In the afternoon he went for a short walk, taking a freshly-killed rabbit for Rivan and his sister to share. Leaving Rivan to play with her, he returned to the cabin and sharpened his daggers until dusk, oiling the sheaths to ensure that they did not stick. As the first stars appeared in the darkening sky, he wandered into town and entered the taproom unnoticed.Melia sat on the stairs, dressed in drab, inconspicuous brown, and a swift glance around the room assured Blade that all the men were there. No weapons were in evidence, but an air of nervous expectancy hung over the group. Several elderly farmers and a few buxom wives mixed with the fighters, lending the gathering authenticity. Blade chose a chair in a dark corner halfway between the door and the stairs and accepted a mug of ale from the flirtatious serving maid. He was pleased to note that the men all appeared to be sober.Soon Daron came over and took the chair opposite, bringing a tankard of ale with him. He looked nervous, and kept touching the slight bulge under one arm that betrayed the presence of a weapon.Blade leant forward.
