Like Alan all his brothers were travelling alone with their trusty horse's. And like Alan, they were having their own adventure and gaining life experiences, learning new things and growing stronger.
Although they had not yet left the Phoenix Kingdom, they were almost at the border citys or towns. And would cross the border within a few weeks.
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"What do you want to have 'sir'? Today's special is freshly baked soft bread with spicy boar curry and apple pie." A beautiful young lady asked to a tall hooded traveler inside a dim lit but neatly kept tavern.
Apart from the hooded man there were more than a couple of dozens of men and women. Most of these people were traveller's, staying in the Tavern to spend the night and give their horses some rest before proceeding further towards their destination.
"Please bring me three serving of today's special and a large mug of Cider" The hooded man spoke in a polite manner but his deep and resonating tone captivated several women seated nearby including the young girl who came to him to take the order."
"Su.....Sure, sir." The girl left to get the ordered food in a trance, glancing the hooded man a few times while walking towards the kitchen area.
"Hey, look at the shy lady covering her face. Oh!!!! Sorry.. its a man.....!!!" A loud burst of laughing followed by the comment passed by a well built man sitting next in the table next to the hooded traveler.
"Hey, why cover your pretty face? Afraid of the ladies here abducting you?" One more round of laughter filled the Tavern after the comment.
Even the hooded figure had a smile on his face not minding the harmless rubbing.
"That's enough Lan. Mind your own buisness."
" I am just pulling his leg Maggie! No harm in a friendly banter. Is it now!?" Lan gave a hurtfull expression. Then he turned to the hooded man " Sorry if my banter offended you man."
"It's no big deal. It is nice to see people laugh and enjoy, even if you are the subject of that laughter sometimes. " Everyone chuckled around at the man's words and the atmosphere continued to be lively.
After the meal the hooded man paid for it and went upstairs towards his room. And slowly even the common area start3d to clear up amd one by one, all the traveller's went into their rooms to rest.
Since there were only traveller's, the common area of the Tavern was bustling with movement of people getting ready to continue their journey. Most of them had an early breakfast and packed some food for the road and started moving outside.
Maggie, Lan and six more from their group also went outside. After inspecting the wagon which they were hired to guard during the travel, they went inside the stable to fetch their horses.
A majestic black Gelding drew all their attention at once and they sighed.
" What a beautiful stead. I true envy the one owner of this fantastic horse." Maggie sighed loudly again. Almost everyone agreed abscent mindedly at Maggie's words.
They noticed the tall hooded man approaching the horse and feeding it a few carrots before gesturing to the horse to follow.
The horse nuzzled him and started to follow the man making everyone watch with wide eyes.
"Traveller, is this your horse?" Maggie asked in surprise!
" Yes his is my friend."
Well... Maggie hesitated a bit before stealing herself. She took a deep breath and asked. " Can you please sell the horse to me if you are willing to. If not could you..... could you please let me ride it for a bit."
The man's warm smile was visible under the hood. There was no Malice in the request. And the plea for a ride was sincere.
"Sorry, I am not selling my friend. If he is willing to give you a ride, you are most welcome to approach him."
"Thank you Traveller." Maggie strode forward with a broght smile and took out an apple from her skirt pocket and produced it to the horse.
After sniffing a few times, the horse took 9t from her hand and started to much happily.
"Great, I think he will allow you to ride. Just ask him once and if he agrees you can go on a ride." The hooded man said.
Everyone looked at him in confusion. The horse agreeing and allowing someone to ride. It sounded ridiculous to almoat all of them.
Maggie however, rubbed the neck of the horse and asked it gently. " will you let me ride you, my dear friend?"
To everyone's surprise, the horse nodded it's head and neighed as if it was saying, "Come on, I agree to let you ride."