Auther's Note:
Sorry guys I know it almost feels like century...my sincere apologies just got busy with my Job and my courses anyways hopefully this time I'll be updating the chapters soon have written this story whenever i got time, so my story was on HIATUS for a while now...
Discalimer: I own nothing
Chapter Twelve _The Flying Swan turns out to be a nice, clean place. In fact, it's the best he's seen so far since coming to this world. Upon entering he can readily tell that it's a cut above the Bend in the River, the inn where he stayed the night before. Curtains drape the windows and candelabra hang from the ceiling. Each table is draped with a clean white tablecloth and the employees present a neat, tidy appearance.
One of them, a man in his middle years and dressed slightly better than the rest, sees him enter and moves toward him.
"Welcome to the Flying Swan, good sir," he says with a warm and friendly smile.
"Thank you," replies Percy. "I met a traveler on the road and she said this would be a good place to stay while I am in Bearn."
"Of course, of course, the reputation of the Flying Swan is well deserved." Smiling broader he says, "And who might I thank for such a good recommendation?"
"A lady trader by the name of Celienda," Percy explains. "Ah, little Celienda," he replies. "Yes, I know her and her father well. They are old and dear friends. How were they when you last saw them?"
"They were well and she said to tell Jillian that she sends her wishes," he tells him.
"I am Jillian and I appreciate the deliverance of her message" replies the man. "We do have several nice rooms available. The ones on the bottom floor go for a silver a night and the ones on the second floor are a silver and three coppers."
"A room on the second floor would be perfect," he relied. "Perhaps one with a window overlooking the river?"
"I have one that would suit you. Do you have a steed as well?" he asks. "Yes I do. He's out front," replies Percy.
Motioning for a lad of about fourteen years to come over, Jillian says to Percy, "Elren will take you and your horse to the stables out back. It's another three coppers a night for your horse, but that does include grain."
"That will be fine." Turning toward Elren, he gives the lad a nod. Elren returns Percy' nod with a slight one of his own and then precedes him out the front door.
As Percy turns to follow, Jillian says, "When your horse is settled in nicely, come back inside and I'll have someone show you to your room."
Nodding his understanding, Percy follows Elren outside where he unties his horse and follows the lad around back through a gate, into an enclosed rear courtyard. "We lock the gate at night to prevent thieves from making off with the horses," he explains. "I sleep in the rear of the stable for added security."
"Thieving a problem in Bearn?" asks Percy. "No, not really," replies the lad. "But why take chances." The stables are just as nice and well kept as was the inn. The lad leads Percy to the stall for his horse and assists him with removing the saddle and tack. The lad then produces a pail of grain for the horse and starts to brush out his coat. Seeing that his horse will be in good hands, Percy returns to the inn to find Jillian who gives him a key on a chain with the number ten engraved in a small, iron disc attached to it.
Waving over a small boy, Jillian has him show Percy to his room. "Follow me sir," the boy says as he takes Percy' bags. The boy walks over to the stairs and leads him to the second floor. The first door on the right off the stairs is number ten. The boy opens it and precedes Percy into the room then stops and holds the door open for him as he enters.
Once Percy is in the room, the boy sits the bags on the floor and turns toward Percy, waiting expectantly. Realizing a tip is expected, he digs out a copper and gives it to the boy saying, "Thank you."
"Will there be anything else I can help you with?" the boy asks as he pockets the coin.
"What time is dinner?" he inquires. "There is always something available," the boy explains. "The full menu is available an hour before sunset until late."
"Thank you," says Percy. The boy nods and walks out of the room, closing the door as he leaves.
The room is much nicer than the one in which he spent the night before. He's pleased to note there are two windows, one in the wall opposite the door and another in the wall to the right which overlooks the river. The bed is larger than the one from last night and when he sits on it, finds it softer as well.
There's a table with two chairs, a nightstand and a picture of a swan in flight on the wall. There is also an upright closet with two doors along the left wall. Percy opens the doors and finds a rod with several hangers available. He puts his bags in the closet then lies down on the bed. Tired from his journey, his eyes quickly close and he nods off for a little nap before dinner.
