The Driver and the Inn

Steel Driver: Chapter 5

The Driver and Inn

Wakasi, with Mountain Girl rumbling behind her, wove through a growing crowd of onlookers. They made it to the open air pen stables of the “parking lot” just outside the gate along the walls. The sounds of the river, animals and chatter in other languages filled Bubba's ears.

Waiting in line was awkward to say the least. Dozens quickly presented their crystals to a stall worker controlling the pen’s entrance with another dozen people riding Utah raptors spread throughout the line. Their hissing slipped between the people's chatter. The riders, in leather armor and decorated clothing eyed the RV wearily.

“This thing safe?” One rider asked Wakasi, his raptor eyeing the RV with interest.

“Yes. They helped with an orc attack on our village. A man and a… machine spirit. They're foreign. They don't know where they are.” Wakasi explained.

“Machine spirit? Not crystal? How foreign, are they Ayotlan? The guardsmen eyed Bubba from behind the windshield, “No, not Ayotlan…”

Wakasi glanced about, her voice dropping low, “They appeared in the Great Wawona, I think they were sent by some spirit or force.”

His HUD failed the next part. Compensating, it read “something about verification and leaders”. “I'll send word, where will you be staying?” The rider asked.

“HooveHome.” She said.

Bubba's HUD gave him an error code, he brushed it away with a glance.

“I think it may be HooveHearth, or HooveInn in this context big guy, I'm not 100 percent.” Seraph explained.

The line moved forward, the rider barreling towards the gate to deliver their information no doubt.

“They're keeping a close eye on us.” Bubba said mostly to himself.

“Indeed, cameras are picking up increased stress and fear from everyone here, not just the riders. I guess we'll be the talk of the town, big guy. You sure that's what we want?” Seraph asked.

“I'd rather not hide in the woods forever if that's what you mean.” Bubba said, causing her hologram to shrug.

Wakasi stepped up to his window as the checkpoint neared, “Present the attendant with your crystal Red Tails. I will explain the rest.”

Bubba nodded while clutching the crystal in his palm, he could feel a small vibration, almost like music. They were next in line as a small group of textile traders wheeled their furs and hides by a single triceratops and a large cart. They did little more than show their crystals before being given entry.

“Next.” Bubba heard from the stall. Wakasi presented her crystal then waited by the stand for the RV. Seraph cruised them forward until the driver's side window was sitting across from the stall, though it was high above. The man inside wore no paint or jewelry, only a plain tunic. His face alone said it all, his eyes dead and dark, with a drooping frown.

“This really is just their DMV huh?” He thought.

“Crystal please.” He didn't even look up to greet him.

Bubba fumbled with his crystal necklace before removing it to present. The attendant snatched it out of his hands and pressed it against a large crystal the size of a large cat or house plant. They both glowed greens and reds. He handed him back the crystal without hesitation.

“So you've helped Skookum Tyee, hm?” The man looked the RV up and down, “Does this thing need food?”

“Uh,” Bubba checked his glowing green dashboard readings, still showing a full tank after a day's drive, “No! Just a place to park.”

The worker sighed deeply, “Very well, park in the open air lot with the smaller beasts. The larger ones might get spooked by your…”

“Ah, Steel Wheeled Home.” Bubba stuttered.

“Steel wheeled home. They say you see something new every day I suppose. Next!” He shooed them away just as fast as he welcomed them.

Wakasi continued to guide the RV to a series of pens for smaller beasts of burden like raptors, young brontos and parasaurs. Several groups with large carts of goods eyed them wearily as men inspected their goods.

“We stop here. They check us, then let us in. Mountain Girl can't come, it's too large for the bridge.”

“So that's why they have smaller mounts as well, to haul their carts inside the city. While the larger ones are parked across the lot to wait for their owners or a new load I imagine.” Seraph mused.

Bubba's hands shook as he rotated his ring. He took a shaky breath and stepped out of the RV into the crisp air smelling of animal filth and feathers. He had been on farms before, so the smell wasn't too bad, but it turned out dinosaur dung smelled more like a bird's, which was terrible and pungent.

Wakasi smirked as he crinkled his nose.

“We're lucky they keep it clean here, smaller villages can't afford to scoop dung all day. Let's get going.”

Bubba nodded and they waited in a smaller but slower line. People's bodies and belongings were checked by the guards before their mounted carts were allowed to pass the city gate.

