The inn is almost deserted and the inn keeper seems surprised to see the three of you. “My lord it is poor weather for travel. I can give you a room each and a hardy dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow for three pennies if that is acceptable. We should have more company in the common room this evening but if you want privacy I have a small rear room if you want it?”
“We will take the small room. A few calm will be good to relax after a long walk.”
The innkeeper takes your payment and is polite but reserved in his service to you. After a meal he lets you know your rooms are ready and the fire is lit. The rooms prove to be plain but clean and tidy, each having its own fire, creating a welcome warmth against the biting wind outside. Do you interact with the locals that come in over the next few hours?
Nauvi will quite happily talk to anyone coming in, and will ask of how trade is and how much wool is being harvested. He casually asks if there have been any notable hazards on the road, or any threats wandering the countryside.
One elderly farmer engages with you after you buy him a drink “Things are still recovering from the battles of the last few years so everything is scarce compared to before. Now we hear that the Northmen have invaded down south. How much longer before they are here making more demands on what little we have left. I also heard a rumor that mad bastard Wulfric was in Carlisle searching for witches. Good luck to those poor soles in keeping hidden away from him and his men, I mean what on earth are Mercians doing up here when their own lands are invaded, makes no sense to me. As for the road up to Carlisle it is rough going this time of year, even by cart. If I was you I would stay here where it is nice and warm after all 35 miles is a long way to walk in weather this cold unless you are equipped. Cockermouth has everything Carlisle does and with no bloody witch hunters causing trouble and there is wolves in the forest, all in all and bad journey all round I say”
"We have to meet some companions in Carlisle, unfortunately. The man you spoke... Wulfric, right ? He seems very dangerous. I don't know him, I only heard his name once. What can you tell me about him ?"
There is no lie in the Sionag's eyes, nor in her words indeed.
When Sionag joins the conversation the farmer immediately becomes visibly uncomfortable "I mean no offence m'lady, I am sure Wulfric is a fine upstanding churchman" before standing up and moving over to another group of drinkers, casting a wary glance back at Sionag.