Rod brought the entire party to the meeting.
Tessa had asked for a table large enough to spread a flight chart. The innkeeper provided a room behind the common hall, and the Five Knots arrived carrying papers, a short coil of cord, and a wooden model of their landing foot. Rod took the seat opposite Tessa. Lana sat beside him with Midnight resting against her bag. Dirk remained standing until he had inspected the terrace drawing.
Nessa read Hadrin's written offer first.
"This pays for returning the bell. It does not pay for killing the beast at the crossing."
"Correct." Tessa said. "We asked about the route. He mentioned the beast while explaining why the direct road was closed."
Dain placed a finger beside the keeper's mark. "And the person holding the bell won it."
"That is what Hadrin told us."
"Then we might buy the location, reach the station, and discover that its keeper wants something we will not do."
"You might."