The gate was a huge wooden door a couple buses in length and nearly the full height of the wall. As a group got large enough the gate swept open from the top, the bottom extending to the sky as the entire door was suspended to be parallel with the ground. Metal chains linked to the door and walls strained under the weight.

The waiting citizens hurried through the gate before it slowly fell closed again. Bubba and Wakasi received their inspection, Bubba getting a full patdown and stiff expressions from the guards. One stared at his glasses, but didn't attempt to remove them. Another pressed his crystal necklace to his own, a small green glow emerging.

“Quite finished?” Wakasi asked.

Bubba cringed at the sudden verbal exchange, heart throbbing, worried the guards may detain them. His chest tightened. “What if they imprison me? Would Wakasi have my back?”

A guard grunted and waved them forward. The others just glared at her. Wakasi suddenly grabbed his shoulder and walked him to the line waiting at the gate.

“Tomorrow the officials will have you bond with a crystal to determine if you're safe Red Tails. I have no doubt you will be favored by them. Have no fear. I have sworn to protect you. During this time, your fate is mine.” Wakasi explained.

“Right, so the crystals will judge me and give me the green light. I question my translator every second we’re here. Wait, swore to protect?” Bubba asked.

“Yes, I am your steward until we part ways. Skookum Tyee gave you his crystal to wear as proof of your intent until you can receive your own.” Wakasi continued.

“I'll have you know after hearing hundreds of conversations on the way here I've gotten a great grasp of their language Bubba!” Seraph complained, “It seems the shamans, leaders, or elders of this place will assign you a crystal and let you be on your way. Haven't you noticed everyone is wearing one?”

“I hadn't presumed as to why Seraph. Thank you Wakasi, I am in your debt.” Bubba slowly pronounced the new word, debt, on his HUD.

The gate creaked open, the sound of gears rolling and beasts of burden turning cranks washed over him. Beyond the gate lay a large Roman style bridge, stone brick and arched with a smooth painted cob finish. Men and beasts painted blue, green and red men were decorated across the bridge walls. Barges shaped like large Canoes and even Polynesian ships sailed underneath.

Wakasi gave him a light tap on the shoulder to end his open hard gaze and move them forward. The sound of rushing water under the bridge and people shouting to each other took his attention. Squinting past the lowering sun the city waited ahead. Tall, modular buildings of log and cob and even adobe were painted with plant life and designs unknown to him.

The 4 pyramids and shell tower dominated the skyline as they reached the end of the bridge and stepped foot onto a smooth dirt path that stretched down straight to the shell building. It was wide, quadruple the width of the more narrow human and cart sized streets that intercepted it and weaved through the buildings.

“This way Red Tails. Have you never seen a city before?” Wakasi asked.

Bubba shook his head with an open grin. The city was alive. Its residents and animals were completely in sync. The roads and alleys weren't dominated by noisy cars, but people walking and carts being driven by dinosaurs. “Not like this.”

They walked the main road, occasionally getting a stare at Bubba's hair and glasses. While he assumed his pale skin would stand out, the presence of demi-humans and painted skin seemed to have removed race concerns as far as he could tell.

There weren't any forced laborers or whips, no groups of squalor begging. Just people of all varieties walking and talking peacefully. Wakasi patted his shoulder and led them down a medium sized path, one big enough for two carts to take a side each. It didn't smell like dung, but sweat, wood, clay and smoke took residence here.

They stopped after a few minutes, with Wakasi looking to him and then at a large door, one a larger demi-human like herself could enter. The building itself was a two story log house with a matted roof and decorations of obsidian and shells.

“HooveHearth… after all these years. I admit I'm nervous to see my family Red Tails.” Wakasi’s normal bravado was replaced with a nervous frown.

“Hey, I'm sure they would be proud of who you became,” Bubba eyed the letters and words on his HUD then pronounced the translations, “and if not,” he grasped his bicep and gave a confident smirk, “I'll teach em’ a thing or two about family.”

Wakasi burst into laughter and grabbed his unimposing bicep, “Aye, Aye you're strong “Steel Rider”. Thank you. You're right. We didn't drag ourselves here to weasel out.”

Wakasi cleared her throat and led them through the tall, arched doors, built wide and high for demi-humans like herself. Worn carvings covered their surface. The cool air of the Inn rushed past him before the doors closed.

