Leaving The Caves

The sun was dipping below the horizon as the three stepped away from the vine choked hole at the bottom of the mountain. In front of them a large field streched away. The grass covered the valley floor and went halfway up the mountains that rose ahead, to the left and behind them. To the right, about a mile away, was a tree lined dirt road that Fred new well. He had passed that way. If they took the road again, they would go halfway up the mountain behind them and hit the entrance he had started in.

But now, he must take his companions back to the King's castle. There, hopefully, the clothing curse on fair lady Astra could be reversed and Velus could be turned back into a real boy. Hopefully his family could be contacted.

"To the road, friends." Fred said and headed for the dirt path.
They certainly did make an odd looking trio. A mighty warrior, clad in the garb of battle. A warrior princess, clad in nothing. A small dog, determined and brave.
Hours later...
They had left the mountain range well behind. The road was wet mud now. Green and brown grass overgrew much of the surface. The Forest Of Nelon crowded the road to their left. A storm had passed by recently, for they could see many toppled trees. Across from the woods stood a small inn. The structure stood about fifty feet away from the road. The entrance path was kept strewn with gravel, gathered by well-paid lads from nearby towns.

The inn was not named anything for the travelers of this area all knew what it was. It was tall, three stories and painted stark black. The upper two floors had no windows, but the lower floor had many. Fed stopped.

Outside the in were many wagons and horses. A gray horse whinnied in worry. There should have been multiple sounds coming from within the building, but all was quiet. From what Fred could see, there wasn't anyone in the lower floors anyway. Fred's companions kept walking. Unusual. Astra would not know of the inn and it's near-constant revelry. Velus would not either, for the inn had been too far for him to travel, with the threat of the dragon.

'Maybe', said a cautious voice deep inside Fred, 'Maybe the dragon caused the unsual absence of revelers inside the inn.' Fred tapped his chin.

1. Fred decided to investigate the unusual abscence of people at the inn.
2. Fred decided that the people must have moved upstairs for a reason. He did not mention the inn to his friends.
3. Astra decided to stay overnight in the inn. It was cold and wet and a blanket (which wasn't clothing) would be a tad relaxing. (She'd never admit to enjoying it, though).
4. The inn exploded.

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