“What areas should I avoid?” I asked. The girl called Lilja set a mug of water before me. I thanked her and she responded with a warm smile.

“The northeastern portion of the city should be avoided if you can manage,” Leofwine said as I took a drink of water.

“Thank you for telling me, and for the meal,” I said as I turned away.

Before I reached the door, I heard, “Where will you be staying tonight?”



Again I was startled by the question. After the hospitality of the streets, I had not expected a stranger to offer me food or to be concerned about what I planned to do for shelter.

“I—I’m meeting with someone soon,” I said.

“Well, if this someone doesn’t give you a room for the night, come back here and we’ll find a place to put you.”

“Thank you, sir,” I said. Then I made a rather pathetic looking bow. It seemed the right thing to do at the time.

After I left the tavern I searched for a place to change into my costume. Thanks to Leofwine, I had an idea of where I should begin my search.