Tavern Chapter 9

Read Table of Content | +Kyla Scurchio
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     Zugzwang and I sat smug at a table in the Tavern that night. We had just spent the day relaying notes to the king, who later decided only Journeyman would be allowed into the Mountain for hunting. After spending time with the King both of us went down to the Trapsmith to purchase our new traps. When we told the Trapsmith we wanted 1 NVMRC and 1 Deathbot he about had a heart attack. No one had been able to afford his biggest traps and so no one had got them. He pocketed our gold with a big grin on his face.

     When we sat with the traps on the table the Tavern gathered round to have a look. The Deathbot shined in the
low light of the Tavern, and the Forcefield sat sparking every now and then, due to the brown mouse that kept skirting under our seats looking for crumbs. No one was bothered by him.
The Tavern was growing fuller by the day. There was a constant stream of strategy conversations.
"I caught three pirates in a row myself. Do you think anyone can beat that?" Said one man spilling a bit of his drink as he leaned into a huddle mass of men. Fliers went up all over the walls, filled with tips and hunting strategies, or lists, looking for people to join them in certain areas around Gnawnia. No doubt to take sleeping shifts like me.

     We spent a large portion of the night explaining in great detail our findings in the mountain. Many men wanted spoilers, wanted to see my notes on the mice there. While others kindly vanished wanting to find out on their own what awaited them.
Zugzwang had been right, the hunt had become the greatest hobby, but I had a feeling the Kings payment in helping him was also a big part of it.

     "This just came in from the King!" Said a young man running into the Tavern after the third round of drinks had been passed out. He pinned it to the door and everyone rushed to see it.                         Zugzwang easily parted the masses and read aloud for all to hear.

     "An order from the king,‘This is hearby the list of known mice and the price for their capture. When caught please send word and proof in order to collect your reward. Happy Hunting -The King’"
Zugzwang listed off the mice and the amount each was worth as I sat back enjoying my drink. Just when everyone was distracted by the notice the little brown mouse came up to the table sniffing the air hopefully. My trap sparked as he inched closer to it. I held perfectly still. Just as the mouse opened its mouth to bite at the cheese the Trap engaged, a huge dome wrapped itself around the mouse trapping it in place. Frozen in place the mouse sat helpless as it was sprayed in the face with the sleeping gas the Trapsmith had talked about, then, with a pop, it vanished.

     "Now that's a trap!" called Zugzwang over the heads of the crowed.
Drinks were passed again and what started as calm strategy sharing, quickly turned into a crazed party. There were men on chairs dancing with drinks sloshing all over. There were beggars hitting up anyone they could for gold. There were some who even claimed they would be the next heir to the throne. I swore I even saw one guy relieve himself in a corner past the bar. Even women joined in on the hunt and formed a tight knit group in a corner. They kept throwing mischievous looks at the men. Trying to prove themselves would keep them busy for days.  Zugzwang loosened up the crazier everyone got.
He and I both agreed that it was time to go when the boys were tripping over themselves asking everyone what mouse they most resembled.

     We'd booked two cots in a room above the Tavern. We planned to crash there for the night before setting off. Digby was our next little adventure. I could feel the journal entry about the Scientists burn a hole in my pocket. They had a lot of explaining to do.