|
Falco’s food was still untouched, and Snaveling was having a difficult time keeping his eyes from the Halfling’s plate. Still, he heard enough to know that the little fellow was more than a bit suspicious of him, and Snaveling wondered if perhaps Falco knew more about him than he was letting on. Snaveling was sure that there were still rumours about the Shire of the rogue who tried to burn down the Green Dragon, who stole a bag of gold and who had nearly been ejected from the whole place for violent and disorderly conduct. He searched the face of Mr. Headstrong but saw in it only a generalized dislike for and distrust of outsiders. Strangely enough, this was comforting to the Man of the south.
“My business is personal,” he replied casually. “I am in search of a traveling companion, a Ranger woman called Roa. She and I have become separated. I don’t suppose you would have any news of her? A tall woman with red hair and green eyes? She may have passed through some part of the Shire a few weeks ago.”
Falco twisted his face and thought for a bit. “Can’t say as I have seen anyone like that,” he replied.
Snaveling, grateful for the opportunity to redirect his attention from the elder Halfling (who disconcerted him) as well as from the plate of food (which tormented him), turned to Marigold and asked her the same question. The lass looked surprised that he would be asking her such a question, as though she were all grown up and likely to know of the comings and goings of the Big Folk. She pursed her lips and with a great show of concentration thought for a long time before saying, “I don’t think I’ve seen any Ranger woman like that.” Her eyes brightened at an idea. “You should ask Aman!” she said gaily, “She knows most everything that happens in these parts!”
Snaveling’s face twitched involuntarily at the mention of the Innkeeper’s name and he said only, “That’s a good idea, Mistress Marigold. Perhaps I shall speak with her.”
A light movement at his elbow drew his attention to Ruby standing by the table. “Good morning, Mr. Snaveling,” she said. “Did you sleep well?” Snaveling caught the tone of the question and knew that she was well aware that he had been sleeping in the stable to avoid paying for a room.
“Yes, thank you,” he replied. “I found my accommodations as comfortable as always.”
“Can I get you any breakfast?”
Her question caught him off guard and Snaveling was momentarily flustered. “Well, yes, I would but…as it happens…I am a bit short of funds at the moment. In fact, I have no money at all! I don’t suppose, perhaps, I could get something on credit?”
Ruby looked doubtful, saying. “I don’t know. I think that there might be something in the accounts from your last visit…” For the first time Snaveling remembered that in his haste to depart the Inn, and thus avoid a confrontation with Aman, he had neglected to pay for two nights lodging and several meals.
Now genuinely embarrassed he tried to make light of it. “Well that’s all right, Ruby, it’s all right. I am sure that I can make shift for myself today. Perhaps I shall speak with Miss Aman about some kind of arrangement… In the meantime I wouldn’t dream of asking you to extend me any more credit!” Ruby seemed relieved at this and curtseying, she walked away. Snaveling turned back to Falco and Marigold, dreading the direction the conversation might go at this point, and certain that the Halflings would see him now only as a beggar.
|