The sunset is upon the horizon, inviting the moon to a warm night. The travelers are getting tired of all the traveling and is time to think about to setup their camp. Leo is still unwell due to his past night’s drinking and Jax is getting sleepy from reading.

-How are you Leo. You are strangely quiet – asks Jax while closing the notebook.

-That bastard better be quiet. He ruined my new clothes! – says a crying Kai.

-Jax come here- mutters Leo waving with effort his right arm. His brother gets close to him.

-Jax, I want to eat a steak. I think that’s the only way to heal my state.

-Are you kidding me? Where do you think you can get a steak? We are traveling right now, and in this place, there isn’t any wildlife so forget about getting any meat. – Jax gets from the provisions three packages -we are eating these premade meals.

-I’m getting sick again…

-If you don’t want to eat, don’t eat! Without eating you don’t get to throw up again! – screams Kai while turning his head to Leo -And for your information, in this route it doesn’t exist any restaurant, hotel, diner or inn until we arrive to Marbolo Town. So suck it up.

-There’s nothing on this route?

-Nothing.

-Really?

-Really.

-Are you sure?

-Look blondie, I traveled almost 2 decades now, and I know this route as the palm of my hands. So if we can find a place to get a steak for you here, I will pay up the biggest steak they have.

-That’s a really nice thing to say, Kai -says Leo instantly getting up, turning Kai’s head to the front again -I guess that Inn can get us one something like that.

-Wha?

Right around the corner, it was just as Leo said: An Inn on the middle of the road. This Inn looked a little old, but it was a place that attracted, like a cozy grandma house. As Leo ran to the entrance, Kai was still dumbfounded, as he didn’t remember any place like that from his travels. And no friend of him in Swallow’s Nest said anything about a new inn, so he was confused about it.

-You must be tired Kai. You didn’t even remember something this big.

-I really can’t remember this place, and I remember every place that I visited. It’s really odd.

-What’s odd about it? Are you trying to get back on our deal?

-Of course not, from the moment I was born, my word is my honor. Let’s go.

«I really don’t recall this place…»                                                                                                           

The lodgings were made entirely of oak wood, and decorated with green banners and carpet. The entrance stall was empty and had no one to attend them, even if they buzzed the desktop bell endlessly.  So they decided to advance to the restaurant. As expected of an inn, there is a huge counter across the room and several tables and chairs. The place was also empty, no other presence whatsoever.

-Hello? Is anyone here?

From below the counter, a short and middle-aged man appears. He has a greasy black hair and the thinness moustache, and he’s dressed in a host outfit: white button shirt, creased trousers, and a vest. His smiley face was a little creepy and he rubbing his hands didn’t help either.

-Greetings, travelers. Welcome to the Ash Tree Inn. How may I assist you? Some warm bed, some warm food?

-You know it mister. – says Leo already thinking of a nice meal -Are there some steaks we can bare our teeth’s in?

-Of course. Table for 3?

-Yeah, Kai’s buying it.

The three travelers sat down for their meal, roasted wild boar steak with mash potatoes. The host brings another round of drinks. Leo seems feeling better already, however Kai still is suspicious of that inn and didn’t resist to have his doubts dissipated.

-Hey, Mr. …?

-You can call me Jacob if you please.

-Oh I appreciate it Jacob. -says Kai while gulping down his drink -So tell me: when did this fine establishment was made? I don’t recall it from any of my journeys.

-Humm, let me think… no more than 6 months or so?

-But this inn seems a little old. – Jax notices -the inn looks like some years old, not really new.

-Well I’m not really the first host of this inn, but I can ensure you that this inn has not been here for a long time. -Jacob starts cleaning up the table and changes the subject - maybe we can talk later if you want. I already made your beds with fresh sheets, and you look like you need some comfy sleep.

Kai and the brothers got upstairs to their respective rooms and beds. Every single one of them didn’t take much time to fall asleep, the trip fatigue helped. The inn got as dark as it should at this hour, except for the restaurant, where Jacob finishes cleaning the room and diabolically smiles.

-Not a single sound rips this silent night… I think it’s time to wrap this up. Miss Samara will be here anytime now, and I will be praised like I deserve. Shuahahaha.

-Who’s Samara?

-What?