The interior had a smooth cob finish over the logs. Tan walls with murals of dark brown and red. A sprawling mural of a chaotic bar fight stretched across the longest wall. The lighting was amber from hanging, hand carved lanterns.

The front was a dining hall full of chairs and tables that seated a variety of races. Elves, cat-men, a large dog man, a table of guests with a racoon girl eyed them for a second.

The guests spoke over one another, but not enough to cause a racket. Their clothes matched what he had seen so far. Tan and painted hides and tunics, with skirts or frayed pants. No one else paid them any mind.

A large bar was at the far end, with a door leading to a kitchen. On the right were the stairs leading to the top floor, rooms he imagined. The stairs were split between overgrown large steps and human sized ones. A fireplace of earthy stone and brick crackled in one corner of the room.

They stepped onto a creaking floor covered in mats with geometric patterns. The air smelled of ale and food. Chicken, stew, corn, butter, and something Bubba couldn't quite place.

Honey, lavender and other smells wafted off the patrons, “Must be their cologne." Bubba mused.

Wakasi led them to the bar where a centaur woman in her mid forties or earlier fifties was cleaning a glass absent-mindedly.

“One moment.” The inn keep told them.

Wakasi spoke softly, “Aunt Tilikumhili. Hili, it's Wakasi.”

The woman's eyes shot up, “Wakasi! I see. You've grown strong haven't you?” She paused, “And who’s this? You brought home a man?”

Wakasi stammered, “Ah, Hili! He is a… a friend. This is Bubba. He isn't from here. He arrived in the Great Wawona, with a steel home on wheels.”

“Bubba? Ha! This is the man I've been hearing rumors about all day then?” Tilikumhili looked Bubba up and down.

“Mm. Nice to meet you, Tilik-uhm-hili.” Bubba pronounced the foreign name with difficulty.

“Oh just Hili for you darling. He's really not from around here then, hm? Where do you hail from then, Bubba?” Hili asked him.

“Texas.” Bubba answered matter of factly.

“Tex-ahs?” Asked Hili.

“Tayshapan Hili. Though I don't think he's from… our Tayshapan.” Wakasi said vaguely.

“Strange. You're bringing him to the city officials then? The Nashali?” Asked Hili.

“Aye, the crystal keepers.” Wakasi explained to Bubba, “They will be able to help him find his place, or his homeland.”

Hili opened her mouth but a young centaur girl burst through the kitchen doors with a plate of stew and ale. “Wakasi? Is that really you? You're so strong! And who is this? You've taken a lover?”

“Lover?!” Wakasi lamented, blushing, ears twitching.

“Yamali, don't be rude! Serve that table, you can catch up after business hours.” Hili chastised the girl, no older than 15.

“Forgive my daughter Bubba. She has grown up with these travelers and taken on a rather abrasive way of speaking.” Hili explained.

“Oh of course. No offense taken.” Bubba smiled, happy to see normal human reactions from the people.

“Hili, could we ask for food and board for the night?” Wakasi asked abruptly.

“Aye, Aye you've always gotten straight to the point huh? Of course you can stay any time darling, but I insist you visit more often. How many years has it been? Has Skookum Tyee treated you well?” Hili asked the last bit as though it were an accusation.

“He has trained me in the ways of the spear and bow. I have also practiced my… abilities in secret.” Wakasi answered plainly.

“I see. Well then we shall celebrate the return of my niece and the mysterious traveler!” Hili raised her voice, “A round of ale on the house!”

Fewer than three dozen, the tavern guests, roared in applause and merriment. Men and women of all kinds of races rejoiced and the mood of the inn swept over Bubba. A simple and content joy. Butterflies rose within his chest once more as the guests spoke louder and with enthusiasm to one another.

“Well then, let's get you two fed!” Hili grinned.

. . .

Half an hour passed before their food was delivered to the bar counter where Bubba sat on the bar stool and Wakasi waited while standing. During this, Bubba scanned the Inn’s patrons to gather information for Seraph, and himself.

The people played games with dice and cards, some spoke of adventures and monsters, one group drew simple plans for a construction site they were assigned to. Wakasi remained ever vigilant, and Bubba feared she would never relax.

“Hey, your family’s Inn is a real treat, Wakasi. Thank you for helping me find my way here.” Bubba tried to lighten the mood.

