Norman's Place
1026 Words
Alon and the company soon reached the gates.
Just as they were about to barge straight in, their way was blocked by two guards. The guards smiled mockingly when they saw Alon's clothing.
Alon realized he was still wearing the clothes from his world.
One of the guards stepped up and declared, "A thousand coins for entry as a slave trader."
On the horse Tess's expression had a minute fluctuation before returning to normal, Alon saw that.
"They are not slaves." Alon declared in a matter-of-fact tone.
The guards were taken aback. But they composed themselves soon while clearing their throats.
"It's two hundred coins per entry. For you, let's see one, two, three…"
The guard began to count slowly. In fact, it was too slow; he was counting people as though counting coins, enjoying the process.
Alon was now thoroughly pissed.
"There are twelve people you dumbass," Alon said while throwing a pouch filled with coins at the guard. The guard was caught by surprise and the bag of coin hit him straight in the face.
The other guard was alarmed by Alon's action and grabbed his sword's hilt.
"I've paid the coins, let us through," Alon said in a grim tone while releasing a bit of his murderous intent.
The guard looked at the man who lay unconscious with a bleeding nose; he didn't know what to do.
"Let them through, immediately." A commanding voice came from behind the guard.
It was a bulky man, about six feet tall fully clad in armor.
"B-But Commander he..."
"Shut up, and get that shithead out of the way." The commander rebutted before the guard could finish and glared at him while walking away.
The guard did not argue any further and dragged the man out of the way.
Tess cast a last glance at the guard before entering into the town, who knows what she was thinking. But it wasn't a pleasant thought.
***********************
The guard, after settling his 'matter', ran after his commander.
"Sir, why did you let them go just like that? That brat was way too arrogant." The guard blurted.
"That brat would have taken your head, had you pushed him a bit further." The commander said icily and continued, "The brat, I could still handle, but the one protecting them, sigh."
The commander fell silent for a moment while looking at the departing cage.
"Even the town leader would have had his head rolling, leave alone you and me." The Commander finished and walked away.
Leaving the guard stand there in a daze.
************************
After entering the town, Alon began to look for a place to eat. He wanted to at least treat the girls to a meal before parting ways.
Tess looked at Alon searching left and right and turned back around.
"I know of a place," Tess said without turning back and directed the horse.
Alon smiled scratching his head.
Daisy shifted her gaze between Alon and Tess with a knowing smile on her face.
"You better stop letting your imagination run wild," Tess warned, noticing Daisy's gaze.
Daisy unhurriedly withdrew her gaze but the smile was still on her face.
They continued for a few more minutes.
"There it is." Tess pointed to an inn at the next intersection.
The inn was not on the luxurious side, but it was huge. And on the thick tree outside, the name of the inn was etched.
"Norman's Place," Dari read out loud from within the cage, after noticing Alon leaning forward while squinting his eyes.
Alon was once again embarrassed, but Dari did not point it out to anyone. Alon was very much thankful that there was at least one kind person here.
While he thought as such, Alon looked up and saw a mocking smile on Tess's face.
'She noticed.'
By now, Alon was now very impressed by her keen hearing, also a bit annoyed, but he enjoyed it nonetheless.
The 'carriage' soon reached the inn.
Just when Alon thought that the attendant would step forward and declare how slaves were not permitted inside or so.
The attendant bowed and said politely, "Welcome to Norman's Place, milady."
Alon was stunned by the sudden twist.
Tess was smiling smugly, full of herself.
Their eyes met and sparks could be seen in the air.
Not only Alon but all the girls were also shocked by the attendant's words.
"You, a lady, how?" Alon question with vacant eyes, as though he had somehow been wronged, as though the world no longer made sense.
"You dare start?" Tess threatened and the audience once again broke in laughter.
Well, with the exception of the attendant.
The attendant was shocked by the change in the 'Cold-blooded Princess' he used to know. But he soon composed himself and showed them to a big table, while he himself took hold of the horses.
"Today's dinner will be on our milady. Order whatever you want." Alon said, teasing Tess.
"Be my guest," Tess replied almost robotically.
"Tch, you're no fun." Alon let out, clicking his tongue.
"I'll leave after filling myself up," Alon said while rubbing his hands in anticipation of the food.
Everyone fell silent for a moment.
"I'll prepare transport if you 'still' have somewhere to go; if not then you can follow me to the Northern continent. I can assure you, you'll not be mistreated and I'll take care of all your needs till you can support yourself there." Tess now had the demeanor of a high lady. She didn't have to ask for anyone's permission before giving out such an offer.
'She must have quite a position.' Alon thought to himself.
"I'll go with brother." Kabi declared enthusiastically.
Alon had long ago seen this coming. He just simply shook his head.
"Why? I-I really… Ouch." Before he could finish, Dari smacked the back of his head.
"We will follow you, Milady." Without further discussion, Dari declared while simultaneously glaring at Kabi who was almost on the brink of tears.
Three girls wanted to return home, while the rest went ahead and accepted Tess's offer.
And their food was served.
"It smells good."
- Writer
