Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 218: Closing circle

Garvin sat in a shadowy corner of a bustling tavern, nursing a small drink and slowly coming to terms with his newfound wealth. He was a rich man now, something that felt both exhilarating and dangerously surreal.

He was down-to-earth enough to realize that walking around with a fortune in silver could easily turn deadly if he wasn't careful. Carrying enough money to buy a fine war-horse and live comfortably for years wasn't wise in a place like this, so he'd already taken steps to safeguard his fortune. The night before, he'd secured a private room and hidden most of his silver in a spot only he knew, a small, carefully dug hole behind a loose floorboard under his bed.

The tavern was warm and filled with the smell of roasting meat, ale, and the low hum of chatter. He sat back, letting his nerves finally ease a bit as he glanced around the room. A young woman, her hair pulled back and eyes sharp with the kind of curiosity that was common in taverns, approached his table, smiling softly. "What'll it be tonight, sir?"@@novelbin@@

Garvin fished out a silver coin from his pouch and dropped it on the counter with a satisfying clink. "Something good to eat, and something to drink," he said, his voice steady.

The girl's eyes widened briefly at the sight of a full silver piece before her fingers swept it up. She leaned in a little closer, her hand drifting down to rest lightly on his arm. "Of course," she murmured, her voice dropping to a lower tone. "And… is there anything else you'd like tonight, sir?" Her fingers traced his arm lightly, suggestively.

Garvin's mouth quirked up in a half-smile as he shook his head, enjoying the moment but careful not to give too much away. "Just food and drink, lass. That'll be more than enough for me."