Since finding the turn-off road that hadn't been there before, Newt had continued on to Gottshaw Inn and made some promises to Foroch regarding some future business ventures. Then he had returned to Brina Cross, collected his mules, and said his goodbye's to his friends there. Of course, no mention had been made of the mysterious road to anyone. Now, as Newt continued up the road, he wondered about that unlikely group of adventurers he had met met briefly in Cheydinhal so many weeks before. Deadly looking bunch. I imagine that whatever their business way up north had been, the carrion eaters had benefited, also. It would take an army to turn them from their chosen path. And then they would regret trying.
As he got closer he could see set in the trees ahead a large sign with two mugs and the words: The Tavern. Very soon he could make out a large building, much larger than I expected, in the Chorrol architectural style. On the left was the stable area, and Chips began to feel an unexpected sense of deja vu'. I have a feeling this will become my home away from home ! And there will be good times, comradeship and very interesting stories for my book, too ! " Come on, mules without names. Ogan, just what you need, some more time to stand around." He patted the stout black neck and glanced around for Jazz. " Nowhere in sight, but that's usual." When Jazz entered a new settlement, it was as a shadow arriving. I know some men and mer that can do the same, he thought.
Newt began to notice the immaculate condition of the grounds, and as a horticulturist he had to admire the profusion of freeform flowerbeds scattered in every possible place. He also started smelling the tantalizing odors of honey and baked goods and see well-dressed , clean children scurrying about and hear laughter. Even Ogan sensed the happiness emanating from the area ahead, and started doing his fancy side-step that both pleased himself; and any mares pastured ahead that might see his arrival.
Dismounting in front of a cavernous barn, he handed Ogan's reins to a stout lad that met him with an air of authority. Adding a silver coin, and quickly removing his saddlebags, he brought out a large bag of blackberry candies for the throng of small children that were fast gathering around him.
" No oats, but some salt hay and a thorough combing, good squire. If he will let you, take him for a short ride every day I stay here." As the young man hurried to obey, Chips knew he had made the first of possibly many friends here.
"That is a mighty fine looking animal. What would his name be; and yours, too, of course. Tho' I will admit to a preference for horses over men any day of the week ."
Newt turned to see a grizzled older man approaching on a crutch, but with the obvious energy of a much younger man. " His name is Ogan, and mine is Newt. And you are right - you can turn your back on even a horse that is a stranger to you."
The old man nodded and thrust out a gnarly hand. "I'm the smith and farrier here, as you might have figured out already. If you were dumb, that horse wouldn't be your friend. And I would guess further that big black tomcat travels with you, too."
Newt looked around quickly in amazement. " Don't miss much, do you, oldtimer?"
An amused expression formed on the wrinkled old face and for a second Newt saw a Legion Horseman in his prime. Then the old smith said, "Oh, I have missed before. But... never on the second swing ! Now lets get these mules put up and see what kind of goods you're carrying, trader. All this jawing has got my throat kinda dry - if you get my meaning!"