[Arry]

A promise of stories to accompany his meal! A rare treat, indeed, thought the old man, running his hand down the long length of his grey beard, smoothing it. His eyes twinkled at the thought of hearing another voice other than his own, and his mouth bowed up in a smile.

It had been a long road this time, and still further to go. Much of it spent in solitary wandering, with only the wind and the croakings of frogs to lighten an evening’s meal.

He took the key from the Innkeeper with a nod of thanks, and wandered to a small table by the window. The mug of steaming tea clasped close in his hands warmed them, and he pushed his tired back thankfully against his chair. One of the serving maids, Ruby she said her name was, said his meal would be out soon. She flashed him a quick bright smile as she moved on to the next table.

The sea of voices rose and fell about him, but he did not heed them. His gaze went often to the darkened tree in the yard. And he wondered at the one who would choose such a hiding place.