Page 4 of The Noldrin Witch

What she found, however, was not passive whispers and inquisitive eyes. All of Noldrin had transformed into a crowded spectacle. And though her situation was plain enough to anyone who saw her carrying a bundle of clothes wrapped in wool, it appeared to be of very little importance compared to the rest.

Soon enough, Elise found that so much had changed in her blessed hometown. The war had brought its fair share of strangers, and the locals she once knew were now more scattered than not. She supposed many of the newcomers were from Bromheim, and for that she was relieved.

But to Elise’s misfortune, not everyone she encountered was a stranger. A fair share of locals cast her looks full of judgment and disapproval. Already deep in sorrow, Elise hurried to find a place where she could hide the obvious proof of her dismissal.

Trying to ignore the prying eyes about her, Elise made her way to a modest inn. She had enough coin to keep herself there for a month, which she hoped would also be enough time to convince someone to employ her.

The inn stood near the town square, and Elise had known it for as long as she could remember. The building was different from the other constructions in central Noldrin. Its flat roof and cream-plastered walls lacked the timber-framed design of the surrounding houses. She had often wondered how the inn looked from the inside, but having never been in need of such services, she was left to wonder. Today, it seemed, was her lucky day, and for whatever that was worth, she hoped no one there would recognize her.

Once inside, she was relieved to find that the tall man dusting the windows looked entirely unfamiliar to her.

Elise marveled at the interior of the establishment. The place was made almost entirely of stone. Only a few beams in the roof interrupted the stern masonry. Elise glanced about the dark place. She was glad about her choice, remembering the other far less reputable options she could afford.

The tall man cleaning took notice of her immediately, and once Elise was certain she had caught his gaze, she called, “Are there any rooms available, sir?”

The man hurried to the receiving table where Elise was waiting.

“For you?” he gasped, eyeing her with visible discomfort.

Elise looked down at her dress and shoes. She could not imagine what had offended the man at first sight. She was certainly not underdressed, and she was equally certain the man did not know her. The sign outside displayed six coppers per night, and by anyone’s measure that was hardly a grand price for lodging.

Not knowing exactly what to say, Elise nodded and laid six coppers on the desk. If the man believed she lacked the means, this would settle the matter.

“I assume you prefer to be paid daily?” she asked.

The man blinked. “But my lady, I do not know if this is a place for someone like you.”

Elise’s eyes widened, and a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. It appeared she had been mistaken not for a disgrace, but for a lady.

“If you have a bed and a good lock on the door, that should be fine for a short stay, good man,” Elise said with a smile.

The innkeeper calmed, and as though he had suddenly figured something out about her, began searching among the many keys hanging on the wall.

“You must have come with the procession,” he said, still fumbling through the keys.

“Excuse me?” Elise asked, lifting her chin a touch higher, still a little flattered to be mistaken for a woman of higher station.

“I know a noble when I see one,” he said, turning to her with a smile. “But worry not. I’ll give you the best room I have for the same fare.”

Unwilling to spoil the fortunate arrangement she had stumbled into, Elise lowered her head. She followed the innkeeper down the hall. They passed many doors until they reached one that stood a few steps above the others. He handed her the key, and Elise made her best effort to return the kindness. The moment she smiled at him, the man giggled nervously and hurried away with reddened cheeks.

Elise kept thinking of the innkeeper and how certain he had been about her. She had considered correcting him, but fearing the man might take some reprisal, she decided it was best left alone.

She had little time to spare anyway. She was already battling heartbreak and the uncertainty of her dwindling coin. After lying down for only a few minutes, her precarious situation denied her any further rest. She unpacked her five dresses and set out into town to begin her search for work.

With her possessions now secure at the inn, Elise felt somewhat more at ease should she encounter a familiar face again. At least now her situation would not be quite so telling. She was prepared to seek employment in every open shop. No door would go unasked, no offer of help withheld. She was determined to find a place where her talents might still be put to good use.

She went to the shoe shop first. The place belonged to a friend’s family, and Elise hoped they might need an extra hand. But the moment she stepped inside, that hope proved short-lived.

Elise was received by none other than her friend Claudine, who, after a startled look, proceeded to treat her as if she were any other customer. Claudine was with child, and knowing there was no man she could call her husband, Elise immediately assumed her friend was ashamed of her situation. Either that, or she had decided to keep her distance because of the gossip from Lady Patrice’s house.

Either way, Elise decided to venture a comment before writing the place off for good.

“Claudine, I—”

But Claudine interrupted her before she could finish a single sentence.

“Excuse me.” Claudine forced a small smile, and as though hearing urgent callings from the other side of the shop, hurried away.