Part 1
Harrod was winding down another average day at the Inn. The ships scheduled for the day had been delayed due to storms up north, so it was rather quiet. With no guests currently at the Inn, he was considering closing early when the front door opened and closed. He looked up at who had come inside and there was no mistaking it. The aura of death, the grey robe and hood, the bare feet and frost. It was the Goddess of Death herself, Eigengrau. His face paled as she walked over to him.
“Harrod Bearskin.” she said, the air in the room chilling as she spoke his name. “There is a matter which requires your attention.”
“You have something to discuss with me?” he asked, his voice shaky and uncertain.
“Yes. But first, let us be seated.” Eigengrau said, motioning at the arm chairs. She walked over to one and sat down, then looked at him expectantly. He made his way over to a chair after locking the front door of the Inn, and sat down facing the Goddess.
“What do you require of me, Lady Eigengrau?” he asked. Sweat beaded down his face.
“First, are you aware that Neville Hargrave has died?” she asked, a look of grave concern on her face. “None of his friends seem to know.”
“Neville’s dead?” Harrod asked, shocked. “What happened? When did it happen?”
Eigengrau sighed. “I was afraid of this. He died in linear time nearly 3 years ago.”
“3 years? How did I never hear of this?” Harrod was flabbergasted. Surely some word would have come in by now.
“I am still investigating. For now, do you remember his son?” Eigengrau replied.
“I remember little James, yes. What’s become of him?”
“He is an orphan living in a sorry state in Nautitis. I will bring him here and appoint you his guardian, if you will allow it.” Eigengrau said, looking at Harrod directly.
“Absolutely!” Harrod exclaimed immediately. “I would never let Neville down, nor his son. Bring the boy here at once and I’ll take care of him!”
“Neville was right about you.” Eigengrau said with a smile. “You are a good man. Neville’s library has already been moved into your new sub-basement. I will be bringing James here personally in a few weeks. Take care of him, Harrod. Consider this a... personal request.”
“I will live up to your expectations. And Lady Eigengrau, if you ever see Neville again? Tell him I’m sorry I didn’t know sooner.” Harrod said, tears forming in his eyes. “If I had known about James earlier I would have gone to Port Nautitis myself to get him. The poor lad.”
Eigengrau rose from the chair. “Fret not Harrod, you can still save James’s future. Now, I really must be off. Until we meet again.”
“Until next time, my Lady.” Harrod said, rising from his chair, and giving a bow.
Eigengrau turned and walked towards the door, vanishing mid-step.
“Neville, what did you get yourself into?” Harrod asked out loud, with a sigh. Why did a Goddess personally visit him? What happened in Nautitis?