Free Bastial Sentinels (The Rhythm of Rivalry: Book 5) by B.T. Narro

heard whispers. Footsteps followed, one pair coming close to the door. The curtain behind one window was snatched back, revealing a man with distrusting eyes and a hooked nose. He studied Cleve for no more than a blink before shifting to Reela for a lingering look.
    “Move aside young woman,” he said. “Let me see the man behind you.”
    It wasn’t by accident that Reela had put herself between Vithos and the window. She didn’t move.
    “He’s an Elf, but he was born in Ovira. This is the first time he’s been to Greenedge, just like me. We’ve heard a little about Fatholl, and none of us have any allegiance to him.” She slowly moved to reveal her brother.
    “I only wish help,” Vithos pleaded.
    Another curtain was drawn back, another man peering at them. Cleve figured psyche was the only thing keeping them from screaming at his party to leave.
    “What accent is that?” the innkeeper asked.
    “Kreppen,” Reela answered. “It’s his first language.”
    “Never heard of it.”
    “We can answer everything you want to know,” Reela said. “We don’t even need to come inside if you’re that worried.” Her tone was just on the verge of mocking. “We’d be happy to pay for food and water through the window.”
    The innkeeper let his curtain close and pulled the other man away from the glass. They murmured to each other. Reela calmly slid her hand into Cleve’s and interlocked her fingers with his. Her touch calmed him.
    The innkeeper unbarred the door and swung it open. He stood there for a moment, watching them from the doorway, his knees bent as if ready to flee.
    “Thank you,” Reela said, offering her free hand for him to shake. “We truly appreciate it.”
    “You look honest enough.” The squeaky-voiced man shook her hand firmly as he relaxed. “But I must warn you we don’t have much besides stew and bread.”
    “That and some water would be wonderful,” Reela said. She handed the man more coins than Cleve thought their meal should be worth, but he didn’t say anything. He had a feeling money wouldn’t be much of an issue compared to what else they’d find in the city.
    “I’m leaving,” the other man said to the innkeeper, glancing at Vithos. “I don’t feel comfortable being here with an Elf, even if he’s not one of Fatholl’s.”
    For a breath, the innkeeper looked as if he would plead with the man to stay. But then he nodded in understanding.
    Reela let out a sad hum. “I’m terribly sorry if we’ve caused you to lose business.”
    “Ah.” The innkeeper tossed his hand. “He wasn’t going to buy anything anyway, just lingers about after dinner. I can trust you three, right?”
    “Yes,” Reela said. “But do you mind if we open one curtain so we can watch our horses? We tied them outside.”
    “As pretty as you may be young lady, I’m afraid I can’t allow you to touch my curtains. It’s too dangerous for people to be looking in and finding an Elf. But I’ll allow you to bring the horses inside and tie them to the bar so long as you promise to clean up any mess they make.”
    “Thank you,” Reela said, smiling wide to show she was flattered by his compliment.
    Cleve and Vithos brought in the horses while Reela stayed and chatted. She’d earned the innkeeper’s complete trust by the time the horses were tied up inside. Cleve could see it from his warm grin.
    “Are there others coming from Ovira?” he asked.
    “I don’t believe so,” Reela said. She went on to tell the curious man about the war that had just ended there. They’d finished the last drops of the stew and water served to them by the time she was done.
    Cleve’s body felt heavy from fatigue. It wasn’t a long ride to the palace, but depending on what the innkeeper had to tell them about The Nest, Cleve might suggest they stay the night there.
    “What brings the three of you here?” the innkeeper asked Reela.
    “About that,” Cleve interrupted. “We were hoping you could tell us what