“Treat?” She asked.

“Ah did I say that wrong? Treat like you know, chocolate? You have that here right?” Bubba tried to explain his translation fumble.

“The Inn is like… chocolate?” Wakasi held back laughter, “Your people have such strange sayings Red Tails.”

“Red Tails, ha! Now that's a proper name for the lad.” Hili polished a glass over the counter top.

“And here we are!” Yamali burst through the doors and slid their plate of food to them. Bubba had asked for meat and ale, while Wakasi ate a stew and salad.

“Well, tell me what you think, Red Tails. I-I helped with this one.” The girl stuttered shyly.

Bubba took a bite of the slab of fire roasted meat. The meat was thick and tough, but enrapturing with flavor. Seasoned and cooked to perfection, it was light years beyond the fast food he had been eating for the last two years.

“This is fantastic! What is it? Tastes like chicken.” Bubba continued to eat.

“Ah, that's a cut of Brontosaur leg.” Hili informed him, “I suppose all dinosaurs taste similar.”

“You like it then?” Yamali asked with interest, getting a little too close to Bubba.

“Personal space girly!” Seraph decided to make her presence known.

The girl shrieked and stepped back. Hili put a hand in front of the girl and stared at his glasses. Bubba tried to swallow the bite he had taken and looked to Wakasi.

“Calm! This is Bubba's spirit. It inhabits his home and glasses. I've spoken with it at length, Aunt Hili. It's perfectly safe.” Wakasi explained.

“A spirit?” Asked Yamali.

Seraph spoke into Bubba's ear loud enough for the centaurs to hear, “That's what they call me.”

Bubba finished his bite and apologized, “I'm sorry, she wasn't socialized well either!”

“Hey! That's your fault big guy!” Seraph pouted.

“Well, it's certainly got a mind of its own.” Hili lowered her hand, “Yamali thank you dear, now you can help with the cleaning.

“But mom! I want to talk to the spirit!” Yamali pleaded.

“Maybe after cleaning dear. Bubba may want some rest.” Hili said.

“Um, I'd be happy to help with the cleaning Ms. Tilikumhili. The food is amazing by the way! This is the best roast Bronto I've had by far.” Bubba smiled.

“Oh dear we couldn't possibly-” Hilo began but Wakasi smoothly cut her off.

“We should make our way, Aunt Hili. If we're staying and eating here, let us help clean at least. Also, Bubba here will insist.” Wakasi explained.

Hili looked at her niece and the strange man and sighed, “Oh alright, but don't break anything.”

. . .

Two hours passed as Bubba, Wakasi, and Yamali scrubbed tables, floors, and even the walls with rags, water and soap. Hili dealt with the money and the kitchen with her cooks. By nightfall Yamali had pelted Seraph with questions about her origin and how she worked. Many of which she simply answered deadpan with, “Classified”. This didn't seem to deter Yamali, only fuel her. Seraph was still worried their origins could raise red flags with someone.

After the cleaning session, Wakasi led Bubba upstairs to his room for the night. A small space with a bed, desk and chair. The bed and blanket were made from feathers and wool. He traced his fingers over the patterns under the golden lantern light.

“Tomorrow, we'll get you official. Any plans, Red Tails?” Wakasi asked at the door.

“If we have time I'd like to visit the market. Figure out if I've got any ideas or goods I can make to sell. Oh, is there an adventurer's guild in this world?” Bubba asked with sudden enthusiasm.

“Yes, there is. I'll help you with both, but the adventurer's guild… their dangerous contracts can be dangerous, Bubba. I'm not sure how you would fare. We’ll discuss more then. Goodnight Bubba.” Wakasi left the doorway, shutting the door and leaving Bubba with his thoughts.

He sat on the bed and grabbed his totem. It faintly glowed as he spoke softly. “Well, Seph, I'm in the new world you wanted to show me. It's pretty wild. I hope you're watching, listening, because I'm going to show you everything. I'll start here, at Walahalem. And I won't stop till I have to. Even if it's just you, me, and Seraph. We'll hit the open road and breathe in this new America.”

Bubba lay down and blew out the lanterns, leaving him in darkness. He shifted in the sheets, letting their warmth led him to darkness. The crystal ceremony, the market and the adventurer's guild all guided his dreams.