The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [82]
They continue following the main street until James finds what he’s looking for, a two story building with a sign hanging beside the door depicting three stacks of coins sitting on a table. He recognizes the symbol as being the same as the one that hung outside Alexander’s shop in Trendle.
He goes up to the building and secures the horse to the post and then turns to Miko. “I’ve got some business inside,” he tells him, “you better stay here and keep an eye on our stuff till I’m done.”
“Sure thing,” he says, taking a seat on the steps.
James goes up to the door and enters. A bell attached to the door announces his arrival as the door opens. The interior of the shop is remarkably similar to that of Alexander’s in Trendle. There are several guards in the room and they turn their attention to him when he enters. Not seeing James as a threat, they go back to being disinterested, though they remain aware of his actions.
A man pokes his head out of the window in the far wall and smiles when he sees James entering his establishment. James is startled for the man is the spitting image of Alexander.
“Good afternoon my good sir,” greets the man. “My name is Thelonius and how may I help you today?”
Coming to the window, James takes out his letter of account from Alexander and hands it to Thelonius. At the same time he asks, “Are you the brother of Alexander who lives a ways north in Trendle?”
His face brightening, Thelonius replies, “Why, yes I am. Do you know him?”
“I did have the pleasure of meeting him on two occasions,” he answers. “When he gave me that letter he asked me to tell you that ‘all is well here’.”
“Ah, that is kind of you to deliver his message,” Thelonius says as he briefly scans the letter from his brother. “I am assuming that you wish to open an account here?”
“Yes, I would,” replies James. “I also would like some coins as my trip down took all I had brought with me.”
“Have you decided how much you will require?” inquires Thelonius.
“I was thinking perhaps fifty golds,” James replies. “Say, five broken into lesser currency.”
“Very good,” he replies. “I’ll be right back with your coins and the papers for you to sign to set up your account.” He then ducks his head back into the room and a minute, returns with a sack full of coins and several papers.
Thelonius empties the sack onto the counter and together they count the coins, making sure the total equals fifty golds. Once counted and they are both satisfied as to the count, James takes the papers which are identical to the ones he signed back in Trendle. He signs his name and then hands them back to Thelonius.
Taking the papers, Thelonius asks, “Now, is there anything else I may help you with?”
“As a matter of fact there is,” James says. “Could you perhaps direct me to the Inn of the Silver Bells?”
“The Silver Bells, eh?” Thelonius responds. “You can find it further toward the castle, past the second wall on Long Street. However, you may wish to stay elsewhere, it’s pretty expensive. It caters mainly to visiting nobles and the wealthy.”
“Could you recommend one that would be nice but not too dear?” James asks him.
Thelonius gestures to the right, “There is one down the street called the Dancing Squirrel,” he replies. “The place is kept well and the rooms are fairly priced.”
Extending his hand, James says “Thank you Thelonius.”
Taking James’ hand, he shakes it warmly, “You are welcome,” he says. “Should you ever need my assistance in the future, please call again.”
James tucks the sack of coins within his shirt and exits out the front. Miko still sits upon the steps, idling away the time by watching the people passing by on the street.
Hearing the door open, he turns his head and comes to his feet when he sees James coming out.
“There’s an inn down the street that the fellow inside said would be a good place for us to stay,