitting around nursing ales turned to look and stare.
The barkeep gaped, his jaw dropping low enough his beard tickled his protruding belly. It would seem visitors weren’t common.
Gustav strode to the bar. “Afternoon.”
“Hello, sir. How can I help you?”
“Looking for some rooms for me and my daughters as well as stalls for the horses. Also, a meal and ale. A great big tankard of it.”
“Of course,” blustered the man. “If you don’t mind me asking, though, what brings you here?”
“We’re looking for a ship.” Avera joined Gustav. “One that can preferably take horses.”
“Ain’t many of those anymore,” replied the man behind the counter as he placed a large mug under a tap. “Where you looking to go?”
“Verlora.” Avera stated it quietly and yet the word rang out.
A dead silence filled the room.
The man stared at her before blurting, “Are ye mad?”
“I have business there,” Avera muttered.
“You do know the continent went dark a few decades ago? No one goes there because no one returns.”
“Or no one is admitting it,” Gustav drawled. “Treasure seekers don’t like others horning in.”
“Could be. But that said, you won’t find anyone willing to take you.” The barkeep sounded sure.
“They’ll be soundly rewarded,” Gustav stated, making Avera wonder with what. They had barely any coin on them, their sudden departure from the capital not giving them time to prepare.
“Can’t spend it if you’re dead,” the barkeep flatly replied.
“Guess that decision will be up to the captain. Now about those rooms…”
No surprise, they had their pick. The inn had no one staying at it and, according to Korr—the owner and barkeep—it only remained open because they offered spirits and meals. Tastier food than expected. Avera devoured the spicy fish stew which she sopped up with fresh, crusty bread.
A full belly did much to improve her mood as did the thick straw mattress on the bed.
Avera quickly fell asleep, deeply and soundly.
With nothing to do, she made up for her lack of rest over the next week.
The town didn’t take long to explore, the mostly empty buildings not yielding any treasures to keep her occupied.
The few books left behind by those who vacated dull tomes about fishing and sailing.
Everything of value, including Verlorian artifacts, had been sold or taken by those who relocated.
The lack of anything to keep Avera’s mind occupied meant she dwelled too much on her hopeless situation. It appeared as if her quest would end in Seaserpent’s Bay without ever having a chance to even begin. The barkeep hadn’t lied when he said the port didn’t see much traffic.
Every day Avera, who went by the name of Olive if anyone asked, walked to the docks to see if any ships had arrived.
Nothing but fishing vessels. Speaking to some of the locals, she found out that Korr hadn’t exaggerated.
Only rarely did seafaring ships visit. Losing Verlora as a trading partner on this side of the continent had been devastating as the smaller isles didn’t do much outside commerce.
But the pirates on Saarpira did. According to the folks she conversed with, they visited sporadically with their stolen goods, preferring the laxness of Seaserpent Bay to the busier port at Horizon’s End.
In their effort to avoid being arrested for their lawless nature, the pirates didn’t give advance notice as to when they’d visit, however, Korr seemed to think it would be soon since it had been a while since they’d last traded.
Much as she’d hate to encourage their lawlessness, Avera might not have a choice but to barter with the pirates for passage.
If one of their ships ever arrived.
It wasn’t until their eighth day that a sizeable vessel sailed into the port. Her elation lasted only a moment though as at the very same moment, some knights trotted into the city too.