Chapter 3 The Inn is suspicious

LUCIAN

I opened my eyes slowly. My body felt heavy, like someone had put heavy stones on my chest and arms. The room was quiet except for the soft sound of the wind outside the window. I was lying on a simple wooden bed. The sheets smelled clean, but my side still hurt where the wound was.

I tried to sit up. Pain shot through my body right away. I groaned and pushed with my arms.

“Careful,” I heard Calhoun say. He stood beside the bed and reached out with both hands. “Let me help you.”

I took his hands. He pulled me gently and I swung my legs over the side of the bed. My feet touched the cold wooden floor.

“Thank you, Calhoun” I said; my voice sounded rough.

“I feel weak,” I muttered and Calhoun looked at my face with worry.

“You lost a lot of blood last night. Thank God the owner of the inn knows a bit about medicine.” Calhoun said and that explained why I actually feel better. The wound was bandaged well and I am sure if it were Calhoun, it wouldn't be as good as this.

“Is that young lady the owner?” I asked Calhoun and he nodded.

“It seems like we will have to stay in the inn for a while. She can see ghost.” I told Calhoun, remembering what happened last night.

My intuition can never be wrong.

“So you already figured it out?” Calhoun asked and I nodded.

“We cannot leave the town yet,” I told him.

Calhoun frowned. “Why? We should get away from here as soon as you are okay.”

“No,” I said firmly. “This town is not as ordinary as it looks. Did you know we were being watched the moment we entered this town and before I could even figure out what was wrong, we got attacked by a witch..” I explained to Calhoun.

“If I hadn't managed to stall them and escape. If the innkeeper had not opened the door, we might both be dead now.” I said and continued.

“And there is one thing: the inn is suspicious,” I added and Calhoun shook her head.

“She is just a fragile girl. Maybe she just happens to see ghosts by chance. I have been with you for the past ten years and I wasn't able to see one.” Calhoun explained but I do not believe in coincidence. I have a feeling that this is not ordinary.

“I will do my own findings. The people here might not be aware that there are witches. If we try to leave too soon, they will think we brought the witch with us. We need time and this inn is safe for now.”

Calhoun was quiet for a moment. Then he stood up. “I understand. I'm going to ask the people if there is anything suspicious they notice. Also, I will visit the magistrate,” Calhoun said and I nodded.

I looked at him. “Do that and keep me updated.

Calhoun nodded and put on his cloak. After fastening the small knife around his belt, he walked to the door. “I will return soon. Your warm bath is ready,” He said and opened the door.

I heard his footsteps go down the hallway. Then everything became quiet again.

I sat alone on the bed. My side hurt with every breath. I touched the bandage under my shirt. It was tight and dry. The innkeeper had done good work. I stood up and walked towards the window. I stared out the window and I saw different people passing by. I must say the town is bustling with people.

I took off my shirt since Calhoun had already prepared a bath for me.

Then I heard it. A knock on the door. Did Calhoun forget something?

“Come in” I said and the door opened.

“Did you forget something?” I asked without turning around.

“Good morning, Mr Lucian. I wanted to ask if you are feeling better now. Mr Calhoun told me you are awake.” I heard the familiar voice of the innkeeper and I turned to face her.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed pink as if she was cold and her hazel eyes fell on mine. Instead of replying to her question, I tried to take a better look at her.

She is a young woman who should be in her early twenties. She is petite, with long hair and a very small waist. She is indeed a pretty woman but I am not the one to associate so much with humans.

“I heard you treated me last night,” I asked instead and she smiled; two dimples appeared on her cheeks.

“Oh. I just wanted to help.” She said, her voice so calm and yet alluring.

“Thank you. I actually feel much better.” I told her and she nodded before licking her lower lip.

“Okay. If you need anything, you can let me know.” She said and I nodded.

She was about to leave when I remembered I actually hadn't told her that I would be staying longer.

“Wait,” I said and she halted in her footsteps, turning to face me. I tried to ignore how delicate her neck was with her hair tied into a ponytail.

“I will be staying in the Inn for a while. How much is the payment to deposit?” I asked her.

“Can I ask how long it's going to be?” She asked.

“A month or two,” I replied. Within a month or two, I should be the one investigating what I wanted to do.

“If you are staying for one month, you will have to deposit one thousand copper coins,” she replied and I nodded.

“My assistant will make the payment once he is back,” I told her and she nodded before leaving the room.

After she shut the door, I went into the bathroom. My mind drifted back to her and I shook my head.

I have a terrible past. My own rules that I don't want to break. I'm a Necromancer and if there is one thing I have tried to avoid, it's getting into a relationship with a human. They always end up dead, except Calhoun.