Music coming from downstairs draws him from a particularly nostalgic dream of home. The sun's gone down already and the room is dark, with some light coming in through the windows from the moon above and lamps along the street. He feels very relaxed but the grumbling of his stomach will not be denied. With the music coming through the floorboards, he gets up and makes his way carefully through the darkened room to the door.
Out in the hallway there is but a single candle positioned in the middle of the hallway to ward off the dark, its light barely reaching the door to Percy' room. Removing the key from his pocket, he closes the door and locks it. He then puts the key in an inner pocket before going down the stairs to the well lit, crowded dinning area.
A small stage is set along one wall and a man is there playing what looks to be something similar to a guitar, entertaining the inn's patrons with a song. Finding an empty table along one wall, he sits with his back to the wall so he can watch the bard. The song reminds him of folk music, something from one of the old Errol Flynn movies he and his Mom used to watch together.
He listens to the music and gets a touch of homesickness. Before the song comes to its end, a server approaches his table and asks, "Good evening sir," a young woman greets him. "What can I get for you this evening?"
"I'll take the house special and some ale," he replies. "We do have some good mulberry wine if you would care to try that instead?" she suggests.
"Ok, I'll try that," he agrees, feeling adventurous.
"I'll have the wine over in a second, but the special will require several more minutes," she explains. "That's okay, I'm not in any hurry." Percy sits back as she leaves his table and continues to enjoy the music the bard is playing.
The song is a happy one with a good beat and a catchy chorus. He catches himself tapping his finger to the rhythm of the music. His server brings over a glass and a bottle. She opens the bottle and fills his glass with the dark red liquid. Setting the bottle on the table, she smiles at him and then moves to another table and waits on another person.
Holding the glass for a moment, he lifts it to his nose and enjoys the aroma of the wine, it has a strong berry scent. Lifting it to his lips, he takes a small sip and berry flavor bursts in his mouth, sweet and mellow. Man that's good! Downing the rest of the glass, he pours himself another, this time intending to take his time in drinking it.
The bard finishes the song to a rousing applause by the audience. Bowing to their admiration, he starts into another one, this time a ballad of love, soft and slow. About this time his server brings over a large platter with a whole stuffed goose. The goose has been roasted to a golden brown and the stuffing within steams, emitting an aroma of nuts and honey. Encircling the goose is an assortment of varying vegetables, all well cooked and soft to the touch. She also sets a basket with several rolls down next to the platter with the goose along with a bowl of gravy.
"Here you go sir. Do you require anything else?" Taking out his knife, he says, "No thanks, I think I'll be fine for a while." Looking around, he notices that people are using their hands, spoons and knives to eat. Apparently forks are not the custom.
"If you need anything, just catch my eye and I'll be over," she says before returning to the kitchen. Percy sets to with a hearty appetite. The goose is fantastic, the skin crisp and the flesh juicy with not a trace of pink. The rolls have a mouth watering aroma, he takes one and dips it in the gravy. Biting into it, he finds that it's soft and fluffy. This is perhaps the best meal he's had since coming to this world.
During the course of the meal, the bard plays several more songs before taking a break. Percy spies a bowl sitting at the edge of the stage. From the glint of metal within, he realizes that it contains several coins.
During the break he notices how several of the patrons walk over and drop coins in. Must be tipping the bard, he reasons. Digging into his pouch he comes out with a gold and walks over, dropping it into the bowl. His is the only gold among the coppers and a couple silvers. He returns to his table and resumes his meal.
Soon the bard again takes the stage and starts with another fast paced song. He has the crowd singing along with him after a short time, everyone is having a marvelous time. Upon finishing that song,
someone shouts out, "Do the Story of Deagan." Others shout in
agreement and the bard starts on a serious ballad about a man on a
quest, who slays the bad guy, rescues the damsel and finally dies in
the end. Thunderous applause erupts at the end of the song and
shouts for other favorites bombard the bard until he begins yet
another.
