From Death, A New Beginning

James and Alex made their way through the winding streets of Svarostadt and arrived at the Fey and the Fiddle Inn.

It was the evening as they entered in.

The inn was bustling with patrons. There was a copious amount of beer being drank.

“I didn’t know that the inn was so crowded.” Alex said. As he and James worked their way to the front and sat at the bar.

“If you think this is crowded, you should have come during harvest festival.” Said a large muscular man tending the bar.

He had dark brown hair, green eyes, a trimmed mustache, and wore simple blue shirt and dark leather trousers.

He looked at James warily, “A military commissioner? Don’t usually see anyone from the royal army here in Svarostadt. What brings you into this city?”

“Investigation. I’m looking into the death of Joshua.”

“Tough.”

“Are you Karl?”

“Aye, that’s my name.”

Alex patted James on the back and pointed towards a table with a card game going on. James nodded as Alex walked away. James turned back to Karl and slide over the letter and coin purse from Faralon.

Karl opened the letter open and just like that closed it again, “you are good for it. There is a free room on the second floor on your most left as you get on the stairs, room eight. Two beds.”

“Did you even read the letter?” James asked dubiously.

“No, I know that beady little elf’s handwriting from anywhere.”

“Oh? Does he come to this inn often?”

Karl sighed, “No not really. But anyone in this city who has a business knows that elf well. Greedy little coin counter. He would get the very last coin from an old woman. Ah well, there is me complaining. Here is key to the room did you want what something to eat?”

“Can I get some fried chicken and water please.”

Karl smirked a bit as he wrote down the order and handed it back to a cook, “who told you about our chicken?”

“Edwin. He said it was some of the best fried chicken in the city.”

“Good man that Edwin.” Karl said.

As soon as he said that a few men at the bar raised their glass, “cheers for Edwin! Glory to the fucking north!”

James gave Karl a curious look.

Karl chuckled, “The people believe in commander Edwin. The dukes might be fickle in temperament but Edwin will right the wrongs or so they say.”

“Sounds like you like him too.”

Karl grunted, “more than that. I respect Edwin. He lost his wife to childbirth, his daughter to the war. Instead of becoming bitter and hopeless like I would have done, he serves the people. He runs an orphanage in town with Father Gideon. He protects us and aids the downtrodden. It takes a strong man to overcome such pain and use it to motivate to do good in the world.”

“He also was here with Joshua. Did you know commissioner Joshua well, Karl?”

“Sure did. He was a quiet type. He would often just drink on his own. He did have a good sense of humor and was great to have a drink with if he opened to you. He and Edwin would always play chess together. It’s a damn shame how he died. Joshua did not deserve to die that way.”

“If I may have a moment of your time to ask a couple of questions?” James inquired

“Aye.”

James pulled out a notebook to jot down some notes.

“Is there anyone you can think of who might have had a grudge against Joshua?” James asked

Karl seemed to give it some thought as he passed some plates of food and drinks out to other patrons. He returned James,

“I can’t think of anyone in particular. However, the people in the city may have a grudge against the royal army. The last few years have been rough after the civil war. Many lost their homes, many were killed, it’s all just madness.”

“Bold comment to make to a military commissioner. What’s your opinion on the Grand Military Council?”

Karl shrugged, “Well, I don’t think much of them. They are just another pack of elites keeping the good honest common folk down. Another wave that comes and goes like the tides.”

“Surely you noticed things have improved in the Kingdom since Manstein has taken control of Lyris.”

“Yes, but what is the difference between him and the nobility before him truly? Once King Augustus finally kicks the bucket, we will have King Francis and how will he be any different? They are all the same to me. That’s why I value good food and cheer, better to live a good life than worry about who is on top of the pile.” Karl said as handed over a plate of fried chicken to James.

James chuckled, “that is one way of seeing it. I appreciate the food and the honesty. One last question. Was there anything unusual the night Joshua was murdered? I was told he was here with Edwin.”

“No, nothing was unusual. Joshua had a few drinks with some other regulars, just a nice evening. He left after his and Edwin’s chess game. Edwin and I got to sneak in a couple of games before I cleaned up the kitchen and went to bed for the night. Joshua was going to pay off his tab in the morning and go out on a fishing trip having no orders from Strausehaven. It’s eerie to thing that night was the last time I would see him alive.”

“I sure it was. Thank you, Karl.” James closed his notebook and left a silver coin on the counter.

James looked over to Alex who was chatting with the people at the table while drinking a beer. He walked over and sat down with his plate of chicken, “How goes it, Alex?”

Alex humphed loudly, “not good. Not bad either I suppose. There are a couple steely eyed card sharks at these tables.”

“Don’t get into too much trouble. Busy day tomorrow. First thing in the morning we are going to go to City Commander Paul.”

“I know.”

James gave him an annoyed look.

“Come on, I know.” Alex complained.

James shook his head, “alright then. I’m heading to the room. Reviewing over some notes.”

“Suit yourself. Good night.”

James left with his food. As he was going up the stairs, he heard Alex roar.

Must have been a good hand or a bad one.

James chuckled, to be young again.