Chapter 8: Shadows Unveiled

The door swung open with a resounding creak, revealing the burly figure of the tavern owner, his face a mask of surprise and concern. He was accompanied by two guards, their eyes wide with shock as they took in the scene before them—the room marred by the aftermath of a fierce struggle, a lifeless body sprawled on the floor, and the wounded figure of Fume, trembling and bloodied.

The tavern owner's gaze flickered from Abe to the fallen men, his lips parting in disbelief. "By the gods! What in the hells has happened here?"

Abe's grip on his katana remained steady, his gaze unwavering as he addressed the tavern owner. "It seems I had some uninvited guests," he replied evenly.

The tavern owner's brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he took in Abe's katana. "You... you fought them off?"

Abe nodded, his voice steady. "They intended to harm me. I had no choice."

The tavern owner's expression softened, a mixture of relief and empathy crossing his features. "My apologies, sir. I had no idea they were capable of such violence. Harju and Fume were unruly, but I never thought..."

Abe's gaze remained fixed on the tavern owner, his voice firm but not unkind. "These men came seeking trouble. They found it."

The guards, now recovering from their initial shock, moved into action. One of them approached Fume, his face stern as he examined the wounded man. The other guard knelt beside Harju's lifeless form, his expression a mix of solemnity and detachment.

The tavern owner's attention returned to Abe, his eyes apologetic. "Please, sir, accept my sincerest apologies for this unfortunate incident. It's clear you acted in self-defense."

Abe inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Thank you."

With a signal from the tavern owner, the guards began to carefully lift Fume to his feet, assisting him in leaving the room. The lifeless body of Harju was treated with equal care, his form wrapped in a tattered blanket before being carried away.

Once the room was cleared of the grisly aftermath, the tavern owner turned his attention back to Abe. "In light of what's transpired, and as a gesture of goodwill, I offer you three days of lodging free of charge. It's the least I can do."

Abe considered the offer for a moment before nodding his agreement. "I appreciate your generosity."

The tavern owner hesitated, his gaze shifting from Abe to the door and back again. "I understand your concern for safety, but stationing a guard here... well, that could raise suspicions and unnecessary questions."

Abe's expression remained resolute as he spoke. "I understand your apprehension, but I assure you, it's a necessary precaution. The events of tonight have shown that danger can arise unexpectedly."

The tavern owner's gaze held a mixture of doubt and consideration. "And you believe there's a real threat?"

Abe's eyes met the tavern owner's, unwavering in their intensity. "I do. This realm is a place of uncertainty, and I'd rather be prepared than caught off guard."

The tavern owner's lips tightened, his gaze lingering on Abe before he finally relented with a resigned sigh. "Very well, I'll arrange for a guard to be stationed here during the night. But I hope, for your sake and ours, that such measures won't be necessary in the future."

Abe offered a nod of gratitude. "Thank you. I hope so too."

As the tavern owner and the guards took their leave, Abe's gaze drifted to the moonlit window. The events of the night had tested his mettle, revealing the dangers that lurked within this unfamiliar realm. Yet, as he surveyed the room that had borne witness to his triumph, a sense of determination settled over him—a reminder that in this shattered realm, he would need to rely on his wits, strength, and the allies he could find.

With the promise of safety for the nights to come, Abe settled into a chair, his thoughts a whirlwind of contemplation and preparation. The world outside remained as enigmatic as ever, a tapestry of intrigue and uncertainty. But Abe was resolute—he would navigate this fractured realm, uncover its secrets, and forge his own path through the shadows that lay ahead.