To the traveler's surprise, a young woman sprang up from behind a counter across the room. She wore an air of feisty courage, but he could see she was trembling.

"Who-who goes there?"

"I am but a famished traveler." he replied. "There is no need to fear, dear lady. Now, where is the innkeeper?" She hesitated still. But she appeared to be coming to the realization that this stranger was no threat to her.

"My father, he is the innkeeper. He had some-business to attend to, but he should be returning very shortly. Shall-shall I fetch you something to ease you hunger pangs, then?"

"Yes. A pint of ale and...," the man paused to take in the lingering aroma coming from the kitchen,"...some hot stew." She gave a quick nod and scurried towards the kitchen. The traveler watched her as she went. She was small of stature but still strong, he could tell. She had probably labored all her life. Her skin was tan from the sun and several small freckles could be seen peeking out from behind the wisps of honey brown hair that fell about her forehead. He found her quite handsome, and she caused him to think on his dear younger sister. His sister would surely be about 17 by now, he thought, just as he supposed this innkeeper's daughter to be.

Lost in his sudden thoughts of home, he nearly forgot to take more careful note of the poor condition of the inn in which he sat. He began peered about. Nearly every chair and stool was turned over and there was some amount glass and other various debris scattered around the dusty wood floor. There had be a fight, he thought. A very rowdy one at that, judging from the condition of the humble room and the nervous demeanor of the young maid at whenst he first arrived.

Suddenly a man burst through the door.

"Mairead! Mairead? Are you alright?" The young lady shuffled out of the kitchen, ale and stew in hand. The man took note of this, and quickly turned to face the stranger.