City of Towers_ The Dreaming Dark - Keith Baker [13]
Jode smiled. “Leave it to me, Captain. Have I ever let you down?”
“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just ask me that.”
Once a residential district, High Walls had been converted to serve as a prison—a fortified ghetto for those deemed a security risk to Breland and Sharn. Now that the war was coming to a close, the gates were open and the portcullises were raised, but the guards remained, and black-cloaked archers walked the walls that gave the region its name. Beyond the gates, the district was a dismal sight. Walls were cracked, windows broken, cobblestones had even been lifted from the streets. The few people who were still about were filthy folk in torn and soiled clothes, watching from alleys or peering out of shattered windows.
“Well, it looks like there aren’t any guards to keep us from sleeping in the street, but I wouldn’t recommend it,” Jode said. “Seems to me like our friend Morgalan would be right at home here.”
“What exactly are we looking for here?” asked Daine.
“I’ll know it when I see it.” A few moments later Jode held up a hand, motioning them to stop. “This’ll do.”
A rather melancholy manticore was painted on the sign above the door, and not with any particular skill. In one corner was the horn of the hostel along with a small Star of Cyre. “Well, it looks like Cyrans are welcome,” said Daine, “but we still have one problem—the complete absence of coin.”
“Trust me.” Jode threw open the door and strode inside as if he owned the place. Daine followed, while Pierce set Lei’s feet on the ground and gently shook her awake.
The interior of the Manticore Inn was as uninspiring as the façade. The sullen people sitting around the common room studied the travelers suspiciously. Here and there Daine did see the tell-tale look of Cyre in some of the faces—a narrow chin, hazel eyes ringed with brown—but if Jode was banking on an outpouring of love, he was sorely mistaken.
To Daine’s surprise, Jode called out loudly in the tongue of the Talenta Plains, and a moment later the innkeeper appeared. She was a stout halfling with streaks of gray in her brown hair, and she returned Jode’s query in the same tongue. An animated discussion followed, as Jode indicated each traveler in turn and went through a bizarre series of pantomimed actions. Even the other patrons took an interest, leaning forward to watch the antics of this seemingly mad halfling. The innkeeper seemed dubious, but eventually she nodded, and Jode embraced her. Pushing him away, she went back to the kitchen.
“I’ve got us a few days of credit,” Jode whispered. “Now whatever she says, just nod.”
A moment later, the innkeeper returned with a set of keys and led them upstairs. The keys seemed almost unnecessary, as most of the doors were on the verge of falling off of their hinges. She opened the door and the end of the hall.
“I know it’s not what you’re used to, General,” she said. “But hopefully it will suffice until your letters of credit are cleared by the bank.”
Daine glanced over at Jode. General? “We’ve been in the field for many days, lady. Your generosity is appreciated.” He knelt to kiss her hand, and she looked away and blushed.
“Oh, not at all, General. To think, one of the Queen’s trusted advisors in my humble inn. And after you risked so much to save those Talentan orphans. Truly, a few days is the least I can do.” She smiled again. “Breakfast is served at the eighth bell. I look forward to hearing more tales of your valor in battle.”
“Of course, of course,” Jode said. “But at the moment, the general needs his rest.”
Once upon a time, the room might have had a cold fire lamp. It might have included a bed. But furniture had been stripped away, leaving only a pair of mildewed pallets set against the floor. There was a single oil lamp, and spiders scattered into the shadows when Jode managed to get it lit. Daine had seen prison cells with more ambiance. He sighed. “All right, Jode. General?”
Jode shrugged. “Dassi likes war stories. I trust you can spin a few. She seemed especially interested in your efforts to help halfling children