Chapter 1: Nell

Nell stared out the window at the end of the hall. Warm yellow light from the noon sun penetrated down into the leaves, trickling down through the branches and dancing about with every breeze. A red breasted robin flittered by, no doubt on looking for nesting materials. It was still early in summer but the air outside was just a little chilly.

Standing in the dark upstairs hall between rooms 6 and 8, the empty food tray held in her hands felt heavy. Her arms had begun to ache with the strain, or had they been aching for a while? A little sweat trickled down from her brow. Tucking the tray under one arm, she wiped at the sweat the back of her other sleeve. This hall had always been one of the warmest places in the tavern and inn, especially during the height of summer.

She thought back to the last thing she was doing…

“Nell!” came Tallow’s shout from down in the bar.

Nell’s back was protesting, the hand holding the food tray shaking against her. It was starting to grow dark outside.

She readjusted the tray under her other arm and stretched, then hurriedly hustled herself downstairs. A dozen regulars were already sitting at their usual tables, with a couple of semi regulars sprinkled in among them. Tallow had already poured and served several their drinks.

There was work to be done.

Where does the time go?