Free Wolfe Pack by Gerard Bond Page B

question and its possible ramifications he has taken the responsibility to heart and is making sure that a proper job is done for all the Kingdom. That includes this place.” The man nodded with a grim smile,
    “Kudos to the Lord for bothering.”
    Wollfen understood the man's cynical view, Outrock was almost a forsaken backwater of no interest to anyone in the Kingdom.
    “I will write up a report within the next couple of days, I have got much work to do. I take it you will wait around for it?”
    Wollfen nodded and considered the time frame, he certainly was not looking forward to sitting around for the next few days though,
    “I tell you what, I will lead a scouting party to the south east maybe a day or two ride from here, I want to see for myself what the land is like anyway.” The officer waved his hand,
    “What you do with your time is your business, it won't cost us anything. Wait, this journey won't be charged to us will it?”
    “No, all my expenses are being covered by the crown, you need not worry, I won't be dipping into the town's coffers.”
    “Very good, come back on the morn of the third day and your report shall be ready.”
    Wollfen nodded and walked outside. He looked up and noted the sun was harsh today, it would be a hot one for sure. There wasn't a cloud on the sky either. There was no rain and no cloud cover to give relief from that biting heat. He sauntered back to the tavern and caught up with the other three sitting in a booth.
    “We won't be moving out today, the report won't be ready until three days from now.”
    The others gave an audible moan, sitting around in this sun bleached backwater with no entertainment would drive them all crazy.
    “Have no fear, I intend on us taking a short journey to the south east, I want to have a look around.”
    There was no cheer at that either, it wasn't a much better prospect, instead of sitting around drinking ale in this heat they would be out on the trail in the direct sun and there would be no ale at all.
    “Well at least we won't be bored.” Quipped Kane.
    “Don't worry, I think we shall leave the start of our journey until later this afternoon, it is a hot day.” The others welcomed the news, “I am going to go have a look at the pitiful excuse for the markets they have here, I want to see what wares can be had.”
    The rest nodded as Wollfen turned and left again, he was welcome to go, they wouldn't be following.
    It was maybe a five minute walk to the center of town where the traders had their stalls set up. All manner of spices, fabrics and farming tools were readily seen and of no particular interest, it was the typical range of goods you would normally see. After walking along awhile having the vendors each push their wares in his face and be rejected by him.
    Wollfen finally came to a stop in front of a small stall that gave off a range of different fragrances. The table was covered in small blocks of something that he didn't immediately recognize, picking one up he smelt and felt it. Of course, it was soap, a local home made variety too. He picked through a couple of them smelling each and feeling the texture. There was sandalwood, jasmine and some sort of musky smelling odor to one too. He looked across to the vendor, a young woman fanning herself as she sat sweating lightly.
    “Do you have any rose smelling soap?”
    She nodded and pointed to the rear row on one corner. Picking it up Wollfen once again gave it the smell test, it was quite pleasant. He picked up another and then chose eight assorted bars of the other scents. Looking across with a questioning look the girl held up five fingers,
    “Five coppers thanks.”
    He handed her the coins and she placed the soap in a small cloth bag for him,  giving his thanks he moved off.
    Wollfen spent maybe another twenty minutes doing the rounds but nothing else caught his fancy and he returned to the tavern. Keera was still there drinking an ale but the other two were gone. Sitting