panic , or even small riot , was not worth forcing events to move faster .
The innkeeper wiped the top of his head and adjusted his apron . “ Right then , wait a spell for me to get a coat . Can ’ t guarantee you ’ ll get a lot of time , but you should be able to start to talk , at the least .”
Jona followed the innkeeper across the green to the other building with glazed windows . A few knocks brought a young girl dressed in simple skirts that were likely the height of fashion in the village . She was , she told Jona as the innkeeper left , the Alderman ’ s daughter .
She showed Jona to a small drawing room on the second story that looked out over the well . She game him a cup of lukewarm tea and a plate of yesterday ’ s biscuits and bid him to wait . The teacup wasn ’ t even empty , though , when the Alderman arrived .
“ Fine afternoon to you , traveler . Daise says you ’ ve come on business ?” He drew up a chair and sat . He was a tall man , able to look over Jona ’ s head even while seated , and his waistcoat hung as loose on him as cloak on a scarecrow .
Jona thoughtlessly adjusted his hat , and realized his mistake in revealing his long , pointed , ears when the Alderman ’ s eyes went wide .
“ Apologies my lord , for speaking so informally .” The Alderman dropped into a sitting bow . “ Allow me to recall my elder tongue . I know a little .” He stammered a few words , several of which had passable pronunciation .
“ None of that , please , the common speech is quite alright . I am no lord , besides ,” Jona said , perhaps a bit harsh . He thought he had left the lands where everyone with a splash of elder blood in their veins was presumed a noble or better far behind . Even some this far away still clung to the idea , it seemed .
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