Along the road, not far ahead, Balar spotted a fine stone building. The sun was low in the western sky. Balar turned and looked up to Delora and suggested they stop there for the night.

The Blue Star Inn was well maintained, being the last inn before you reached Hadren, if you were travelling from Wickenburg, business was steady. Talisha the barmaid looked up as the door creaked open. A short stocky man, clearly of dwarven heritage, and a lovely human lady walked in.

"G'day sire", Talisha greeted them.

"G'day, could m'lady and I rent a room for the night?", replied Balar. The Lady Delora and Balar had set out from Hadren after their boat landed, with only a brief lunch stop to meet with Lord Ishtiqual. Delora was a nature loving druid and didn't want to spend a single night in the noisy and crowded city. Villages and towns were fine, but the stench of Hadren made Delora uncomfortable, if she could possibly avoid it she would never spend a night in such a large city. When she was in a good mood Balar would tease her for being a "tree hugger", but while in Hadren he had better sense than to mention the subject.

Talisha appraised them visually, the dwarf was clearly outfitted with fine equipment and the lady looked respectable. "Certainly. Second or third floor sire? And will you need one or two beds?", responded Talisha.

"Third floor preferably, and one bed will be fine. Could we get some supper? And what news is there of late?"

"A booth by the wall or would you prefer a table? I have fresh chicken ready to fry. Would that suit you and the lady?"

Balar and Delora slide their packs to the ground and sat down in a booth near the bar. "Fresh chicken would be fine. A tankard of your finest ale for Lord Balar and a glass of water for myself, please.", replied Delora.

Talisha tossed a couple chicken breasts on the grill before bringing over the drinks. "Sharah, the owner of this inn, left on a shopping trip to Hadren two weeks ago and I haven't heard from her since. Usually she isn't gone this long. Travel from here to Hadren usually isn't dangerous if you keep your eyes open. There have been reports of orcs as far southeast as Wickenburg. What news of Hadren do you bring?"

"We've just arrived on the "Flying Cloud" and did not tarry in Hadren, so I'm afraid we can't bring you much news."

"You wouldn't be a blacksmith would you? Sharah is looking to hire a new blacksmith since old Gnurf retired." Talisha, turned toward the bar and raised her voice slightly, "Joe, tend that chicken and bring it here when it's ready."

"Nay, it's a common assumption all dwarves are blacksmiths or jewelers. I practice neither craft."

Delora looked up at Talisha, "Lord Balar commands the Forces of Light. Although I doubt you've heard of their army this far away. It's been a couple years since we have been to Hadren and the nearby lands."

Talisha blushed, quickly curtsied and stared at her feet, "Forgive me sire, I could see that you were well equipped but I didn't realize your position."

Balar chuckled, "Nay child, don't be concerned. Battling the Forces of Darkness is a noble task but I carry no desire to be fawned over or held as royalty. Many of my officers are more noble than I. What can you tell me of these orc activities?"

"Sire, rumor is that the knights of Fairfield have been sending out forays to send the orcs back to their own lands. But from what I've heard they've had little success and have suffered bad losses. A few delegations have traveled to Hadren to seek Lord Istiqual's aid. So far it seems that Lord Istiqual is unwilling to send any troops. Lord Darby surely would appreciate any warriors willing to come to join them."

"Thank you, I'll make sure I stop and speak with Lord Darby."

Joe brought over two plates of steaming chicken, gave a quick bow and returned to the back room.

"Enjoy your meal and let me know if there is anything else you require.", said Talisha as she slipped back behind the bar to serve a couple more guests that had sat down at the bar.