MOOSE TAVERN

Four boys were riding on horseback. Their wet hair proved that they had just returned from taking the river. They talked excitedly as the environment was filled with different sounds of laughter.

"So Edmund, Do you have any plans for the day?" One of the men who had dark green eyes asked.

"Yes, we forgot! We need to go somewhere. " Ayan asked moving his gaze to Edmund who was by his left.

"I think we should go to the tavern and you know…. Have some fun."

"Or what do you all think?" Skurt spoke this time.

"Hmmm… is it really necessary?"

Edmund wasn't ready to go to the tavern after what he witnessed the previous time. He had never seen such before and was still feeling the effect of the whole killing.

He often wondered how the ladies could handle such and still sleep at night.

"Yes, it is!" The trio replied instantly.

"Okay. But just for a while." Edmund said and let out a brief smile. He only agreed because he didn't want to let his friend's down and most importantly, he felt he hoped to meet her again that day.

"So this evening right?" Ayan stopped walking and asked.

"Definitely!" Skurt replied looking more excited than the others.

"Okay, then it is settled."

Ayan moved further and the others followed.

They walked for some minutes and soon arrived home.

* * * *

Edmund jumped off his bed.

It was time for their outing but hadn't seen Ayan who promised to come to him.

"Where is this boy?"

He was infuriated but heard a voice soon after.

"I am here!" Ayan yelled as he walked into the room.

"What took you so long?"

"Am I late?" Ayan asked this time sarcastically. Edmund gave him a weird look but decided to let it pass.

"Let's get going."

Edmund left the room and Ayan followed.

They didn't walk that long when they met Drax who was on his way to Edmund's.

"Where is Skurt?" Edmund inquired.

"He isn't here yet?" Drax looked around as if searching for Skurt.

"Did he tell you that he was coming?" Ayan asked, raising his head with both brows up.

"Not really, I just assumed that he should be here."

"Tch… You are kind of dull. How would he be here?" Ayan shook his head and continued walking.

"What's with him?" Drax looked at Edmund who stared back at him, shook his head and followed Ayan.

Drax watched them for a while and followed.

"Wait for me!" He yelled as he tried to catch up with the duo.

They walked a bit and soon saw Skurt.

"Man, where have you been?" Ayan asked, upon noticing Skurt who was sweating profusely.

"Really! And why are you sweating so much?" Edmund asked, raising both brows.

"We were just about to leave you."

"Nothing much, I went to get something in the market and had to run back to catch up with you guys." He took glances at his shirt and gave it a brief smile.

"So, you ready to come or do you want to change your shirt?" Edmund said, staring at him.

"No, it will probably get dried before we get there."

"Okay."

Edmund walked further and they all headed for the stables.

They arrived there shortly and each hit on their horse and rode away.

They got to the tavern in about an hour and had to search for a good spot to keep the horses. They found one just behind the building and rode there.

They finished with it and were about to make their way to the building when something crossed Edmund's mind.

"Where is Akima?"

He looked around but didn't get a response.

"Wasn't he told? I think I should go to his place to tell him. It would be wrong if we held something like this without including him." He untied his horse's reins and got on it.

"No need. I went over to his place this morning but he told me that he wasn't feeling so well."Ayan said with his hands holding the reins.

Drax and Skurt looked at Ayan weirdly. They were wondering why he would go over to Akima's place. They knew fully well that he was never fond of him.

"What, why are you looking at me like that. I'm deadass serious, I when over of his house. Or do you want to go and confirm?"

"Let's just go in guys."

"There is no need to go any longer since he isn't feeling well. I wouldn't want to disturb him." Edmund said and got down from his horse.

Ayan sighed in relief. He was glad he acted quick, he didn't like Akima's presence and always felt a bad aura each time he was around. He didn't think it would be smart for anyone to trust him after what happened years ago.

"So let's go in." He said and headed for the entrance.

Edmund became tensed on arriving at the main door. He kept on looking around in search of Verola and Miller and would briefly recount what had happened that day.

He wasn't scared by the blood or their deaths but by the thought that such could happen to him or his friends.

"I guess that is how the world is."

He took a glance at the doors and then to his side but noticed no one beside him. He looked around and saw his friends already occupying a table so he rushed for the last seat.

He looked at the table with boiled chicken and alcohol.

"So, How are we paying?" He asked and reached for a glass.

"Oh, don't worry about that we have it sorted out already. So you just enjoy yourself." Ayan replied and also reached for his glass. Soon every one had a drink in one hand and a chicken in another.

The plate became empty and another was ordered which they also finished.

Drax looked over to his side and noticed some gamblers.

"Should we try?" Skurt asked, raising his head indicating that he caught sight of his gaze.

"Maybe," Drax replied.

"I'm not feeling good about it. I mean, we have been losing our money all this while." He added.

Ayan overheard their conversation and drew closer to them.

"Well, you two can go do that but for me, I'm going over to that hot bitch over there."

He pointed to a sex worker at the entrance.

"Ouu..that's my man. Go do your thing."

Skurt pushed him a bit and shook his hand.

"Guys, I will be right back," Edmund said and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Drax asked, he knew Edmund didn't hear of their plans but was sure he would have also been interested.

"I just want to take a walk around. I will be back soon."

"What! Is that fun?" Ayan commented giving Edmund a weird look.

"Don't worry just have fun." He said and ran off. He walked to where he kept his horse and rode away.

Ayan stood up and walked to the lady.

"Hi."

"Hello, so what are you here for?" A dark-haired lady spoke, she was about 5'4 and had dark eyes. What attracted her to him the most was her curves. She had moderate breasts and a large behind just like Verola. A typical lady of his style.

"So, Ermm.. I will like to have you for the night." He said placing one hand on his rod and rubbing it.

She looked at him and her gaze flew to the spot he had his hands on since It was extremely dark to catch sight of his face or guess his age.

"That would be a thousand bronze coins."

"What! Why are you so expensive."

"Well, not many ladies can have these." She stretched out her body and placed her hands on her assets rubbing them.

"Ok. I like the vibe you give me."

He bit his lower lip and stretched his hand to his pocket then brought out ten silver coins and gave them to her. He moved closer to her and stretched his right hand to her behind, squeezing it.

"Not here? Over there." She said pointing to the first floor of the building.

"Oh.. Right. I'm sorry. Hehe,"

He gave it brief laughter.

She climbed the stairs and he followed.

Ayan looked back at his friends who were already playing with some dice and winked at them. They responded with a smile at him.

He returned his gaze to the lady and looked at her behind and began to have wild thoughts.