Page 63 of Sword of Rage
“When we go inside, you’ll need to do most of the talking,” he said.
“We’re going into the tavern?” She had no desire for a drink at this hour. A bed was what she wanted.
“Yes. We need to hear the local gossip. I want to make sure it’s safe to remain here for the night. If it is, we’ll find an inn.”
Harley hadn’t thought to bring any money with her. All she’d packed were dresses. Hopefully Ackley had some on him; otherwise, they’d be stuck sleeping in a barn or out under the stars again.
“Besides,” he said. “I’m starved. I could use a real meal.”
As if on cue, her stomach growled.
Chuckling, Ackley led her around the group of men. He pushed open the door, and they entered the tavern. Two dozen people filled the room, taking up most of the bar and about half of the tables. Ackley chose a table close to two occupied ones.
As Harley took her seat, she noticed another woman wearing pants. Relieved she wouldn’t stand out, she leaned back in the chair and moaned, thankful to be off her blistered feet. She was certain her boots were soaked with blood.
A server approached, and Ackley peered at Harley.
“Uh, two bowls of stew,” she muttered. Ackley kicked her under the table. “Oh, and two drinks. Thank you.”
The woman nodded and left.
“Why’d you make me order ale? I don’t want any.” The last thing she needed was alcohol.
He shrugged. “Neither do I. But you can’t come into a tavern and not have a drink. It would look suspicious.”
“I suppose.” The low ceiling made Harley feel caged in.
“How are you holding up?” Ackley asked, leaning in closer to her.
She opened her eyes, not having realized she’d even closed them. “I’m fine.”
He raised a single eyebrow. “My sister told me whenever a woman says she’s fine, she is anything but.”
The server set two bowls and two mugs on the table, then hurried away.
Harley pulled one of the bowls closer to her, taking a tentative bite of the stew. “If you want to know the truth, ever since my cousin’s birthday celebration, my life has been a living nightmare. I keep expecting to wake up and find my brother alive.” Tears filled her eyes.
“You saw it happen?”
Even though his question was rather vague, she knew what he meant. “Yes.” She’d witnessed her brother’s brutal beheading. It was something she would never forget. Could never unsee.
“I can’t imagine witnessing that.” He took a bite of his food. “Considering what you’ve been through…both before and after…you’re a remarkably strong woman.” He took another bite, not looking her way.
She didn’t know what to make of that statement. When he’d saidbefore,he had to be referring to her marriage to Lyle. He’d probably seen something in Lyle’s house that revealed how her husband had treated her. Her face warmed with embarrassment. She couldn’t even look at Ackley, only exemplifying that she was anything but strong. Just because she’d managed to survive, that didn’t make her strong.
“Eat,” Ackley said. “I haven’t heard anything of concern from any of the other patrons. Since things seem calm here, we’ll find an inn for the night, then I’ll sneak out and investigate while you sleep.”
“What do you hope to discover?” And didn’t he ever sleep?
Setting his spoon down, he peered at her. “Just some basic information about Russek. I don’t want to cross their border without knowing as much as possible about what I’m getting us into.”
When the server returned for payment, Ackley pulled out a few coins, handing them over before inquiring about an inn. The server recommended the establishment directly above the tavern.
“How did you know how much to pay her?” Harley asked as she stood.
“I didn’t. I just guessed. That’s why I asked her a question—to distract her.” He led the way to a narrow staircase at the back of the tavern.
Climbing the stairs, Harley winced. Her feet hurt even worse than before.
