Something.

The night hung heavy with storm; the humid air and distant forboeding rumble drove the livestock to pace and the shutters of the village to slam shut. The local inkeeper, Braeden, stood outside his front door, watching the clouds roll forward, his burly form shillouetted by an occasional flash of lightning. Why did that blasted groom dissapear every time he set foot outside? Probably behind the stables, drunk as a rat in a brewery. Again.

With a sigh, Braeden turned his back on the night and slipped into the dark interior of the tavern's barroom. Twelve stout, round tables, burdened a mere hour ago by full benches, sat empty waiting for the morrow, their rough edges blurry and indistinct in the hazy atmosphere of the room; the fire, roaring like a wild animal, defied the gloom and spit fiery sparks at the figures slumped in wooden chairs at its feet. Nothing to do. An unusual thing for a barkeep. Rubbing a hand along the back of his neck, Braeden strode across the room towards the counter. The aroma of good beer permeated the wooden surface, assaulting his senses as he passed. His mind strayed to the door of the cellar, to kegs and bottles. No. He shook his head. Best to leave that to others. Yet, would one sip hurt?

As he hesitated, an unearthly moan shook the timbers of the tavern and rattled the door. The storm had arrived. The fire spluttered, daunted, and the heavy sleepers stirred in their chairs. Braeden shivered. Mmm, how a warm bed struck a pleasant chord at that moment. The groom could handle the tavern, it was his job after all, to watch it at night. If he'd only show up Braeden could sleep without worry.

Another moan scattered his thoughts, this time joined at the end by a skin curling scream. Braeden found himself gripping the edge of the counter as the scream trailed off and died. What could make such a terrible sound? Nothing he'd ever seen, of that he stood sure. Loosing his hold on the counter, Braeden glanced about and dashed for the hall door. Sleep alone could drown out this storm.

To Be Continued...