Chapter 2: The bears paw

We arrived at a small town rather soon, the eyes still red from our tears. After passing the guards, we search for an inn to stay at. The choices were widespread, from a comfy wooden lodge, to a high class castle room - every taste was satisfied.

Well, it makes sense, considering that this was an academy-town. Many students will stay here during the time they study, so usually the inns even have discounts for them. Pretty big ones at that, the academy was funded by really rich nobles, paying the inns to do so.

At least this is what father said. This was also the reason commoners were still allowed to enter it. A minority of those nobles voted for it. Due to it still being the minority, the rights those students had still got limitted harshly. Speaking up to teachers or noble classmates was strictly forbidden.

The inn we decide for was called the bears paw, it was a really comfortable place. Cozy warm air coming from the fireplace, the friendly athmosphere and the really nice people didn't leave us much of a choice there. We paid for our room, then sat down at one of the tables. It was a matter of seconds for a waiter to appear.

Her voice was nice, friendly but not in any way overly respectful. After asking us what we wanted to eat, she kindly explained us how bathtime here works, then went to prepare the food. Or tell someone else, the bearded guy at the counter had to have some role here...

Our order was simple, one schnitzel with potatoes for me and noodles for Claudia. Even though it was a simple order, it took a while. At the point of wondering if they forgot, the waitress comes back out with two huge plates. They looked really out of place on a small female like her, so I stood up and helped her carry them. My hunger also did a part here, but mainly I did this because she remembered me of Trudy.

The reply was a warm smile, a thanks and how we later found out two free drinks. Apparently, those plates weren't just for show. The whole plate was filled with food, the diameter of the plate was about the length of my arm. Damn, the price looked a bit higher than usual... But not to the extent to expect a table full of food!

Neither did they cheat us with the taste, it was delicous. We somehow managed to finish it, but it felt like I was about to explode. Waving at the waitress to get our bill, we meet our previous one.

?:" Wow, this is the first time someone managed to finish one of Dads meals! Don't tell him, or he will raise the amount again..."

Ce:" Is he a cooking fanatic?"

?:" Kind of, yes. Will you be staying here longer?"

Ce:" I guess so, I want to enter Arkana-Academy after all."

?:" You have to be either rich or talented then!"

I laugh

Ce:" Ah, well. I have no idea how talented I really am!"

?:" Taking the test blindly? You have lots of courage, boy! I hope you pass, but I got to work now!"

She leaves in a hurry, Claudia is grinning at me.

Ce:" What?"

Cl:" You looked excited there, Cecil!"

Ce:" Sorry, I was aware of a old hag staring at me!"

Cl:" Weren't you the one that fell of the carriage as he slept? Old and wise is still better than young and idiotic"

Ce:" Lets test if you manage to climb the stairs alone!"

Cl:" Or if you manage to trip again."

Our day ended pretty much like that. We searched our room, entered it. The size was acceptable, but the athmosphere from downstairs passed through the walls. Unluckily, it reminded me of Gus house. The contrast from the cold castle, to Gus home was similar to the carriage - bears paw contrast. Only that one was gone and the other wasn't.

With a sad mood, I lay down in the fluffy bed to sleep. The comfort of the bed, lightened my mood a small bit.