by Auron on August 29th, 2011, 5:20 pm
Noon, 74th Day of Summer, 511 AV
It wasn’t hard to find the building that the Knight had mentioned. It seemed to be the first place that most everyone stopped. Although one or two of the caravans had rolled past it, many of the other travelers milled around the Employment Office. Safely within the city’s walls, it was the first place they found the opportunity to rest. He saw teamsters scrabbling over their wagons, double-checking to make sure that all their goods were secure, and women drawing water from a well to replenish what they had drank to get as far as Syliras. Some bought their lunch from vendors who were eager to charge an inflated price to the newcomers they met at the gates. Although the prospect of a meal was attractive to Auron, he decided to wait until they made it further into the city. Kaedyrn was not near as frugal, though, and pulled against his lead to chase after a merchant selling fresh apples. It took a sharp tug on the reins for Auron to bring the horse to a heel.
“What, Kaedyrn? Are you some kind of sucker?”
He led the horse to the building and found a metal rung to tie him off to. “Now you wait here. I’ll be back soon, and then we’ll find ourselves some food.” He slapped the horse’s flank as he strode away.
The building seemed much too cramped to serve as a Welcome Center. Even with all of the activity outside, there were only a few other folk that Auron spied within. Conveniently for him, this meant that one of the secretaries was available to talk to.
“Miss, pardon me, but … I’m new here.” The secretary bade him to take a seat, so he obliged. “I’m only passing through. It isn’t likely that I’ll spend more than a season here; through the end of summer at the very least. In the meantime,” he smirked, “I’m afraid I might need something to keep me busy, lest I try and stretch the coin I have too far.” At this, the secretary seemed to take more of an appraising look at Auron. “I’ve some skill with a bow, and - I don’t remember the word in Common. I speak Pavi, you see. I know how to make my own arrows is what I mean to say.” He continued. “I’ve a good horse. He’ll take me ranging if need be. Kaedyrn is actually the brains of the operation. I don’t mind performing any kind of menial task or physical labor, but if there are any opportunities to work out-of-doors, that would be ideal.”
“I should ask while I’m here … what might be the best place to stay? I had hoped that I might find somewhere I could pitch my tent, seeing as how I’ll not be a permanent citizen here. Save some money besides. But if there are other options within the city, and the mizas keep coming in …”