The City: PuzzleLocked Book 1

Armed with the name (Klaos Norbaer, Lieutenant (boats) 2) provided by the warden, Alastair and Flor set off into town to find a reputable but inexpensive tavern.

“It’s easier to navigate with the map, although we’ve been down this stretch once or twice already.”

“It is strange. As though the larger parts of the city are static, but the backstreets are procedurally generated. If it weren’t for the map indicating we haven’t been on the street before, I’m not sure I could tell if this is a street we’ve been on before. Maybe they varied up until we unlocked the daemon.”

“That’s just strange. I’ll leave you to your musings.”

“Well, what are you musing about, Alastair?”

“Just about getting out of here. And existential dread. Foreboding, creeping dread that we’ll be stuck in this rain-sogged city for the rest of our lives, except that our lives won’t progress. The days will repeat over and over until we’re driven mad that we’re twenty, thirty, forty years older but still the same age as we were yesterday.”

“Put that way, yes, this place is frustrating. But, looking at it another way, we’re together, constantly in adventure mode. We have the basics to survive with lodging and food, even if they are less than stellar. But we’ve found a way to make a basic amount of money. We’re on the way to see if we can at least sleep in a comfortable bed together each night. It might get boring eventually, but we could likely get a hyper-local view of this place to the point we know the best ways to maximize every minute of our day in luxury.”

“I don’t know, Flor. That sounds like…exhausting, maybe? I don’t have the right word for it. Even though spending every day with you is a better option than you traveling for work and me pretending to mine space rocks, I think you’ll get frustrated with the perpetual Neverland of this place.”

“It’s possible. But for now, it’s interesting. There are dozens of mysteries we’re trying to figure out. Despite the search party, we still haven’t even beyond the walls. How long did it take you to get comfortable in Tallinn? At least a year?”

“Yeah, but there were real people and new places to visit and food and beer.”

“There are all those things here.”

“Okay, okay. I’m tired of talking about this topic. I’d rather not upset and be upset at the only person I know I can have a regular conversation with.”

“You’re right. Let’s work to get back to reality. Besides, I think that’s where we’re trying to stay for the night.”

A short, two-story building was only distinguishable by the sign out front: The Angry Onion. As they walked in, they noticed the stale smell of floor beer and piss. A trio of guys sprawled asleep over a table. They had the same look as the thugs who had attempted to mug them previously.

It’s less desirable than the Prison Tavern. How odd that Horace keeps his place so clean compared to this, although I expect he’s subsidized and can hold more penalties over his patrons. Walking to the bar, Alastair asked, “How much is a double room for one night?”

The stout one-eyed barkeep looked at them. Nikolette, Barkeep 3, looked Flor up and down then back to Alastair. “You sure you don’t want just for the hour?”

Alastair took a breath. That’s not the attitude I want to deal with, especially after a spate with Flor. “One night will do.”

“Double room is twelve. Fifteen if you want sheets. Food is one per person per meal if you want it cold, two per for hot, and three if you want to drink something that isn’t already spilled on the floor. Payment is upfront for the room, but you can pay as you go for food; I don’t take credit for meals.”

“Alright, one room. With sheets. Looks like it gets lively here.” Alastair gave over fifteen coins.

“Just a bunch of slobs avoiding the rain. I’d avoid the common room after dark unless your woman likes handsy men.”

“We’ll keep that in mind. Which way to the room?”

“Up the stairs and left. Number four. Key should be in the door already.”

Alastair gave a weak smile and he and Flor went up. The room was more spacious than the room at the Prison Tavern, but only just enough that the door didn’t hit the bed frame.

“She’s a real gem, that Nikolette. Even the name makes me think of a raspy cigarette cough.”

“Yeah, so we’ve got not a whole lot of anything going on. No belongings except twenty-two coins and a map. What’s our plan?”

“Despite the barkeep’s warning of handsy folk, we might learn more from people here than elsewhere. So, maybe let’s rest for a bit, head down to see the start of the procession when maybe we can run into Leftenant Klaos, then eat dinner, although we don’t have to eat here, then see if maybe we can get someone to tell us what’s going on in this town.”