Free as I'll Ever be

I stepped into the Bawdy Barmaid. Keeping my head ducked as I stomped off my boots. Still, I’d have sworn I felt his eyes immediately swing to me.

After a time, the sensation eased, and I went to a bench in the back. Knowing my furs made me seem like a short, stalky man. I’d often been mistaken as such by highwaymen who’d left me alone.

A fair disguise.

One look at the barmaid and I was appalled. She was a gorgeous blonde creature, nearly spilling from her dress.

Looking very much like the small witch that had brought me the parchment.

The one that’d hugged me while they burned me.

She’d sat with me apologizing and petting my hair.

A small kindness for what they’d put me through.

My whole body sighed as I dared look across the tavern at Vandiel. Relief flowed through me at the sight of his familiar face.

He was watching the whole tavern with slight alarm on his face.

But he was watching the pretty barmaid serving me with the most intensity.