Disclaimer: I own nothing Tamora Pierce created
The dining room of the inn was emptying, leaving few but a stranger huddled in the corner by the fire, shrouded in a black cloak. This in itself was unusual, the Dancing Dove was usually at its busiest around this time at night. The man stared into the mug before him, the look on his face unreadable. An empty plate had been pushed away, a few crumbs still remaining. A pack rested at his feet, weather stained from travel. He was apparently lost in thought, and didn't seem to notice the two maids working to clean the room. The room held three tables in the center with four chairs each, and five smaller tables lined the wall, each having only two wooden chairs. The fireplace and hearth were on the far end, opposite the double doors leading onto the front porch. Lit lanterns hung above each table, some of them on their last legs, others newly replaced. There were only two windows, one on either side of the doors. The moon wasn't visible from inside, but outside it was nearly full. The town was quiet, most people sound asleep in bed.
George grinned, running his fingers over the rough surface of the table. There was still a chunk of wood missing from when Alanna had lost her temper. The lass was still a force to be reckoned with in a rage.
He scanned the room, taking in the many changes that had occurred in the past few years since he'd been gone. He was here to meet Myles. People wouldn't recognize him down here if he was careful. And it was well known that Myles spend many evenings here, drinking his way through the Dove's finest ale and wine.
His gaze was drawn to the door as it opened and a gust of air accompanied by a flurry of snowflakes swarmed in. An elder man with slumped shoulders in a heavy green cloak entered as well. His sharp, keen eyes darted around at the occupants of the room until they spotted George. As Myles settled into the chair across from him a barmaid brought a glass of wine. He ordered the same thing every night and by now every barmaid in the town knew what he liked.
George grinned.
"Good to see you old man."