He continues singing requests throughout the night, with
only an occasional break for him to get a drink and rest his voice.
Having finished his meal, Percy leans back in his chair and
listens to the bard sing the songs. The waitress comes over and clears
off the dirty plates, leaving him with just his bottle of mulberry wine
and the glass. The music is good and listening to it gives him more
of an understanding about the people of this world. Without even
realizing it, he finishes the bottle so he signals his server for another.
She brings it over and he tips her a copper. Pouring himself a
glassful he sits back and enjoys more of the music.
Knock! Knock!
Coming awake, Percy starts to get up out of bed when a pain that's likely to crack his skull open erupts from behind his forehead. Collapsing back onto the bed with a groan, he grabs the pillow and
places it over his face to block out the blinding sun coming in
through the windows.
Oh my God! I'm going to die.
Knock! Knock!
"Sir," a voice from outside the door says. "Are you in there?"
Percy croaks out, "Go away and let me die in peace."
"Sir, there is a boy here who claims you told him to meet you
here this morning." The voice won't go away. "He says his name is
Miko."
So this is what a hangover feels like? Upset stomach, headache
that won't quit.
How did I get here?
The last thing he remembers is getting the second bottle of wine and listening to more of the bard. Carefully removing the pillow from in front of his face, he squints through eyes that will barely open and he looks down at himself. He's still fully clothed in garments that are a bit wrinkled and smell the worse for wear.
"Sir, what should I tell the boy?" intrudes the painful voice. "Have him come on in," replies Percy. "And if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you send up something to eat and drink for the both of us?"
"Very well sir," replies the voice. "I'll send the boy up with your food." Percy hears footsteps going down the stairs as the owner of the voice leaves.
Sitting up slowly, Percy looks over at the table and discovers a bowl of water along with a towel resting on the table beside it. They must have known I'd need to clean up a little, he reasons. Taking it slowly, he makes it to the table and plops down in one of the chairs and begins to use the water to wash his face and neck. Once cleaned up a bit, he starts feeling better. His headache continues to throb, but it's beginning to recede a little. He checks and with relief finds the medallion still hanging around his neck beneath his shirt.
Knock! Knock!
"Sir, I brought your food and the boy," a voice says. Rising unsteadily from the chair, he uses every bit of furniture between the table and the door for support as he crosses the room. Opening the door, he squints with eyes barely opened and finds one of the waiters from last night carrying a plate of food and the boy Miko standing next to him. "Come on in," he croaks in a voice barely above a whisper, "just put it on the table." He reaches into his pocket and hands a copper to the waiter.
"Thank you sir," the waiter says. "Will you need anything else?"
"Not right now, thank you," he replies. The waiter bows slightly then leaves the room, closing the door behind him.
Percy gestures to a chair at the table and says to Miko, "Go ahead and have a seat. You can help yourself to the food, there should be enough for both of us." With little hesitation, Miko takes a seat and grabs one of the plates off the tray. Then after shoving an entire biscuit into his mouth, spoons a mound of eggs on his plate. He then sets to with great enthusiasm.
Percy takes his seat at the table and joins Miko in helping himself to the breakfast. He has barely taken his second bite before Miko finishes his portion and is looking longingly at him for more.
"Go ahead, take as much as you want," Percy tells him. "Did your parents even feed you this morning?"
"Ain't got any," answers Miko.
"You don't have any family at all?" he asks.
Between mouthfuls of food, Miko explains, "Got an aunt somewhere up north, but she don't care nothing about me."
"That's too bad," Percy says. "I can take care of myself," Miko boasts. "Don't be needing nothing from nobody,"
"After we eat, we'll get started on those errands of mine," he explains.
Talking through a mouthful of eggs, Miko asks, "Like what?"
"I need to buy some things, like parchment, ink and something to carry it all in so it won't get messed up," he explains.
