"Not much longer, your highness. In fact, the border is just beyond the Lit Lantern. It's marked by a great river, can't miss it."Up ahead, a group could just barely be made out entering the tavern.
"Lucky bastards..." Wedge muttered, obviously displeased by Biggs' insistence they not visit.
Meanwhile, within the tavern...It was a slow day within the Lit Lantern. Travelers these days were few and far between, except for those who were fleeing Durhiel. Conflicting rumors circulated between what few patrons there were, including a few archers, a mage, and a cleric...
The door flew open, banging against the inside wall, illuminating a young man, sixteen years at most. The barkeep looked up sharply from a glass he was polishing.
"Mind yourself, young'un. There are people tryin' to relax in here." He set the glass down and wiped his hands on a rag.
"Well, don't just stand there."Almost nervously, the young man stepped into the dimly lit room. He looked even younger as he took tentative steps toward the bar. Several other men, around his age, also entered the room.
"That'sa good lad. Now, what'll ye be havin?" The youth stood quietly for a moment, then grabbed the barkeep by the collar, and pulled him close.
"Everything you've got, old man!" The boy's compatriots pulled their weapons free, axes, swords, and lances.
"Everyone who doesn't want to die, get out! Go now and we won't hurt you!" He pulled on the barkeep's collar, hefting him over the bar and onto the floor.
Sufficiently cowed, many patrons stumbled drunkenly toward the door. True to the boy's word, none were harmed.
Oscar, Ceil, Jago and Enoch are in!