Thaler leaned back in his chair, ruminating on the day's early events. He still wasn't sure how long it would take before Brint returned, and he needed someway to keep this motley lot occupied until their prospective leader was back in the fold. It was mid-morning though, and he still had time to think of something before long.
Just as he was about to let his eyes close, a fit muffled shouting carried through the wall and made the Thaler turn in his slouched position. What the fuck could they be arguing about already? But the moment passed, and the opening and closing of the front door set him at ease. No reason to worry over it. Let them figure out where they stand on their own. He propped his feet up onto an adjacent chair and steadily began to rock himself.
He fell asleep.
-
On the outskirts of town, a dotty old woman shuffled down the cobble-lined streets with a firm, stubborn purpose. She walked hunched over in a way that told you she had been a few inches taller as a younger woman. Her clothes were simple cloth, but seemed to be well taken care of, though they were a bit big on her diminutive figure. Her face was scrunched up in heavy thought, but her mouth contained the obvious wrinkles of someone who had laughed and smiled a lot during her long life.
On one arm she carried a large wicker basket that swayed with each step. In her other hand, clutched tightly in small fingers, was a flyer for The Silver Dagger.