Kate swallowed hard and looked from one to the other, "Heidi. I found this man. He is with me now. I will settle this and speak to him. He is my guest and he will be staying for the night. Put his bill on my tab. He will be free and clear."<br/><br/>Heidie scowled, "How long must we endure this riff-raff?"<br/><br/>Kate shrugged, "As long as it takes. I have not heard a word about the battle. I hope the mages send word soon. Take a seat, Handsome, by the back wall. Better you be in shadow. Heidie, what is your soup and special of the day?"<br/><br/>Heidie sighed, "Kate, hope he is the only handsome stray you take in. The soup is vegetable beef and the special is baked flounder with wild rice."<br/><br/>Kate sat across from the young man and faced the front entrance. She looked up at the waitress, "We will both have the special with tossed salad and breadsticks. Bring an appetizer of loaded potato skins and fresh fruit. I would like a loaf of bread, brie, and fruit brought to his room. We will both have mugs of cold spiced apple cider. Thank you."