A rather quiet, yet cheerful noise could be heard from one of the city's best taverns – “ The Dryad’s Mirror. In the luxurious hall, drunken noblemen, merchants, and bankers gazed upon young girls who were seductively dancing on the stage next to the bar counter. The wine flowed in streams and nothing foreshadowed trouble…

The tavern’s door opened slowly… After seeing the man who entered the hall, the visitors began to feel distressed. People like him have not been seen here before… Some visitors fell silent, and averted their eyes from the stranger, while others stared directly at him, and talked under their breath

- “Look at these bizarre patterns and symbols tattooed on his neck and arms… Have you seen this before? How is he? A wizard?” – the young girl asked her courter.

The old nobleman glanced at the suspicious guest again. “I don’t think so. Judging by the short haircut, black armor, and sword behind his back, he is somewhat akin to an assassin. Get up dear, we'd better get out of here before something terrible happens. "

As the stranger went forward, two young guards immediately ran up to him. “Excuse me, sir! According to our rules, you are obliged to leave your weapon at the entrance of the tavern. While thoughtfully scratching his long black beard, the tall stranger looked at the little chaps and answered:

- “So be it.” He gently passed the sword to the guard. “Don’t you dare to lose it, boy! Oh, take my cloak too, and put it next to the sword. Got it?”

The guard felt anxious as he heard the mysterious guest’s deep voice. “Okay sir…” The stranger tossed his heavy bearskin cloak to the boy, who had slightly bent under its weight.

- "Alright then. Where can I find the owner of this place? - asked the mysterious guest.

- “See the man in an oxblood suit behind the bar? This is sir Kyon, he is in charge here. "

The man silently moved on while the guards carried off his belongings. He sat down at the bar and said loudly - "Good night Kyon, be so kind to pour a glass of homebrew for an old warrior."

The innkeeper looked at him contemptuously.

Peasant hooch is not served here. At the Dryad’s Mirror, we serve only the finest wines from all over Galdland. For those like you, dock taverns like “Agros Fisherman” or “The Sea Serpent” would be more suitable.

The stranger smiled - “Those like me? So a real man doesn't belong here? Are there only girls gossiping over a glass of wine in your tavern? "

- “Not at all. As you can see, there are enough men among our guests. By those like you, I meant people of your appearance, namely, rather suspicious. Moreover, since you call me by the name, then be so kind introduce yourself, and explain what brought you to my tavern? "

-“My name is Trevor, and I have an appointment with baron Ezor in the Dryad’s Mirror at midnight”.

- "Impossible! So you are the baron’s honorable guest ... I beg your pardon sir!" – said the innkeeper, as he abruptly turned away and shouted - “Emma! Quickly! Bring a bottle of Svaergo for our guest! Right now!". Breaking in sweat, he continued to speak - “I beg your pardon for such a terrible inhospitality, sir Trevor. For some reason, I didn’t think that you could be the baron’s guest. As an excuse, let me treat you with a bottle of our finest wine. On the house, obviously. "

- "I'd rather die of thirst than drink that wretched wine"

“Sir Trevor, since you don't like wine, we have other drinks to offer. For example, the best collection of ciders in the entire city, as well as a variety of liqueurs with delicate herbs and berries. Which drink would you like to try?” - asked the innkeeper fussily.

Trevor sat with a frozen face. In a moment he calmly said - “I don’t feel like drinking anymore. You’d better tell me, in which room is the Baron waiting for me? "

“You need to go up to the third floor and go straight to the end of the corridor, where you will see a large red door. This is the tavern’s best room – the Meliada's Chambers. Baron Ezor is expecting you there. "

“Thank you, Kyon. Farewell”.

Shrouded by the restless eyes of the visitors, Trevor slowly got up and went to meet the baron.