I greet the strangers and then go into the back to roll out another vat of mead. These travelers look like they could drink me dry. If they knew the potency of the brew, however, they might think twice. Chuckling to myself, I take stock of what is at hand and choose the little barrel marked with the triple blessing sign of our druid. Caution has kept me from this one for too long. Now is the time to test its strength.

Full well do I know that these are no ordinary travelers, nor are they MacRoth. I kenned the humpback in a blink. Overhearing the others, mumbling among themselves, there is no trace of the burring I know to be on the MacRoth's tongues.

I am sole host to the personication of the Dread Rumors tonight.

What to do? Nearly the whole village has taken to the keep. I don't know if there's anyone dared stay behind but this stubborn old hag. What else to do but give them our best and hope for the worst?

Fixing a smile in place of my pensive scowl, I return with mead in one hand, blackthorn in the other.