"Know a place across the river on the south side. It's over in the Temple District. Brockman's, it sells stuff like that to the temples and scribes." Looking at Percy, Miko asks, "How much you gonna pay me to show you?" Smiling, Percy replies, "I'll feed you while you're with me and a silver a day." Seeing the boy's eyes open wide, he asks "If you think that will be okay?" Nodding vigorously, Miko says "No one's ever given me that much before. Thanks!"
"No problem, just don't do me wrong," he cautions the lad.
"Oh, no sir, I won't," Miko says earnestly. He snatches the last of the biscuits and tries to slather more jelly on it than the biscuit will hold. With jelly dripping off most of the sides he stuffs it into his mouth.
Seeing that Percy is also finishing the last traces of eggs left on his plate, Miko wipes the excess jelly off of his face with his arm then gets to his feet and waits.
"I was wondering if there was a place that cleans clothes. Maybe even a bathhouse nearby?" asks Percy. Thinking a bit, Miko says "The people here at the inn would probably get it done for you. They might even supply a bath here in your room. Some of the better inns do that."
"I hadn't thought of that," Percy exclaims. "Thanks, you're already coming in handy." Miko beams at the praise.
Knock! Knock!
Miko immediately crosses to the door and opens it for Percy. The waiter who brought the food walks into the room. "If you are done, sir, I can take them back to the kitchen," he says, indicating the dirty plates.
"Go ahead, I think we're done," Percy says. "Oh, and could I get some of my clothes cleaned while I am out today?"
"We can take care of that for you, sir," agrees the man. "Just leave what you wish cleaned on the table. Then on your way out let one of us know and we will come and collect them. You should have them back by this evening."
"Excellent, thank you," says Percy. "Also, is it possible to have a bath here in the room?"
"Yes, we do have tubs that we can bring in for the guests," explains the man. "Would you like one now, sir?"
"No, I can wait till tonight. How much notice do you need to get it ready?" he asks. "Very little, just let us know," replies the man. Gathering up the last of the dishes, he walks over to the door and leaves. Miko closes the door behind him.
"What do you want a bath for anyway?" asks Miko. "Feels good, you don't stink and you stay healthier," replies Percy. "Haven't you ever taken a bath before?"
"Naw, don't like 'em," says Miko emphatically. "Fell in the river once, though." Miko waits patiently while Percy changes out of his dirty clothes and puts on a clean set he purchased back in Trendle. Once he has them on, he looks at himself in the 'native attire'. Admiring himself,
he thinks, Not bad. He folds and places his dirty clothes on the table then grabs his backpack. Indicating for Miko that it's time to go, he follows the boy out the door and locks it with his key.
Downstairs, he informs a member of the staff about his dirty clothes and arranges for their cleaning. Turning to Miko he says,
"Let's go." Following the boy, Percy heads out the door and enters a street filled with people going about their business.
AU
Time for shoutouts!
A regular Demigod: I love the story ont give up on it
Replies: well thank you Bro, Sorry was busy for a while now & hopefully am back for Good u can Expect chapters quickly
Percy jackson foreva: The Book is very good I would like to know what the second part of the book comes from like the "new God" and where he is or if you made it up
Replies: well firstly thanks for reading & reviewing I appreciate your criticism, well I'll tell u this "God" is gonna be from a different mythology...am still doing research on this mythology...now lets say I wanna Excite role of percy some more before Introducing "God"...
Fallen angel of Olympus: Good but there are some Errors here like you discontinued a sentence & made it into a new paragraph.
Replies: First of all I wanna thank you for your constructive criticism well English is not my first language & am from middle East, Nor am I, from any writers Background, However I have been obsessed with PJO fanfic so I just wanted to give a try, Anyways I would apprecaite if you accept my sincere apologies & Give me contstructive criticism like this to Improve Myself.
To Everyone who have followed & read my story: My sincere apologies to you all CHICA'S Hopefully you will be back for more action from percy...Keep reviewing & reading
AM BACK!
Anybody has tried Dresden files, Just finished "skin Games" few days ago and saying its "Super awesome" would be Understatement of the year anybody interested to read can PM me...
