A’aberg… it doesn’t sound familiar.
I glance up to Golem and see him frowning.
“Has he asked around?”
“No, Highness. Eats and drinks, oftentimes pulls out a book to read. Real quiet fellow.”
“Do we know where he sleeps?” Keane inquires, “he’s not at Dnes’ inn.”
Vickam shakes his head, pulling the Discerni’s full mug of ale back off the counter, “I’m unsure, Your Highness.”
Keane nods and stands up from his chair, then turns around to Golem and I with his toddy in hand.
“You let him go?” I whisper when he walks our way.
The Prince takes a seat next to me at the small table, eyes glancing up to Golem.
“Golem quieted our area so I could talk to him.”
Keane nods to our magical friend and then looks at me in answer, “Desmond was with me. He remained outside. He’ll follow the man.”
I sit back in my chair in relief, reaching for my own mug to take a long drink.
“What’s going on, Alexis?”.
I sigh and shake my head, “I wasn’t sure until now, but I’m quite certain that man has been following me since I left Bardot.”
Keane’s eyes narrow on mine as Golem gives a small nod of confirmation.
“What gives you the impression?”
“He was in the Palisades the day before we departed, shortly after I met with your farther. I was shopping for our travel and noticed him on two separate occasions that day. He kept his distance but still followed my movements throughout the city. I didn’t think much of it until I saw him again in Gaumond. He was at Marybeth’s Tavern on our second day. Golem pointed him out to me when we were taking lunch. And today... well, he’s here now.”
“Do you know him, Golem?” Keane asks with a cool voice.
Golem nods and then shakes his head.
“Then you know of him?”
Yes.
“Is he a merchant?”
Golem shifts on his feet. No.
Keane stands swiftly from his chair, “go back to the inn and stay with Golem. Do not leave your room, Alexis. Do you understand me?”
“Keane…”
The Prince looks down at me with hard features, “do you understand me?”
“Yes,” I breath, “but…”
Keane turns and walks away, stopping just before the door to turn around. “Back to the inn, Alexis.Now.”
He walks out of the pub with cold and commanding features just as Golem’s hand falls on my shoulder. I don’t like seeing that face on him, the one that hides his anger over cool and calculating thoughts.
I place two cinerins on the table for Vickam and hastily put my book back in my bag, grabbing my cloak from behind my chair and pulling up the hood. We walk out of the pub and straight for the inn, the small village quiet and peaceful in its afternoon activity. I don’t spot Keane or his brother anywhere and continue walking with Golem in silence. We push through the door of the inn and into the common room as Dnes gives a small smile from behind the counter. I walk directly for her and order a toddy and amber ale, pulling out a few more cinerin from my bag before placing them on the counter. Dnes places both glasses in front of me and raises her brows when I drink the toddy straight. I pick up the ale and nod to her in thanks as Golem and I promptly make our way to my room.
