A busy month had passed since Thales had unsealed the entrance to the tavern and awoken the wards within. Much like the exterior of the tavern, the empty interior had been spared all but the most superficial touch of neglect. Thales’ first task had been reviving the pair of great stone hearths which book ended the massive taproom. With this light and cheer he had then set to work. The tavern proper had taken precedence followed by the stable, the former occupying the bulk of his time. The cavernous taproom was now replete with trestle tables, benches, bar stools and necessary fixtures once more. Dozens of hulking casks sat against part of the wall behind the bar. The remainder of the wall was lined with shelves full of bottles of various size, shape, color and label. The tavern once again offered a fabled quality of spirits rivaled only by the viands which could be had from its well appointed kitchen. The larders held the bounty of the forest that surrounded the tavern, supplemented more each day by the foodstuffs carted in from lands both near and far.
The staircase which sat opposite the bar and catty-corner from the entrance had remained warded against use. Those stairs led to a dimly lit balcony which hinted of the dozen rooms on the second floor. Next he would undertake the restoration of the lodgings. Now, he steeled himself for his most challenging task- summoning the Innkeeper. The incantation required dexterous thaumaturgy of the highest order and it afforded little room for error. The magic which had been harnessed to stir the tavern from torpidity had taxed Thales mightily. With a deep breath he closed his eyes and began to draw the needed energies. Sunlight dimmed as though a veil had been drawn across every window and the twin hearths sputtered and threatened to die. The air took on a heaviness and the timbers around Thales began to groan. Outside a strong wind scoured the clearing and rattled the tavern windows in their casements…
Ere he fared forth into the great world to write his name across the stars and make an ancient throne his seat...