Daniel Schinhofen [Schinhofen - Tales from the Dead Man Inn

NPCs Lives

Tales from the

Dead Man Inn

Daniel Schinhofen

Copyright 2019 Daniel J. Schinhofen

No parts of this book may be reproduced in any form by an electronic or mechanical means except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews without the written permission from the publisher.

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarities to real persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

Copyright 2019 Daniel J. Schinhofen

All rights reserved.

Into the Dead Lands

Stewart stretched, waking with a mighty yawn that popped his jaw. Rubbing the joint, he blinked his eyes open before crawling out of bed. They were at Alisterns family inn, having come back to the city to resupply and train. They wanted to take a full week off before heading out for the Dead Lands, the deadliest place on the continent. They had celebrated their eightieth level last night in the tap room and had spent a good bit of gold buying drinks for the entire place. Alfonse Crowley, Alisterns father, had even been in a celebratory mood.

Finally prying himself out of bed, Stewart got dressed, wondering how much shit he was going to have to deal with today. Being a Half-blood Infernal in Stormguard meant he had to put up with being sneered at frequently. Twenty-six years of life in the city and he was still treated with distrust, despite being known by a good number of people.

If not for Alistern and his family, the Dark Lord only knew what he would have done. Putting his armor and weapons on, he left everything but his coin behind. He headed downstairs and nodded to Cora behind the bar, slipping into the back and down the passage into the tunnels. Walking down the path he had walked so often for all of his training, he eventually came into the cavern where Necromancers and Summoners could learn their arts. It was the only place of its kind in the city, and despite being shunned by all but those two professions, it really helped the inn flourish.

Alfonse was glaring at Alistern at the back desk, the training book open between them. Ya cant be doin this. Who will take over the place iffin ya die out there? Alfonse demanded, his mouth puckered in anger.

Shaking his head, Alistern pushed the book back toward his father after choosing his Ability. I will be back. Ya worry too much, ol man. We have all died at least three times and we have always come back. The last death comin more often ta adventurers is a myth. Besides, Stew and the rest of the gang will be with me. Well be fine. Have a bit o faith that the Dark Lord will watch over us.

Alfonse shook his head, his grey beard shaking vigorously. Ya be too flippant, lad. The Dead Lands are the worst place on the continent, and goin there is like askin for death to claim ya.

Stewart approached the desk on soft feet. Alfonse, I promise I will watch out for him like always. Dont fret. If worst comes to worst, I will push him to run while I buy time. It is the least I can do for you.

Alistern spun on his friend. Dont you dare! I would be pissed if you died and I lived, Stew. Da just be over cautious like always. Ill see ya later. He stalked off to the rune, vanishing as soon as he put both feet on it.

Watch out for him, Stewart, Alfonse said softly, collapsing into the chair behind the desk. He do nay understand how much worry he causes me. What would become of this place iffin me line does nay continue ownin it?

I understand, and I will watch over him like normal. Let me grab my Ability. We both know that no one will stop him from going. I will need everything at my disposal to keep up with him.

Alfonse pushed the book to Stewart. Aye, tha be the truth, lad. A more hard-headed, stubborn child I have never known. Takes after his ma.

Laughing, Stewart chose the Ability he wanted. I wont tell her that. I want to keep my head attached.

Alfonse gave a small laugh, Aye. Alright lad, off ya go. Will ya all be in town long?

A week was the original plan, but with Alistern in a mood right now, who can tell? Ill see you tonight in the tap room, Im sure. Stewart gave a small wave as he went to the rune, teleporting to the graveyard in front of the inn.

Alistern was leaning against a nearby headstone. What took ya so long?

Your father, what else? He wanted to see if I could dissuade you as normal, Stewart fell into step with Alistern so they could proceed into town. Stewart hunched slightly and pulled his hood up to cover his red skin, feeling self-conscious in public.

Bah, we will be fine, just like we have been for the last two years. So, did ya take care of Tabitha last night? Darkness knows she was beggin for it when we was huntin last, Alistern chuckled as he nudged his friend.

Yeah, I gave her what she wanted to tide her over. It causes problems with Flora, though. Its not like I fuck Tabitha I just have to prove Im in charge of her, but Flora still gets upset. Ive tried to explain the complexities involved with keeping the minions happy, but all she sees is me spending time with another female. It doesnt help when you and Lilith go on for hours in carnal depravity, Stewart said blank-faced, looking at his friend.

Chuckling, Alistern shrugged. What can I say? Lilith is a right little bunny always ready for a tumble. I had no idea she was going to be so demandin when I got her. Still, we seem to connect better than any of the others Ive slept with. So, about you and Flora have ya finally gotten her to tumble?

Shaking his head sadly, Stewart sighed. No. She says I will wait for her to be ready if I love her. It doesnt help when she wants to cuddle when we are out hunting talk about purple balls. Ive tried to explain that to her, but she just tells me it will help me build my self-control. I swear, Im going to do something I will regret next time.

Alistern laughed, Aye, then shell use her vines to secure ya to the ground before she rips ya pride from ya body. Do nay fuck with a woman who can bind ya with plant life, be my advice. It still be fucked tha she does tha to ya.

Stewart sighed and shrugged. Yeah. Are we meeting up with the others to buy new gear, or are we just meeting back at the bar at the end of the week?

Meetin back up. Grimgar went back to Rockstrong last night, Almira went to Brightgrove this mornin, and Flora is back in Wildwood. They all wanted to see family before we head out again.

Fair enough. I wonder what that is like, Stewart said, only a trace of the old pain he felt at being abandoned as a child coloring his voice.

Bah, ya see me all the time. Me and mine be ya family. It nay be blood tha is family, it be the ones tha stand by ya regardless of the trials. Alistern said, slapping his friend on the back. Now, lets get some new leathers and staves today so we can spend the rest of the week enjoyin life.

Shaking off the gloom, Stewart nodded. Thanks, brother.

~ * ~ * ~

The week flew by with Stewart and Alistern spending time away from the inn, hoping to stop Alfonse making any attempts to fight Alisterns decision. The morning of their departure came, and when Stewart made it downstairs, he saw the others all waiting for him. Sorry, he muttered to the smirks on his friends faces. Im ready to go when you are.

Alistern thrust a chunk of bread at him. Eat that on the way to the Portal Guild so we do nay have to listen to ya belly later.

Grimgar chuckled. Always the last one ready to go, Stew. One day, ye are goin to be late to ye own funeral.

You are one to talk? Almira chuckled. I had to drag you out of your bed this morning.

Blushing slightly, Grimgar coughed, Well, I was up late the night before helpin the clan with the shop.

Likely story. By shop, do you mean the brothel down the street from the smithy? Almira smirked at him. You had powder from their makeup still on your chest when I rousted you.