After giving our weapons to the entrance guard, we were shown into a small room with a table in the middle, and chairs for the three of us.
After a few minutes, a stern-looking dwarf entered the room
'Recruit, I was told you can appraise me on the situation'
He addressed Neenie, ignoring both me and Sasha
'Sir! We... Recovered this... '
'Within tomorrow, recruit'
'What Neenie is-'
'I don't remember asking you. Recruit, go on'
He didn't even turn to face Sasha, keeping his unflinching gaze over the halfling, who was working up the courage to speak
'We- I mean - Sir! We investigated the mausoleum belonging to Unia Faroma, discovering tunnels and undead; we assume that the undead were being controlled by this artifact and were massing an army for unknown purposes'
Neenie, whose voice was a pitch higher than usual, unveiled the orb on the table, which had again stopped glowing.
'Do you have any proof, beside... whatever that is'
'There are still remains in the catacombs-'
'But you're not sure about the artifact, are you?'
'... No, Sir'
'I think we wasted enough time here. Tomorrow I'm sending another team to investigate, in the meantime I'll arrange a meeting for you with the council, try stuttering less there. One last thing, girl, your name'
'Sasha'
'I'll make sure to remember it. Recruit, you are dismissed, show these two outsider out as well'
'What an absolute piece of-'
As we distanced ourselves from the barracks, she couldn't hold it anymore
'Sasha, calm down, it's his boss you're talking about'
'No, she's right. Tonight he was being even worse than usual...'
' "Usual"?! You're telling me he's usually an ass?!'
'He... is a difficult person'
Neenie finally admitted, looking a bit ashamed
We reached the main plaza, where we parted ways with the halfling; we agreed to meet at dawn in the same place.
The two of us walked the way back to our inn, it took me a few steps to realize just how tired I really was
'I'm forced to admit, being adventurers is hard work'
She grinned in response
'Is someone tired? Really, people these days have no endurance at all'
'I never said I was tired'
'Good, then we can finally check if the name "Endless Keg" is just for show'
'You can't be serious'
'Scared of a few drinks?'
'I wouldn't say I'm scared, but I've never-'
'All the reason to! If you're going to try something, better to try lots, right?'
'And how are we going to pay?'
'We still have a few coins from that merchant, I've made sure we saved some for this!'
'Why am I not surprised?'
The journey to the inn was uneventful, the city slept, and the roads were mostly empty. From time to time we could hear music and laughter coming from the taverns dotted aroun the city, but in the East side there was for the most part silence.
As my companions illustrated to me the best kinds of ale, and how to recognize them, along with the cities and labels to look out for, I had some time to think, while nodding from time to time.
Although it felt as if we had been travelling for weeks, I realized that our journey started two days ago. Two days from that tragic event.
I had the time to think about many things, about what I was going to do going forwards, about my plan for revenge, and about my companion.
My thoughts then focused on Sasha, and the mysteries that surrounded her.
The thought of following blindly somebody I barely knew scared me, or should have, but there was something about her that put me at ease.
Whenever I asked about her past, she had always refused answering, but this time I was set on getting her to talk, and by the way she was talking, she had to be a heavy drinker.
I just had to outdrink her.
The inn was silent this night, just a few patrons playing cards here and there.
'Welcome, welcome! Oh, if it isn't my dearest adventurers!'
Tommy, the innkeeper greeted us with his usual energy
'Oh, my! You look like you've been through a fight, are you all right?'
Sasha was all too happy to explain our adventurers to the innkeeper, who couldn't resist, but offer us a round, joining us for a few more.
I woke up the morning after, a splitting headache and the smell of ale telling me what had happened next.
My room was empty and, as usual, Sasha had already left, her bed neatly done.
I forced myself to walk down the stairs, dreading the number of jokes I was about to face, paired with my headache and nausea.
Sasha was talking at the counter with Tommy, as she did the day before.
They both turned at me, as I was bracing myself for the stories of how I disgraced myself while inebriated.
'There he comes! The champion!'
Tommy announced, as the few patrons cheered at me
I tried to hide my confusion, coming down the stairs
'Can I have a glass of water, please?'
'Of course, of course, water for the champ. I must say, you played me good the first day, you even asked me to tell you the rules!'
'What's he talking about?'
I whispered to Sasha, as he was turning to get me some water
'Apparently you turn into a card savant while drunk, you managed to best the whole tavern and get crowned champion'
She whispered back, her face promising me I would be reminded of this episode for some time.
'Here's your water. So, what does our champion have to say'
'Ah... I'm sorry, but I think it'll have to wait; we have to go'
'Aw, I too wanted to hear our grand champion on the games that were played yesterday'
'Sasha, we are late already, it'd be best if you didn't'
'Killjoy. Well, Tommy, it has been a pleasure, but don't worry, we'll be back tonight. Wouldn't want to miss on the "Champion's Discount" '
'Of course, have a good one!'
'Never thought you were such a lightweight when it comes to drinks! To think you're usually so calm and collected!'
'I... did I do anything... you know...'
'Embarassing? Sadly not so much, you just proclaimed yourself unbeatable from time to time, as you started winning more and more'
'And you didn't stop me?'
'Stop? Oh, no, it was too entertaining watching you pretend to be sober'
'Did nobody else notice?'
'I think they all did, but to halflings being drunk is just another night'
'Gods, what have I done... I promise never to drink another drop'
'Oh, come on you big baby, we all had fun, you included, and we gained a discount'
'I wouldn't say I had fun...'
'Which reminds me, I still have to give you your prize'
'Prize?'
'We wagered a little something when facing eachother, and I have to admit, I lost fair and square. And now you've sobered up, making it the perfect time'
'Please tell me it's not something stupid'
'In my opinion, it is pretty stupid, but I doubt you'll agree'
'Look, just tell me what it is, I'm done with surprises for today'
'Give me a moment to recollect my thoughts, it has been a while since I've told my story'
For the rest of the journey, she explained her story to me, as I silently listened