SELECT

Inside they found a lively pub filled with patrons scattered about, brews in their hands, talking and laughing. Two barmaids wound their way from table to table, taking orders, ducking passes, and bantering with the guests.

Jerrett approached the front desk, where a man stood busily pouring drinks. At first glance, he appeared somewhat shady, with his untidy clothing and short scruffy beard. But on closer examination, a keen observer could see that he carefully crafted his look.

The man looked up. Instant recognition lit up his eyes and brought a smile to his face. “Jerrett!” he cried as he rushed out from behind the bar. “It is so good to see you!”

Jerrett gripped the man’s hand in a firm shake. “Ezra, it’s good to see you, too.”

“You haven’t been here since . . . Goodness, how long has it been?”

Jerrett blinked rapidly, in thought. “I guess it must be going on . . . ten years.”

“Ten years. Ten years!” Ezra repeated. “So, what brings you here now?”

The Oathtaker turned to acknowledge his companion. “You remember Marshall, don’t you?”

The innkeeper glanced at him. “Why yes, of course, Marshall. We met— Let’s see . . .”

Marshall shook Ezra’s hand. “The twins were just infants. Lilith—”

“Oh yes! Yes, of course, at the hearing.” Ezra motioned for one of his assistants to deliver drinks to some patrons. Turning back to his guests, he nodded at a table, then followed them to it.