The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Hags?  The bartender looks at you curiously.  

13

Like, old women?  I have an aunt with a sharp tongue, but I wouldn't call her a hag.  Not to her face at least.  

More like monsters that look like horrid old women and trick people into their doom.  Does your aunt do that?

Not yet, but I will watch for it, friend, the man says, tapping the side of his nose.  Now, is there anything I can get you?  Does a metal man drink, might I ask?

You might, and no, he doesn’t. He does need shelter, however.

Silent nods. A room for two would be ideal if you have one. 

The inn has comfortable rooms; you can pay five silver for a room, and 3 silver for a meal if you wish.  The innkeeper is happy to help with whatever you need, but the inn is getting busy and he has less time to talk.  There are other patrons around of course.

Magnum pays for the room and Silent’s meal. I need to bear some of the weight financially.

Silent claps Magnum on the shoulder and thanks him before tucking in.

After belching loudly with a clean plate in front of him, he will cast another forlorn glance at the armoured man before telling Magnum that he'll see him upstairs in their room. He'll turn in for the night. 

As will Magnum. 

You spend a comfortable night in this inn, and complete a long rest.

What would you like to do the following day?

Magnum suggests going to meet the girl. 

She stands in the same place you met her before; wearing a dark red cloak and seemingly ready for the trip, with a large pack on her bag and basket in her hand.

You came, says the girl excitedly.  So many people don't, you know.  And you're on time.  Thanks so much for coming.  Ready to go?  

Magnum nods. His shield at the ready and having reconfigured himself to Guardian mode. 

Brow furrowed, Silent says So many people...? How often does your Gran hire wolf murderers, little miss? 

You're the first I've hired, just not the first I've asked.  That's all.  You ask a lot of questions, don't you?  Come on then.  She starts off headed through the small town towards the east along the Rillway Road.

Also, we're allowed to kill wolves.  So it's not murder.  Murder's when it's not allowed, according to Gran, which means it's probably true.  What are your names?

I'm Magnum.  This is Silent.  Which is his name and not a descriptor.

I'm Eminara Callia Fion Jallack, but you can call me Emi.  

You are leaving Alfield behind, walking along a fairly busy road with travellers headed to and from Felderwin and the local villages.  The Crownsguard are around, and you see them patrolling from time to time though they don't look to be particularly on alert.

Impressive list o' names, Emi. Say, your Gran ain't a hag, is she? That's one o' our policies, we...uh... charge them extra. For the cleaning bill, you know.  

Emi frowns.  No.  What's a hag?

Silent brings his voice down to a whisper and crouches slightly. I lied about charging extra, I ain't never seen one. Only heard stories about 'em... creepy old witches who steal kids and eat 'em, they give me the willies.