“I suppose you'll be wantin' to eat,” called the bartender, not bothering to look up.
Lee approached the bar and slid four coppers to the bartender. “I'll be wanting information as well.”
The bartender raised an eyebrow, and quickly shoved the coppers in his pocket. “That'll be fine.” He looked up, his gaunt, unshaven face bore the lines and pits of too many winters. “And what information will you be wantin'?”
“I'll let you know,” Lee replied. “For now, just bring me and my friend some food.”
Without another word the bartender spun around and headed to the kitchen. Lee and Jacob took a seat at a table, farthest from the door.
“Do you gamble?” asked Lee.
Jacob shrugged. “When the urge strikes.”
Lee nodded approvingly. “Good. There will be games, and I want you to join in.” He took two silver coins from his purse and gave them to Jacob.
“And what will you be doing?” asked Jacob.
“Watching,” Lee replied.
About halfway through their meal, people began arriving. Within two hours the tavern was full to bursting, and with just the sort Lee had counted on. Mostly locals lined the long bench tables, but the outer tables were taken by a myriad of tough looking characters. As Lee had instructed, Jacob joined in a game of dice in the corner by the bar. By midnight, the place was getting rough. Several fights had already broken out. In one, a knife had been pulled and a local man was nearly gutted by what looked to be a sell-sword. Luckily, it had been stopped before it got too far out of hand.
Jacob was doing well at dice, and had nearly doubled his money. This naturally did not sit well with the regulars, who were accustomed to fleecing newcomers. Lee knew he would need to keep a close eye on him. He made certain that a pitcher of ale stay full, and constantly on the table, though he only pretended to drink. Better to have all your wits. Jacob, however, did not take such precautions, and let the ale flow freely.
Lee took notice of several merchants, accompanied by stout swordsmen. One particularly fat merchant was letting his coin pass a bit too easily, and his tongue wag too loosely. Before long he was boasting about his adventures and wealth between long draughts of wine. The guard he had with him looked irritated, and more than a bit on edge. The bartender had told Lee that the merchant had dealings in the north, and always stopped there on his way to Angraal.
“You accuse me?” Jacob's raised voice snapped Lee to attention.
Jacob and three locals had squared off in the corner, and Jacob's hand was on the hilt of his dagger. The locals had already grabbed up bottles; one had brandished a small knife. Lee leaped to his feet, and pushed his way through, to the commotion. Lee made it just as Jacob was about to pull his dagger.
“What the hell is going on here?” roared Lee. His eyes looked accusingly at Jacob. “What did I tell you, boy? You'll send us both to the hangman's noose.” He stepped in front of Jacob and roughly snatched him by the collar. “Get to the table, whelp!” He pushed Jacob aside, nearly lifting him off his feet.
Jacob glared. “They-”
“I don't care!” Lee pointed to the table. Reluctantly, Jacob walked away.
“Your friend owes us money,” growled a short stocky man, a wine bottle in his hand.
Lee faced the man, his eyes dark and dangerous. “So you say.”
“W-well…” he stammered. He looked to his friends for support, but they recognized Lee as someone not to be trifled with. “Just keep him away from us.”
Lee looked the men over, then pushed his way past them. When he arrived back at the table, Jacob was cursing under his breath, and draining a mug of ale.
“Did you learn anything?” asked Lee. His tone was not angry.
Jacob refused to look up. “Never touch me again.”
“Calm yourself,” said Lee. “I only did that so we wouldn't have to fight those idiots. I have another fight in mind.” He nodded towards the fat merchant. “He's been drinking and boasting all night. It's only a matter of time until someone tries to shut his mouth.” He reached over and took Jacob's mug. “And if you're going to be of use, you need to stop this. Now, what did you learn from the locals?”
Jacob clenched his jaw then gradually relaxed. “All I heard was that there's been a lot of people coming through from the north. Whether they're from Angraal, they didn't say. They also mentioned that winter came early, but that’s nothing new. Other than that, they spent their time trying to switch dice on me.” He pulled his winnings from his pocket and jingled the coins in his hand. “They failed.”
Lee slapped him on the back. “Those dice skills may come in handy. If we can't find employment as sell-swords or bodyguards, we're going to run out of coins soon, and I'm rubbish at games.”
Jacob smiled in spite of himself.
“Shut your stupid mouth, braggart!” a voice bellowed over the noise of the crowd.
Lee got to his feet. “Watch my back. And try not to spill any blood…unless you have to.”
Across the room the fat merchant was being confronted by two large men. Both wore swords, and were looming over the merchant. His guard was unsure what to do and stood a few feet behind, fingering his sword and shifting nervously.
Lee made his way across the room and positioned himself behind the men. Jacob was on his heels. One of the men had moved to the side and was eying the guard, who clearly had decided to do nothing.
“You say you fought off ten bandits?” growled the largest lout. He pressed his face into the merchant's. “Let's see how you handle me.”
The merchant, fueled by too much wine, didn't back down. “You sir, would be a waste of time and effort.” He glanced over his shoulder at his guard. “I'd rather just have my friend deal with you.”
The man roared with laughter. “I think your…friend, would rather not.” He looked at the guard. “I'll give you this one chance to leave.” The guard paused, then turned on his heels and left the tavern.
The merchant turned pale. “Well, ummm.” He looked around the room. The tavern patrons were clearly enjoying the spectacle.
“What do you have to say now?” said the man.
Lee stepped around, putting himself between the man and the merchant. “That's enough.” Jacob moved to Lee's left facing the other man. “Leave him be.”
The man sneered. “Who the hell are you?”
“I'm with-” he turned to the merchant.
“D-Darius,” the merchant stuttered.
“I'm with Darius,” Lee continued. He glanced sideways at Darius. “I think it's time to call it a night. Don't you?”
“Indeed,” Darius eagerly agreed.
“Jasper,” Lee said to Jacob. “Escort Darius outside.”
Jacob nodded sharply, and helped Darius to his feet. The merchant stumbled to the door and into the street, nearly falling on his face.
Lee backed away towards the door, his hand on the hilt of his sword. The two men followed. Once in the street, Lee called to Jacob. “Take him to our room. I'll be along shortly.” He smiled fiendishly, as the two men exited the tavern and drew their swords.
“You need-” said Jacob.
“I need you to take care of our new employer,” said Lee. “Isn't that right, Darius?” The merchant nodded his head vigorously. “These two brutes are mine.”
Jacob decided it best not to argue, and led Darius away.
“I hope the fat man was worth your life,” said the first man.
Lee widened his stance, but did not draw his blade. “I'll not dirty my steel with the likes of you.” He waved them in. “Come and get me.”