Zoran Chronicles Volume 1 A Dragon in Our Town Read Online Free PDF

capture two thieves here in Brn. Not long, Zdenka halted before a
brick building. A large sign spelled Sheriff in large letters. She asked them to wait, while
she went inside. Zoran resigned himself to listen to the rest of Bernard’s tale.
                 Not long after that and just before Bernard was about to launch into yet another
dog story, she reappeared. “Not bad for a morning’s work, fellows. I’ll split it with you.”
She handed each of them twenty gold coins. “They fetched a nice price indeed. Okay,
Bernard, lead on — to the Stodgy Inn and a bath for me. Say, is this an expensive inn?”
                 “Well that all depends on the accommodations you want. Me, I always take the
cheapest lodgings. Why waste money on fancy rooms? Especially when you don’t have
it,” he replied. “Course, it all depends on how soon the Picking will be, too,” he answered
in a non-committal tone. Zdenka pressed him, and he added, “Well, where I usually stay
costs a gold piece a week, but the fancy rooms, now they run more like five.”
                 “Say, since I am new to town, how about I treat both of you to some good rooms?
I’ve plenty of funds — been traveling a lot,” Zoran lied. “I would like some friendly
company while we all wait on this Archmage. What do you say? Friends?” He held out
his hand and Zdenka shook it, though she was still a bit reserved. Bernard gave a hearty
shake, thankful for a nice room for a change.
                 “Thanks, Zoran. After I get a bath, we can meet in the main bar room. I’ll spring
for lunch,” Zdenka.
                 “Oh no, that means I spring for dinner and that costs more,” Bernard lamented
jokingly. “Say, now you can see the Archmage’s tower pretty good from here. Look.
Impressive, isn’t it? I wonder what all goes on in there? Maybe this time I will find out,”
he added.
                 The three involuntarily stopped to gaze at the orange granite circular tower which
rose five stories above the street. Zoran estimated it was at least a hundred feet in
diameter, and it occupied the northernmost part of the city. The outer walls butted up
against the sides of the tower. He realized now that this city belonged to Archmage
Oldrich, who had probably founded it half a century ago and was likely it’s protector out
here in the Wild Lands. With any luck, he would be living inside that tower soon. If not,
well, there were other Archmages he could try.
                 The Stodgy Inn was the last inn before the tower, but also a fairly good one. Just
inside the main doors was the commons, where meals were served, games played, and,
of course, ales had. The barkeeper jovially called out, “Oh no. It’s Bernard and his dogs
again! Must be close to the Picking time again. Gonna try it again this year, Bernard?
Who’s your pretty friend there?” He nodded to Zdenka, and then politely nodded to
Zoran.
                 “Yes, trying it again. This is Zdenka Lavos, an Archer from the Dark Forest, here
for the Picking too. She just managed to capture the bandits this morning on our way
here, with our help mind you. Oh yes, this is Zoran, a fighter, who helped. Say when is
the Picking going to take place?”
                 “This Saturday. Good luck. You be wanting your usual room?”
                 Zoran spoke up, “No, I want three of your finest rooms for these new friends of
mine — three in a row, if you have them. We’ll be staying through Saturday. Come for
the Picking.”
                 His eyebrows rose. “Fifteen gold, on account of him have’n those dogs ‘o his in his
room. Makes a mess; maids have a hard time getting dog smell out of the rooms.” Zoran
smiled, figuring something like this might happen. Most inns wouldn’t let dogs inside.
He counted out the coins and the man bit one; satisfied, he chatted