Dungeon Exile by Montgomery Quinn

Author:Montgomery Quinn [Quinn, Montgomery]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

I stepped back, with Vhola and Bettina at my side. Truthfully, it wasn’t much. None of us were complaining, though. A start was a start, and the day was only young. Bettina’s cart was by the entrance where it would be the first thing someone would see as they entered the dungeon. We had set up the open-air pavilion around the entrance to the dungeon, creating a sheltered area from the sun and eventual rain. There was space for more stalls to set up, should people come to use the space. If only we had a way to entice them inside.

“It’s the tunnel,” Vhola tilted her head. “People would be curious enough to come into the dungeon if they knew a safe zone was at the other end. But the tunnel is dark and not even adventurous kids will make the trip.”

“Maybe some lanterns?” I suggested.

“I’ve a few,” Bettina offered. “I planned to hang them about the pavilion.”

“I might have one in my storage as well,” I nodded. “Not nearly enough for the tunnel, though.”

Bettina frowned and looked my way. “Is there any reason we can’t buy some?”

“Only that neither of us can leave the dungeon,” Vhola offered with a shrug.

Bettina pondered for a few moments and shrugged. “There’s no reason I can’t leave. In fact, it might even be beneficial for me to go back out again. If little old me can verify it’s safe to stay the night inside the dungeon, it might bring someone else in.”

Vhola and I exchanged a glance before she nodded slightly. I opened my inventory and withdrew a handful of coins, along with the single lantern I had. It wasn’t much, and I only sporadically used it for anything.

“What about hanging them?” Vhola asked. “We can’t just set them on the ground.”

I deflated slightly. I guess that was what I was going to do next. Bettina came to my rescue and added, “Just need a hammer and some iron nails.”

“Just the nails,” I disagreed. “Won’t need the hammer.”

“Get the hammer anyway,” Vhola shot me a look. “Not all of us have your strength.”

Bettina looked my way, and I felt her eyes glance up and down before she held out her hands. I let them drop into her palm and she paused as she recognized the gold. “This is a lot.”

“If we need anything else, you have my permission to buy it,” I shrugged.

“I’m not sure you understand,” Bettina frowned as she counted the coins.

“I’ve been exiled,” I reminded her. “Those coins are useless to me.”

“I doubt that,” Bettina snorted. “Even exiled, I doubt people would refuse your business if you pressed the issue.”

“Then I’ll press the issue,” I smiled. “Go buy lanterns, old woman.”

Bettina straightened and gave me a glare before snorting and shaking her head. “I walked into that one, didn’t I?”

We all had a quick laugh before Bettina slipped the coins into her purse. She looked around once more, before nodding to herself. “Right. I’ll be back, you…”

“I’m going to hunt,” Vhola patted my arm.

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