The next morning, Maverick sat atop his horse, forcing a polite smile as he faced the innkeeper and her husband. The early light highlighted the pallor on his face, remnants of the hangover from the night before.
The innkeeper's husband scratched the back of his head nervously and said, "I'm truly sorry, lord, for causing you trouble. I didn't realize you couldn't hold liquor. We ended up delaying you and your companions."
Russell sat on his horse nearby, glaring at the couple with a stern expression, while Wolfgang, as usual, looked as though he had not a care with the world.
"It's fine," Maverick said evenly, though his voice carried a hint of strain. He gestured toward the extra horse standing beside him. "And thank you for providing another horse. I had only bought two yesterday."
The innkeeper bowed deeply. "It's a token of apology, lord. Please, accept it."
Maverick nodded in gratitude. "Then we will be on our way. Thank you again."
