16. Mysterious Town

They approached the mysterious town. Illuminated by torches and moonshine it was hard to see, as it had quite big walls and its gate was closed. Isabella said:
- "This is a fortified town of all things, this is really odd" - Richard said:
- "This is like the middle of nowhere right?" - Isabella consented - "you would know if there was a town like this here."
- "Oh, the scholar is speaking, please listen to him" - Mazanlold was at it again: - "maybe there are some giants here too" - Richard was tense. Isabella said:
- "We don't really need that today."
- "Need what m'lady? To avoid false giants?" - Richard was close to attacking and Isabella ready to react to both of them, when they heard the gate opening.

The open gate revealed a lot of cobblestone, torch lights and a small man with ginger hair, dressed in fancy blue clothes, including a cape. His right eye was blue and the left one was green. He wore a ginger goatee and a big smile:
- "It seem we have visitors today. Do you need accommodation for the night?" - Caoilainn was fast:
- "Yes, please!" - and started rushing towards the town. The man answered:
- "I will take you to the inn, we are always open to good visitors" - the three of them started walking - "please follow me." - as they walked, Isabella started asking questions:
- "So, which town is receiving us?"
- "This is our humble town of Neggenegg. And I am its humble leader, Duke Moninose." - he bowed - "I am pleased to meet you."

"This is really strange" - Isabella thought to herself - "I've never heard of such a town or such a Duke. But maybe it's better to play along, we are in grave disadvantage to challenge this man if we need to", then, with the usual class she said:
- "Pleased to meet you. I am Lady Isabella of Kitatik" - she bowed and pointed at them - "those are Caoilainn, Mazanlold and Richard."
- "Lady Isabella of Kitatik, we are very honored to receive such a noblewoman" - he showed them to a door - "please come into our inn, you will have baths and a good dinner" - strangely, they were walking only indoors. Not giving it much thought, they went inside the inn.

After nice, warm baths, they reunited around a table and were served some home made soup. They could feel a satisfying warmth inside their bellies as they had it, but Caoilainn said:
- "Don't you think it's a little astringent?" - she looked a bit puzzled and a bit disturbed.
- "No, it tastes great" - said Mazanlold, devouring it. Richard and Isabella consented with their heads and Caoilainn just accepted it, finishing her soup, but still a bit bothered.

After they finished their soup, Moninose arrived to speak with them:
- "Are you feeling better now?" - Isabella replied:
- "Most certainly, thank you for your hospitality."
- "That's nothing, specially with such honorable guests" - he smiled - "would you care for some entertainment before the night is over?"
- "We are thankful, but we are tired and you have already done a lot for us" - he smiled again before insisting:
- "No, I insist! We have lots of great things in town you can enjoy on your stay."
- "What are those?" - asked Caoilainn.
- "I am glad you asked!" - his smile was very wide - "we have a bustling night market, we have a fighting ring, we have a public library for night owls, we have some nice pubs and even a relaxing spa." - Richard did not hesitate:
- "A library? That's a nice place to spend the night, actually" - he smiled a bit.
- "Yes, of course! I will get someone to take you there" - said Moninose. Mazanlold went next:
- "Well, I guess I can watch one or other fight, I want to see how powerful are the warriors here."
- "Of course!" - Moninose said - "I will have someone you take you there" - then Caoilainn said:
- "Isa, let's go to the spa, I've never been to one, it will be really fun!" - Isabella replied:
- "But we are so tired, shouldn't we just go to sleep?"
- "It's not the same thing!" - Caoilainn lifted her index finger - "We will have special rest and treatment! We will feel refreshed and later we will sleep and feel even more refreshed!"
- "It's hard to go against you, isn't it, Caoi?" - Isabella sighed and Caoilainn smiled - "okay, let's go!"
- "Sure! I will take you there" - said Moninose, already arranging each one to their places.