It took nearly twenty minutes to reach the inn.
Kaelmart stood near the South Gate, but the inn lay beyond the central square—past the steaming stables, the trader's alley, and the bronze fountain depicting a nameless hero who, local legend claimed, once held back the beasts of the Wasteland. The townsfolk often tossed coins there for luck.
Kael pushed open the heavy door.
Inside, it was warm—but strangely quiet.
Only a handful of patrons sat scattered in corners, their mugs untouched, their eyes lowered. At this hour, the place should have been alive with laughter, clinking cups, and the scent of roasted meat. But tonight, it was hollow.
They looked around and saw the innkeeper talking with Alenia.
Without saying a word, they headed over to them.
"Ah, Kael," the innkeeper greeted with a tired smile. "I thought you'd forgotten us after becoming a big merchant."
Kael smiled faintly. "Of course not. This inn was my first home when I came to Ginip. How could I forget?"
