Chapter 5 Do you know anything about him?

ELARA

Dante chuckled softly. “She’s right. I’ve never heard you call any man handsome before. Not even when the traveling singers that came to the inn with their fine clothes and sweet songs.” Dante said and I felt a blush in my cheeks.

“You two are turning it into a big issue. You only asked a question and I answered . It's only the truth.” I said and wiped my hands on my apron even though they were clean.

Nora grinned and went back to her carrots, but she kept glancing at me. “Well, this is new. And interesting.” She chopped a few more times, then spoke again in a thoughtful voice.

“Is he going to leave today?” Nora asked and I shook my head.

“No. He told me he will be staying for months.” I replied and she hummed softly.

“Good. It's as if luck is on our side. “You know, if you can make good use of him, maybe Chief Wilson will finally stop trying to win you.” Nora said and I looked up at her.

Chief Wilson had been visiting the inn more often these past months. He brought gifts, fine cloth, rare spices, sometimes even flowers from the castle gardens. He was kind enough, and strong, and the village respected him. But the man is known for marrying many wives and he wants to makes his eight wife. I have ignored him for fir the past few months.

The fact that he had to come after my parents death was what actually made me hate him more. And he is older.

“Chief Wilson is just a man who is not clear about what he wants” I said and quickly added. “But I do not want to use anyone. He will have to come coming here if I didn't give him the attention he seeks.” I told Nora and she shrugged.

“I’m only saying what everyone thinks. The chief has been patient, but he is not used to waiting. What if he sent someone to destroy the inn? Lucian is someone you can speak to, maybe he can help.” Nora suggested but I doubt Lucian is someone that simple.

Dante nodded in agreement while he tasted the stew. “True enough. The chief watches always seem to sent his men to be lurking around you. You are already at the potential age to get married, what if he speaks to the Magistrate about you.” Dante said and there is actually some good points in his words.

I turned away and began to set clean bowls on the side table. “He won't like my reaction if he should try anything funny.” I told them and they stop talking.

After a short silence I asked, “Do you know anything more about Lucian the Necromancer?”.

“Why, are you suddenly considering our advice?” Nora asked and I kept my tone calm. “I just wanted to know the kind of person he is” I lied because the truth is, I actually wanted to know more about Lucian. Maybe concerning the fact that Maureen and the other ghosts already seem my help to talk to Lucian.

Nora set the knife down completely this time. She wiped her hands on her apron and came to stand beside me. “Everyone in these parts has heard of Lucian as the Necromancer. But few speak of him freely.” Nora said.

Dante checked that the kitchen door was still closed, as if someone might overhear. “He doesn't own a house but I heard he is very wealthy. He could afford anything but he never had a house in his name and he travels a lot with his assistant. People say he talks to the dead the way we talk to the living. Some claim he can raise bones and make them walk. Others say he only associate with the dead and leave the living. No one is sure.”

Nora added, “He rarely comes to where the people live but when he comes, children are told not to stare too much at him. The last time he passed through the square, the baker’s wife locked her door and said prayers for an hour after. But some who has problems in their home, loves him. They usually send him gift in which he always decline and because of his beauty, a lot of maiden wishes to marry him but he had declined every proposal” Nora explained and I listened carefully.

This seams more complicated than I had thought.

“I guess I still have a lot to learn. You two are actually well informed.

“It's because we are the one who actually relates with people more. And since the death of your parents, you have been withdrawing from people.” Nora said and I kind of understand what she meant.

Dante stirred the pot again, slower now. “They say he is young for a man of such power. Dark hair. Pale skin. Eyes that seem to see more than they should. Some call him dangerous and some said he is good.” Dante added.

Nora’s voice softened. “Wait, for him to come to our town. Could it be that there is something wrong?”

I did not answer at once because I myself do not know the answer. The town has been peaceful for a while now except the massacre at the inn when my parents died.

“I hope that is not the case.” I said and took off my Apron

Dante was done cooking the soup and Nora excused herself to take the customers order.

“I think we need to be fast or we are going to let the customers starve.” Nora said as she served the food inside the plate m

“I will help with the meat. You can help Dante while I let my friends handle the cooking,” I said and Dante left what he was doing to help Nora.

Maureen decided to help with chopping while Diana decided to wash the plates. Others join them and that make the work faster. When I was done cooking, I decided to help Dante and Nora.

Nora served two scholars and they seem to have come to the town to prepare for the examination happening at the end of the month.

“Can we get a room here?” One of the scholars asked Nora.

“There are rooms in the inn. How many do you want.

“Just two for the two of us.” The Scholar replied.

“Okay. You can make the payment when now and we will prepare the rooms.” Nora told them and the scholars paid her.

She walked towards me with the empty tray and dropped the payment on the counter.

“Two rooms for them. They will be staying for five days” Nora said and I took the money.

“I will get it ready now.” I said and turn to face Jake. “Tidy up two rooms for the two scholars. Let the room be beside eachother.” I told him and he disappeared from my sight after hearing the instructions.

Just then, the door opened and the man who came in with Lucian last night came in. His name was Calhoun. I could still remember. He climbed the stairs up and a few minutes later, he came back but he wasn't alone. Lucian was in front of him, dressed in a black shirt and a black pant.

And I wasn't the only one who saw him, every

one in the grand hall focused their attention on him as he descend the stairs.