“ Any more for light will cost extra ,” the innkeeper said in explanation .
Even some very fine inns in the remaining great cities would have charged as much as he ’ d paid for the room for the candle alone . Jona was grateful and expressed as much to the innkeeper .
In answer , the other man simply “ harumphed ” and left Jona alone with the admonition , “ Don ’ t go making too much racket , elsewise I ’ ll put you out , paying guest or not .”
Free , Jona took a moment to stow his belongings and clean up with the lukewarm water from the washbasin . Refreshed and free from the dust of the road , he made his way downstairs , taking care to cover his head once more .
The innkeeper had finished wiping tankards and had begun cleaning tables with the same oily rag , but he could see that the man was paying more attention to Jona , the only patron , than whatever duties he was meant to perform . Jona approached the innkeeper , careful to seem affable but not too friendly . “ Say , Goodmaster , I wonder if it would be possible to speak to your —” He faltered for a moment , unsure what the people in this region would call a village leader .
Thankfully , the innkeeper picked up on what he meant . “ The Alderman ? I don ’ t suppose he would be unwilling , but he ’ s a busy man you see .”
Aldermen , reeves , mayors , and elders always were , but that didn ’ t mean he could let it go . “ Of course , and I would be happy to observe any allotted hours for audiences , but I would very much like to speak with him if I could .” As he spoke , Jona caught a whiff of the smell from outside , dug up along with the dirt by tramping feet ; a shift come in from the fields . He could have told the innkeeper about the smell , once he would have , but a
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