I turned and glanced at who he called to. She was about my age, or perhaps a little older. She wore a simple dress and had a scarf tied around her brown curls. She looked at Leofwine expectantly. “Fetch Master Drefan here a mug of water.”

“Yes, papa,” she said before obediently leaving on her errand.

“I apologize, water’s the best I can get ya,” Leofwine said. “Unless you think you’re ready to brave an ale.”

“Water is fine, thank you.”



“I hope you don’t take offense, but you seem a little out of place in this city.”

“This may be where I am for a while,” I replied.

“Be careful, this city can be a dangerous place. Many a area a boy should not wander on his own, especially after dark.”