The dark knight frowned and turned to the princess. "Isabelle, you take Bruce to one of the rooms upstairs and remain quiet." She nodded and started to rise from the table when he stopped her. "Take with you both your food, as well as his and do not forget your travel bag. Quickly now," he hissed, as he heard a number of horses pull up outside in front of the inn.

Isabelle and Bruce disappeared up the stairs and Humphrey turned from watching them reach safety, to see Barker standing behind the bar once more, a look of contemplation on his face. The old man glanced up the stairs as they both heard a door close at the end of the hall, then looked back to Humphrey. They stared silently at each other for a few heartbeats, and then the front door of the inn was pushed open and four well armored soldiers entered the room.

To be continued...