The servant girl served him lunch in the afternoon. Edwin hadn't tasted the delicacies of his homeland in years. He found himself savouring every bite of the meal. His host seemed to be out, going around town.

And that legwork he must have considered as the 'much work' he was referring to before. He might faint if I tell him how much I have travelled.

Evening approached faster than he had expected. Dolin the merchant still hadn't returned. Edwin decided to take a round of the town, in the meanwhile.

Edwin had seen multiple settlements in his lifetime. Experience and logic had taught him that the workings and lifestyle of a particular settlement can be deduced quite accurately if a few simple steps are followed. One of the most basic among them, is a visit to an inn or a bar or both if possible. In the flow of information, they serve as permanent nodes.

The merchant's premises were in the inner circle of the town. He was one of the wealthiest men in Andlenore. That was apparent from his lavish logging. The outer circle seemed to be more populated. Edwin looked at the right to spot the Town Centre. In its close vicinity were the market and a temple. The market wasn't a particularly large one, but there was an inn just before it started. A good location, observed Edwin. Would attract both travelers and passerbys, because it wasn't too far from most of the major structures in town.

While Edwin walked though the town, he noticed people looking at him. In little towns like Andlenore, it was easy to spot a stranger. That was because every resident knew every other resident. Some even smiled at him. He smiled back.

He was greeted by a fat man with a great orange beard as he entered the inn. The man had chubby fingers and a round belly. Looking at how he handled plates, glasses and mugs, Edwin concluded that he had been in business since a long time. Inn keepers usually have a sharp eye and a good ear. It was a part of their business after all. But this guy seemed particularly carefree. That would prove that all the customers at the inn at that moment were regulars, or men he trusted.

"You must be the famous traveller!" said the fat innkeeper as Edwin called for some ale.

"Traveller, that I am, famous, not quite so sure."

"Well its not usual to have travellers in Andlenore. We don't have 'em fancy tourneys or those nitwit knights. All and any travellers that manage to stumble on this small town become famous", he added chuckling, "At least within the town."

"Nitwit Knights..not quite so sure I wanna meet them. If they can remain as still as the rumours say, that too at all times, I had rather watch a rock."

They both laughed at the jape.

"Let me tell you something here. I think I am the most fortunate and the most unfortunate man, in the history of travellers!"

"And what gives rise to this contradiction?" asked the innkeeper, wiping some mugs on the counter.

Edwin paused a moment before he replied, "They say God came to visit Andlenore. Now no traveller in the history of man has visited a town touched so recently by the Almighty, while travelling. That makes me fortunate. While I missed the greatest chance to meet Almighty by a day. A single day, can you believe that. Only if I had started a day earlier, or traveller a tad bit swifter. And that Sir, is what you call unfortunate. I know not whether I should laugh or grieve! "

The innkeeper laughed heartily again at Edwin's confused face. A boy about the age of eighteen placed the ale on the counter with a thud. The boy had a scar on his face, his build was that of a fighter. An inexperienced one.

"Why would a man choose the option of grief if he has the chance to feel happy? Your dilemma is but short lived. Let me tell you another thing to smile about. The Priest, and that lazy merchant Dolin, think that your coming to Andlenore so soon after the appearance of the being, is no coincidence. They hold the opinion, you are the messenger of the Almighty himself, come to show us the path with a greater depth and clarity. You try to blend in as a traveller, waiting for the correct time to pass what you hold."

Edwin listened intently as he sipped his ale.

The innkeeper continued,"That is why the lazy Dolin lets you reside in his grand place. Though he wishes only the best for you. I disagree with them on that respect. God needs no messengers. His message sounds simple to me. Be happy and keep happy. I am a simple man with simple beliefs. Though men who are learned can show you a path but all paths lead to the same place."

Edwin had learned one thing in his travels. Sometimes simple folk held wisdom that the learned failed to comprehend. The truth would be so simple that they chose to ignore it. They formulated theories that could explain the will of God, while this innkeeper had put it down in a single simple line.

Simplicity can be deceiving at times.

"Be happy and keep happy", said Edwin as he placed the mug on the counter with a dull thud.

"I am no messenger of God. You are right there!"

"Well! That strengthens my belief then," chuckled the innkeeper.

Edwin smiled and nodded in agreement as the innkeeper refiled his mug.

"But this town is glad The Giant is dead. He used to take my boy for training. Training he called it, was really torture. He used to return with a dozen wounds and ain't notin' I could do about it. Now tell me who likes their son to be beaten up while they have no power but to stand and watch? He is dead for good. Though one among his platoon members survived. He is in a critical condition. The doctor takes care of him. The only reason we have spared his life is cause he killed The Giant."

Edwin realised it must be The Giant who generated the loss, Dolin was facing earlier. "So who manages the administration now?"

"No one. We are free birds. We really need no administration. Andlenore is but a small town. Peaceful folk here. But the King will probably send another platoon. Probably will be about a month, if its a big enough platoon. God forbid if the new fellows are anything like the Giant, this time I ain't gonna be among the ones that watch."

The innkeepers jovial expression had changed. Edwin looked around the inn, it was a quiet enough place. Some of the people sitting at the tables looked at him curiously, but no one stopped for a conversation. They all looked busy.

Rare for a small town like Andlenore.

"So my host looked pretty busy today, contrary to his nickname 'lazy Dolin'."

