Chapter 45 cont (Patreon)

A\N: These words were added to the end of c45

The rain never stopped in Storm’s Edge. The city was built around it. Raised wooden walkways let water pass beneath them into irrigation routes that constantly sloshed with a river’s worth of water.

Canopies covered the roads, deflecting rain; except for where they leaked, creating streams of splattering water that soaked the outside of my robes. Walls of water isolated the city. The locals walked through them without blinking. Most stared for what could be considered a respectful amount of time before looking away.

Everyone wore hats or veils and gloves.

“Young Master…” Wen started.

“I know. I’m going to have to deal with them later.” I sighed. “How many other Grim Tempest Scions do you think that man already killed? He knew that you wouldn’t protect me. Brothers and sisters I had never met.”

Wen led both of the boars on their reins behind us as we found and approached the inn. The sign for the place was carved out of the glowing wood, the symbol carved out of the hanging board. It flapped in the wind.

I grabbed the door, but it stuck. I pushed harder. The wind forced it open with a slam. Chimes rung above us. A fire place burned coals in the corner.

“Welcome to the Dripping Dragon!” An old man said behind the counter, putting on a smile. The smile dropped away. “Sorry. Not you. You’re not welcome here. Go away. Rainshadow clan will come bring trouble here.”

I stomped up to the counter. With a trickle of qi to activate the tiny spatial storage ring I carried, I pulled out a pile of spirit-stones.

“We’ll be staying for the night. Meat for the animals, stable rooms for them.” I looked over at the fire place and wondered how expensive dry wood was here. “Is a warm bath extra?”

“I said no business for you! We are closed.” The tavernkeep said.

I rested my hand on my sword. The man paused, staring at it.

“You heard what happened at the gate?” I asked.

“Yeah, I heard.”

“Great.” I said.

I dumped out a few more spirit-stones.

The tavernkeep looked between my face, the spirit stones, and my sword. Then he sighed, turned around, and grabbed keys from the wall.

“Extra if you need me to clean up the stable after you. No fighting in the tavern! Or your rooms! Take it outside. One night only! No extended stay.”

The tavernkeep swept the spirit stones away behind the counter and passed the keys ot me.

“Thanks for being so understanding.” I said with a smile. Then I summoned a few more spirit-stones to the table. “Now, how much to tell me about this Rainshadow clan?”