The Pearl Of Vynes - Chapter 18 Drinking Competition

“And then the barmaid said to me ‘You can’t fit a trog into the back of that cart’” Tane recalled with a laugh, Miles laughing along with him. It was a side of Miles that Alice hadn’t seen before; although he joked around a lot he was always guarded about it reassuring Alice and she smiled at the thought. With Captain Tane at his side, Miles seemed to visibly relax. While watching the two of them, Alice had barely noticed that they were already in front of the tavern. The sounds of signing and raucous laughter told the whole town it was a celebration over the Hydra that attacked the town. As Tane entered the tavern everyone turned to look at the newcomers, letting out a cheer at Tane’s heroics earlier that day.

“Free drinks for the hero of Rift and everyone still awake to drink it” the tavern keeper shouted and everyone cheered in response as everyone went back to their chattering amongst themselves. The three of them got a table in the corner where Tane leaned himself against the wall, barmaids were running around dropping tankards left and right to keep the crowd appeased as the night stretched on. Three tankards were dropped on their table, Miles and Tane already started to drink the ale with a deep thirst. Alice stared at the mellow colour of her drink, taking a sip and blanching at the sour and bitter taste. Tane and Miles had already drained their tankards and started to talk again.

“Did you know who that Warlock was you brought in?” Tane asked as he signalled the barmaids for more drinks.

“Yeah, he’s a bit of a joke from the Brave’s Guild. After getting he’s number it went to his head and tried to be as spooky as possible. Mostly he’s an idiot and could barely cast anything seriously when it came to magic” Miles said with a sigh. If Alice wasn’t thinking about it too much, she swore Miles was disappointed about the whole incident.

“But controlling a hydra is no easy feat” Tane pointed out as another round of tankards were dropped on the table. Alice looked over her second tankard and wondered how she would even drink the odd liquid.

“Yes, and that’s what has worried me, most likely he’s found a teacher for him out there. And whoever they are obviously have something bigger in mind if this wasn’t a meaningful loss to them” Miles said, a serious tone now being taken.

“Might want to stop there Miles, you’re giving me chills” Tane said, already having finished his tankard again.

“It’ll probably only get worst from there. I’m thinking of dropping by the capital to investigate a little further, someone had to know who he was in contact with” Miles said nursing his drink.

for visiting.

“Best of luck to you, but for now let us celebrate this victory” Tane shouted to the crowd who responded with a roaring cry and everyone started to drink at once. Alice sipped from the tankard again but the bitter taste was too much for her and could barely hold it down. Alice looked around, happy that everything ended alright. With a serious undertaking Alice ignored the taste and drained her tankard, she felt a warmth rush over her skin. Alice started to hiccup and Miles and Tane burst into laughter.

“Let’s see if you can hold your liquor, little lady” Tane said with a grin. Alice feeling a little woozy shouted in agreement and drained her second tanked. The world soon went fuzzy and she laid her head down on the table. The cool surface of the wood brought her to sleep easily.