As dusk lengthed the shadows of the small hay barn that would be their shelter for the night, Janos expertly lit the fire outside and set food to cooking while Nopsa helped with the mules and Liina organized things in the barn. No more people joining them this evening or tomorrow, since they should arrive in Kalaun the following afternoon. A good thing, too, as the barn was a bit crowded, with only some camvas hung as partioning for Ulrika and a few of the other, wealthier members of Katrin's troop. Most of the group were peasants, though on the wealthier side, being able to pay or barter to get others to take care of their farms while they were away. Some were simply the most popular or best storyteller in their village, chosen to witness the coronation and then tell of it to the others. The rest were mostly guildspeople or merchants, but of course not the wealthier kind, who could have travelled on their own. Aside from Ulrika, the only other person of high estate was a village priest who managed to have both a terribly boring drone of a voice, as well as a near-delusional sence of self-importance. Nopsa had tried half a dozen different theories on Liina and Janos as to how he'd come to join the group, but the two had agreed that his villagers probably just wanted to be rid of him for a few weeks.
After the chores were dealt with, the trio created their own huddle against the side of the barn, letting the country songs coming from around the fire form a familiar background. After letting Nopsa babble a bit on his hopes, dreams and plans for the coming days, Liina decided to ground the discussion a bit.
"Well, assuming you have time to sleep from all those adventures, do you remember where we'll be lodging?"
"The Longtree warehouse, near the Shimmering Mackerel tavern!"
"Almost, it's the Shining Mackerel. As I –"
"Oh, close enough!"
"It probably would be. Now, as I understood it, the tavern is somewhat well known, located at a slightly larger intersection. Katrin told me that she's going to take our whole group and then retrace our steps between the tavern and the warehouse a few times so we won't get lost on that bit, then walk out away from the Mackerel in each direction to the next big road, plaza or other landmark, and then back again. That should orient us enough that we can find our way to the warehouse if we get lost."
Janos nodded. "Sounds good. I'm used to finding my way in the forest, but I'm unsure how I'll do in the city. I'd prefer to go with one of you two for the first day or two, until I figure how to move with so many people and buildings around."
"Actually, I think the three of us should stick together for the first day. Nopsa, don't make that face. I know you'd like nothing better than to run into all the trouble you can as soon as you can –"
"Oh come on! Will you let it go? Haven't you seen how responsible I've been with the mules?"
"And Katrin did promise you your spot at the head of the line tomorrow morning. I wonder, though, are you going to show that same sense of responsibilty on our way back after the festivities?"
"Ahh, umm…"
"Exactly. So, stay with us on the first day, then we'll compare our impressions. With our different viewpoints, we'll hopefully be better armored against the temptations of city on the following days. Speaking of which, Janos, I hope I'll be able to secure a quick audience at the Cathedral for the second day. It will probably be boring for you, but you can join me if you want."
"Do you think they'll have some sort of garden like churches do? I could visit that while you talk with the priests."
"I hope I'll get a priest, rather than just novices or a deacon. But sure, that sounds good to me."
"If possible, I'd like to try to find those dyes my mother asked for on the first day. If I can get the trades done, most thieves are less likely to steal bags of dyes rather than coin."
"Yeah! Though I wonder, where should I hide my coins. Warehouses should have sturdy walls, right? But thieves might still sneak in!"
"Nopsa, Elmar and the muleteer are going to take turns watching the place, since they've gotten to know all the faces in our group. It should be safe enough. And if you still fret, or don't trust the others in our group, give some of your coin for Katrin to safekeep. I heard that's what most of them are doing."
"Ahh, I guess that's the best way. But wait, does that mean one of them will miss the coronation?"
"Possibly. Katrin says that there's a lock for the warehouse as well, though, so that might be the plan for the big day. And the door will be locked at night, too."
"Nn-hmm." Janos let out an approving sound. "Now, the warehouse must be larger than this barn, since Katrin had two fellow merchants bringing in folk as well?"
"It must be. Now, more work orders from Katrin: our first job there will be helping out the carpenter couple furnish some makeshift bunk beds – I hope that cart of theirs has enough lumber."
"It seemed of rather poor quality to me."
"Well, it only really has to last for the two weeks, then it'll be sold as scrap lumber or firewood."
"And Nopsa can see if he can maybe hitch a ride on the way back, since he wasn't able to do so on the way in?"
"Hmpf. I've gotten used to walking, you know."
"I think I heard the wife plan on trying to aquire some exotic woods if possible, so not that likely."
"And their horse seems like it would provide a bumpy ride anyway."
"Yes, yes. Now, we'll also be hanging some canvas sheets, like I did in the barn for tonight. And tomorrow morning, before we leave, collect all the hay we can from the barn for bedding."
"Katrin really is working us for all she can, isn't she."
"Well, Nopsa, we promised to assist her for our keep. I don't want to think how much it would've cost otherwise."
"Our other travelling companions don't seem that much richer. Well, Ulrika, maybe."
"And she was the second to join. If you haven't noted, the ones joining later have at least seemed less wealthy than the earlier ones. Shorter trip, less to pay."
"Ooh, you've learned something from Katrin."
"I guess I have. Anyway, there's also the issue of water and food. For the first, there should be a public well next to the Mackerel; another job for us to is to make sure a couple of barrels are kept full, though that's only for drinking and food. There should be a a tub for bathing, but it's not to be filled from the common barrel – anyone who wants to wash needs to get their own water. There's also a stove for cooking and heating said water. The latrines, thank the Seven, are not our responsibilty. Someone in the other group is handling those, though Katrin implied that they might be willing to pay for us to get out of the job. Similarly, we are allowed to ask for coins in exchange of carrying water for someone else, though I'd guess that is less likely." Janos seemed to have something in mind. "Yes?"
"The other group – or groups? Anyway, do they also have some trusted servants or someone working like us? We haven't learned their faces, or how they are going to keep the place secure."
"I don't know, to be honest. I assume so, since Katrin hasn't given us any warnings about them. It would be unfortunate if those merchants haven't planned this out as well as Katrin has."
"Well, I'll make sure to ask her at some point."
"Yes, we'll have to be more careful if their people would be coming and going without any oversight."
"A good opportunity for any thieves to sneak in indeed!"
"Nopsa, did you ever get any coin out of Katrin with you ideas?"
"Just a few pennies."
"Well, how about you talk it through with her tomorrow when you get the lead position? Though you'll have to share if it was one of our ideas."
"Oh, fine. Ooh, I like this song, nice to hear others know it too! Humm-dum-dummm… I think I'll go join in, and we can talk more later, right?"
"Sure, it couldn't hurt to get to know a bit more about the others. Actually, I'll join you. Janos, you feel like being social?"
"I think I'll try to save my energies. I think tomorrow's going to be rough."
"Sure thing."