Jaegar leaned against the worn wooden bar, his calloused fingers wrapped around a tankard of ale.
The barmaid, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and greying hair, wiped down the counter nearby.
"Excuse ," Jaegar said, his voice low. "Could you tell where exactly I am?"
The barmaid looked up, a hint of concern in her expression. "You're in Bordertown, young man. Right on the edge between Wrescia and Daikrimore. Folks 'round here call it the shoretown."
Jaegar nodded, absorbing the information. He took a sip of his ale, letting the bitter liquid coat his tongue as he considered his next question.
"What about the Empire? How far is it from here?"
The barmaid's eyebrows rose slightly. "The Empire? That's quite a journey, my friend. But if you're looking to get there, your best bet is by sea. So ships leave from the port just east of town. They take both cargo and passengers."
Jaegar's heart quickened at the news. A way out, a path forward. "How often do these ships leave?" he asked, trying to keep the eagerness from his voice.
"Oh, pretty regular," the barmaid replied. "Every few days or so. You'll want to head down to the docks and ask around. Just be prepared to pay for your passage."
Jaegar's hand instinctively moved to the coin purse at his belt. He felt the weight of the coins he'd taken from Kaeso. At the ti, it was a precaution. Now, it seed like foresight.
"Thank you," Jaegar said, finishing his ale in one long swallow. He placed a coin on the bar and nodded to the barmaid before making his way to the door.
Outside, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the dusty street. Jaegar led his horse to the town's small marketplace. He knew the animal would only slow him down on a sea voyage, and he could use the extra coin.
After so haggling with a local rchant, Jaegar sold the horse for a fair price. The additional coins clinked satisfyingly in his purse as he made his way towards the docks.
The port was a bustling place, even as evening approached. Sailors and dockworkers moved about, loading and unloading ships. The air was thick with the sll of salt and fish.
Jaegar approached a grizzled old sailor nding a net. "I'm looking for passage to the Empire," he said. "Can you point in the right direction?"
The sailor jerked his thumb towards a large vessel at the far end of the dock. "That's the Blue Horizon. She's headed that way in two days. Talk to the quartermaster if you're looking to book passage."
Jaegar thanked the man and made his way down the weathered planks of the dock. As he drew closer, he could see that the Blue Horizon was indeed a formidable ship. Its hull was scarred but sturdy, speaking of many voyages across treacherous seas.
At the gangplank, a burly man with a clipboard eyed Jaegar suspiciously. "State your business," he grunted.
"I'm seeking passage to the Empire," Jaegar replied, eting the man's gaze steadily.
The quartermaster looked him up and down, then consulted his clipboard. "We've got space. It'll cost you, though. Fifty gold for the journey. als included, but you'll be sleeping in the hold with the rest of the passengers."
Jaegar reached for his coin purse, relief washing over him. He had enough. Just barely, but enough. He counted out the coins and handed them over. Now he had left with a few coins, enough for two days.
The quartermaster made a note on his clipboard, then handed Jaegar a paper, his boarding ticket. "This is your berth number. We sail with the morning tide in two days.
Don't be late."
Jaegar pocketed the paper slip, turned away from the ship, and headed back into town.
***
Jaegar made his way back to the tavern, his footsteps heavy with exhaustion, but his mind was slightly more at ease now that he had secured passage on the Blue Horizon. The familiar scent of ale and hearty food greeted him as he pushed open the weathered wooden door. The tavern was busier now, filled with the low hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter.
He found an empty seat at the bar, nodding to the sa barmaid from earlier. She gave him a small smile of recognition as she approached.
"Back so soon, traveller?" she asked, wiping her hands on her apron.
Jaegar managed a tired smile. "Found the ship," he said. "But it doesn't leave for two days. Thought I'd treat myself to a proper al in the anti."
The barmaid's eyes lit up. "Well, you're in luck. We've got so fresh catches from the sea today. The cook does wonders with mackerel if you're interested."
"Sounds perfect," Jaegar replied, his stomach growling at the thought of a hot, well-prepared al. It had been far too long since he'd eaten anything that wasn't dried rations or hastily cooked ga. And back in the camp or underground, it wasn't satisfactory. He just ate for the sake of it.
As he waited for his food, Jaegar sipped on a mug of ale, letting the rich, slightly bitter liquid soothe his parched throat. He found himself people-watching, observing the mix of locals and travellers that filled the tavern.
A group of sailors occupied a corner table, their boisterous laughter punctuating the general din.
A pair of rchants argued quietly over ledgers at another table, while a lone figure in a hooded cloak nursed a drink in the shadows.
The arrival of his al pulled Jaegar away from his observations. The plate before him stead invitingly, the aroma of spices making his mouth water. The mackerel was grilled to perfection, its skin crispy and flesh tender. Roasted potatoes and a dley of local vegetables accompanied it.
Jaegar savoured every bite, realizing how much he had missed the simple pleasure of a well-cooked al. As he ate, he considered his next steps. He needed a place to stay for the next two nights, sowhere to rest and ditate.
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