Read Online Knights: Legends of Ollanhar by Robert E. Keller - Free Book Online Page A

behind the bar. "Does this answer your question?"
    Lannon nodded.
    "Believe me, I know how to use this," said
Balerus. "I have a young daughter to look after. Not always an easy task
in a tavern full of drunken men. So how long will the boy be staying
here?"
    "Until the Knights come for him," said Lannon.
    "Fair enough," said the innkeeper. "The boy
will be well cared for." He hesitated, then added, "There is one
problem, though. I can deal with any drunken fool who gets out of hand, but I
can't handle trained fighters." He fell silent.
    "Tell me more," said Lannon.
    "Each night," said the innkeeper, "three men
come to my door demanding money. These are huge men who know how to fight. They
have threatened to burn down my inn if I don't increase their so-called dues.
In return for those dues, they supposedly keep me safe from Bellis' soldiers.
It's utterly ridiculous, considering there are no soldiers in this area. It's
just an excuse to take my money."
    "What about the Rangers?" asked Lannon.
"Don't they maintain law and order here?"
    "I hired two Rangers to deal with them," said the
innkeeper. "They were beaten so badly they almost died. Since that
incident, the other Rangers are reluctant to get involved. At least the ones I
can afford. Believe it or not, I don't have much coin to spare right now. It's
cheaper for me just to pay those rogues than hire some of the more elite
Rangers to deal with them. Regardless, they do pose a real danger to this inn
and anyone staying here."
    "I will confront the rogues," said Lannon.
"If I drive them away, will you agree to look after the boy?"
    "Absolutely," said the innkeeper. "If you
get rid of them, I will let the boy stay here free of charge. But I want to
keep this whole thing quiet, and I want to avoid bloodshed if possible."
    "If I handle it alone," said Lannon, "there
is less chance of bloodshed. My sword will stay in its sheath." Lannon
intended to try to reason with the men. Perhaps when they learned who he was,
they would stop terrorizing the innkeeper and find another way to earn a
living.
    "That might be a grave mistake," said the
innkeeper. "These men are giants. I don't think it's wise even for a
Divine Knight to confront them alone. At least take one of your companions with
you."
    Lannon considered it, then shook his head. "Just
me."
    The innkeeper nodded, his face grim. "If you insist.
They always come quite late, after the tavern is closed. I may have to wake
you."
    "Not a problem," said Lannon. "By the way,
my companions and I will be needing rooms if you have any to spare."
    "I do," said the innkeeper, smiling. "My two
best rooms, reserved for special guests like Divine Knights. No extra charge.
Fair enough?"
    "Fair enough," said Lannon, nodding.
    ***
    Later that night, after the tavern was empty and quiet,
Lannon snapped awake to the sound of a gentle knock. As silent as a shadow, he
rose from his bed and belted on his sword. He slipped on his soft leather boots
and donned his Birlote cloak, adjusting the hood so it partially concealed his
face in shadow. He shifted the cloak so the hilt of his intimidating sword was
visible.
    He glanced at his companions--which included Taith--and
found them sound asleep. He crept to the door and opened it. It made an
annoying creak, and he glanced back to see Taith shift about. But the lad
appeared to still be asleep.
    Lannon stepped into the hall and gently closed the door.
The innkeeper's face was grim. He was holding his club.
    "Are you sure about this, Lannon?" he asked.
"These rogues carry iron hammers and won't hesitate to cave in your
ribs--or maybe even your skull."
    Lannon nodded, then went downstairs. The fireplace held
only coals, and a chill had crept into the tavern. Moonlight shone in through
the windows, revealing barren oak tables. The dead Goblins glowered at Lannon
with gleaming eyes. He glanced behind him and saw the innkeeper was following.
    "Don't worry," whispered the innkeeper.
"I'll just watch through a