Ollea had made it to the campsite, but the barbarians had remained true to their word, sparing no one. With a heavy heart, she turned back in the diection of the inn.
This time she took no chances to be seen. She dismounted her horse in the forest, wincing slightly as her bad leg bore her weight briefly. At least it wasn't as bad as it was a few hours ago, and she could almost walk comfortably, with only a slight limp. Pulling her cloak closely around her, she broke into an empty room on the first floor. If she were still to follow these people they must not see her...or at least recognize her. At least she had kept heself concealed within her cloak most of the time, but they knew her face now, and would be on the alert.
Well at least I might rest here until morning, she thought, but bark out a harsh and mirthless laugh as she glanced out the window through which she had entered. The sky in the east was lightening already, with dawn perhaps an hour away, not likely more.
The room was near the entrance, and she opened the door a crack to see if any of the band was still awake. Ozracles was harassing a young barmaid, which was hardly surprising; Dinenliel was sitting-or sleeping- at a table, blind drunk. Himelilek was nowhere to be seen, but Ollea guessed that she might be sleeping off however much ale she had drunk. Knowing Himelilek, that would likely be quite alot.
Amanalkarion was talking to someone standing just beyond the inn door. She did not recognized the other on sight, but he heard him call her 'Kalia'. Ollea had never met this Kalia, but her reputation preceded her, and she had heard tales of the dealings of Kalia. They didn't seem inclined to partake in the company in the band, and that was a small comfort.
That was before Ollea heard him say that she was inside. She closed the door quickly before relaxing slightly. "Of course," she murmered to herself, smiling wryly.
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