Edwin noticed, jovial innkeeper had returned,"Not only him, the whole town seems to be busy. Dolin is a merchant after all. The being would prove a boost to his trade. This town was literally touched by God himself, or so the belief goes. That practically makes this whole town invaluable. I don't know whether its the prospect of profit or the goodwill and optimism, that is driving everyone. But I am sure its both for that Priest! He is building a great statue of the White God and expanding The temple. There are gonna be a whole lot of changes around here now, friend!!"

"Lets hope they are all for the good!", Edwin raised his mug and drank, set it down again as he placed a coin on the counter. It was gold.

"This gold coin is way too much for the ale."

"Well I don't have your coin, but gold is universal money." Edwin shrugged.

"It will just be three coppers, or tell you what, its on the house! We have much to celebrate." the innkeeper had a childish smile on his face.

Edwin raised his glass in agreement, "That we do."

"That goldsmith down the street will solve your currency problems."

"And I leave a grateful man!"

"Ain't no one leaves this inn without a smile on his face!" chuckled the jovial fat innkeeper.

"Be happy and keep happy!"

****

Edwin the traveller, stayed at Andlenore for about two weeks. That was certainly more than he had intended. Andlenore was changing at a rapid rate. And that amused Edwin a lot. He became a part of the little community and helped people in various random jobs. The construction of the statue was in full swing. He helped there with organisation. The Priest had full plans ready for expansion of the temple. One of the days the Priest had also called him on the podium to say a few words, during his sermons. Edwin suspected that their theory about him being a messenger was at work.

The doctor was busy analysing the dead platoon, that had been healed. Edwin helped him too with some knowledge of herbs he had picked on his travels. They had spent hours forming theories and possible explanations. Several new shops were being set, old ones being remodelled.

One of the busiest man in town was the merchant. He had sent men in various towns to strengthen trade relations. Edwin sensed he was planning to sell some things he had, for extremely high rates, saying that those things had been reconstructed by the God. He had turned this, into his little profit venture.

Edwin was most popular among children. He taught them a few games and a little horse riding. The part that the kids waited intently for, was story telling. Edwin spoke of his days in lands unknown, while the bright young minds were enthralled. Edwin just hoped that not all of them would become explorers, in which case the system of society would collapse. He was sure that wouldn't happen though.

At the end of the second week Edwin decided that it was time to leave.

What traveller does not travel?

The merchant gifted him a horse and sufficient supplies. Edwin had no way of repaying the man as he would not accept money in return. He said his appropriate farewells. And half the kids decided suddenly that their career as an explorer would start at that moment itself. Fortunately that did not come, because of wiser parents who concluded otherwise.

Just as he passed the gates of Andlenore and entered the forest, he heard hoofbeats behind.

"Edwin the traveller. Sir, wait!" screamed a feminine voice.

Edwin looked at the source of the sound, to find the sixteen year old servant girl. She was on horseback. She wasn't in her servants clothes, that meant she wasn't here to deliver a message from lazy Dolin. She wore much lighter clothes, lemon yellow, and strapped sandals. Her long black hair tied to a bun. A small sack behind her. She had come prepared for travel.

Just ask your parents, they will also conclude otherwise.

"Let me accompany you in your travels. I know how to cook, make tents, hunt you name it. I also know.."

Edwin cut her with a question,"Is Dolin no longer in need of your services?"

"I no longer want to provide him services. I am not a slave, I am a servant. I have free will. What's more, I came after collecting my due wages," she replied as a determined look passed her face.

"And where are your parents? They aren't in Andlenore apparently."

"That's none of your business."

"Well you are right. That's why you cannot travel with me. You are not my business."

At that the girl said in a changed voice, "I can pay you with my body." Her finger on her lip.

Edwin raised an eyebrow. After a few seconds the girl burst out laughing. Her normal tone back,"Look at your face!" And she got caught into a fresh burst of laughter.

"Do tell me which whore taught you that. You are too young for such japes." Edwin sounded more irritated than amused.

"Oh the whore that usually visits master. She owes him some debts. So she comes whenever mistress is out. Under enquiry about the money, she replies,'I don't have my money, but I can pay you with my body.' At that the master smiles and replies,'That may resolve a few issues, including time taken to go to the brothel' ,"said she in a near perfect imitation of Dolin's voice. "Then he sends all his servants out of his room and concentrates on resolving his issues."

Edwin realised sarcasm was lost on this girl.

"And what if I am some sort of a criminal or a thief trying to blend in?"

"You are not."

"How do you know?"

"I am a girl. I know."

Yeah. That explains everything!

"Come on! What have you got to lose anyways? You know I can do a lot of things that might be useful during travels. I can sing. I can read. I can cook. I can ride horses. I can.."

Edwin cut her because of the fear that it would be evening before the girl finished her list.

"Okay. I know what you can do."

Edwin paused for a moment. How could a servant town girl know how to read and ride horses? That was definitely interesting. He looked at her. Her posture on the horse was perfect. That meant she was either taught by a professional or was a natural. It was usually the first. Her speech was refined too. The way she came prepared, she certainly has travelled long distances, at least once before. She also mentioned she knew how to make tents. That was definite proof.

That left many possibilities. She was either a daughter of a rich or learned fellow from the cities. Probably eloped from home. She could also be a spy. But he was sure she wasn't. Spies talk less, especially when it comes to their skill set. She could be a natural fast learner. There was too little data to reach on a conclusion yet.

"Come on! Come on!"

"Well, one condition!"

"What is it? What is it?"

"You, will never again crack those whore jokes."