[chapter 9] + The Visitor +
It was already quiet in the Inn during the early hours of night. Cadens locked himself once again in the room where he can be uninterrupted and alone with his thoughts. He couldn’t sleep. It was hard to sleep knowing that the same incident that killed his parents was happening again right now.
The sky outside was pitch black and the things a person could only see were the lamp posts and the vast space that their glow occupied. It must’ve been in the middle of the night already yet Cadens did not feel like sleeping at all. He was restless. He was confused. He wanted to know what was going on but he didn’t know where to start.
Soon, a knock came from the door of the inn. Cadens thought it was just plain mind tricks but the knock came again after a few minutes of ignorance.
Not knowing who could be coming over at this hour of night, the young boy slowly walked to the room of the inn owner. He knocked as soft yet as firm as he could and it didn’t take long for the inn owner the open the door. He looked mad for having his sleep interrupted.
“What do you want, Cadens?” The owner grumbled sleepily.
“Sir, someone’s at the door.” Cadens replied.
As if backing up the young boy, the knock came once again, making the inn owner fully awake now.
The two headed for the door. This was something out of the ordinary. It was rare for Asthralle to have visitors let alone have guests during the middle of the night but being the only place where people can stay at, the inn owner decided to see for himself who it was. They both stopped before opening the door, apparently being unsure to whether entertain the guest or not.
Finally taking courage, the owner reached out for the knob and gave it a twist. The door creaked as it opened, revealing the person on the other side. He was a tall and pale person who looked very thin and sick. His clothes were tattered and one old cloth was wrapped around him for warmth.
“e-excuse me… c-can you understand me?” the person asked.
“Yes we can” Cadens answered, apparently the only one who had courage to.
“P-please… let me… stay. I’m tired and I feel weak and…” The person trailed off as he fell on the floor.
This brought back the inn owner to his senses. “Cadens! Quick! help me get him up!” he said as the two rushed to help the person in need. The inn owner helped him walk while Cadens carried the cloth that wrapped around the person. It was very warm. He seemed to have a high fever before coming here.
The owner led him to the room across Cadens’ room. He placed a damped towel on his forehead and covered him with one of the thick blankets available in the inn. It didn’t take long for the person to regain consciousness again.
“You will be alright now” The owner said. “If you need anything else, feel free to call for this boy over here”, he pointed to Cadens. “He stays at the room across yours. I am pretty sure he’ll here your voice when you call out.” With everything settled, the owner left without another word.
“Just call out when you need anything. I’m Cadens, by the way.” Cadens reassured. The person just nodded. He was about to head back to his own room when he suddenly remembered to ask his name. “Oh and, what’s yours?”
With his weak voice, the person replied “I… I don’t remember…”
