With his dietary needs taken care of for the next few days, he took to the sky again and continued his journey. He pushed on as fast as he could, and that was pretty fast these days. The sun had risen and was high in the sky by the time he reached the ocean. He didn’t pause, but kept on, flying as fast as he could over the crashing waves. The water was dotted with icebergs that were especially thick this time of year. By the time he reached the opposite shore the sun had long since set. He continued, turning south to follow the coast. He flew along the coastline for the rest of the night and all that day. As the sun set on the second day he saw the Dragon Queen’s tower, touched by the last of the light, far to the east. Not long after that the coastline swung away to the west and he left it to continue south. For a full night he flew over dark forests, spotting here and there the lights of tiny villages that dotted the land. The sunrise the next day was beautiful, and now he was far enough to the south that the days were more than a couple of hours long, though they were still short. He basked in the light, reminded again of the gratitude he owed Tara Stargazer for giving him the amulet that made it possible for him to enjoy the sun. By the time the sun began to sink in the west the mountains that lay to the north of Aerievale were just visible on the horizon. Aidan mentally calculated speed and time and realized that he would cross the mountains and arrive some time around three in the morning.

Hmmm, he thought. I might as well stop for a rest and arrive at a decent hour. I wonder if there’s a town or village around here? I could do with a nice nap in a real bed. He scanned the darkening ground below. It seemed to be an unbroken expanse of wild woodlands and meadows. At last as he neared the foothills of the tall mountain range he spotted a small cluster of glowing lights below. Aha! A village. I hope they’ve got an inn. Well, I’ll find out, but first, I think I’d best get something to eat before I venture out in public. He dipped down among the trees, searching. It didn’t take him long to find a hapless rabbit and pounce on it with inhuman speed. Fed well enough for the moment he took wing again and flew on to the village.

He circled lower over the little group of houses that huddled in a clearing in the dense snowy forest. He landed in the center of town and looked around. The village was quiet, most people probably in their beds at this hour, but from a building somewhat larger than the rest golden light spilled from the windows, and when somebody opened the door cheerful voices spilled out as well. Aidan could just make out a faded sign swinging over the door. It depicted a cluster of grapes with the word “inn” carved underneath. Well, looks like I’m in luck, he thought.

He opened the door and stepped into a warmly lit room. It was full but not crowded. He threaded his way through drinking villagers and serving girls to the bar where a middle-aged man was pouring drinks. He drew an odd look or two, as outside of Aerievale itself aerians were hardly a common sight, but most of the men ignored him entirely.

“Excuse me sir, the sign outside says this is an inn. Do you have rooms for rent then?”

“We do indeed. What’s your name, lad?”

“Aidan. I’m in need of a room for the night.”

“Well, you’re in luck then. We’ve none else staying over tonight, so you’ve your pick. They’re all pretty much the same mind you, and all the same price.” The innkeeper quoted a price that Aidan found quite reasonable, and in exchange for a handful of coppers Aidan found himself possessed of a shiny brass key. “There you go lad. Do you want someone to come and wake you come morning?”

Aidan considered. If he slept past sunrise, which he was likely to do, he wouldn’t be waking by himself until the sun set again. But he didn’t want to be up at the crack of dawn either. He’d much rather get some daylight rest. “How late can I stay in the room?” he asked.

“Ah, you want to laze a-bed come morning eh? Well, no trouble here. So long as you’re out by mid-afternoon so the girls can get the room cleaned for the next night.”

“Thank you. In that case, I’d would appreciate somebody coming to wake me about noon.”

“I’ll send someone then. And for the moment, can I get you somewhat to drink?”

Aidan shook his head. “No thank you.”

“You sure? We’ve some very good ales here.”

“Yes. I don’t drink ale, or anything alcoholic for that matter.” This was true, though before becoming a vampire he hadn’t turned up his nose at the occasional glass. Flame Song hadn’t really approved, but she had always been patient with Aidan’s shortcomings. But now, of course, there was only one liquid he found palatable.

The innkeeper laughed. “You’re a rare bird ‘round these parts then. Er, no offence,” he added, glancing at Aidan’s white wings.

“None taken. I don’t mind a good joke.” He smiled, but didn’t show his teeth. However welcoming people might be to an aerian, he knew they wouldn’t be nearly so happy at having a vampire in their midst.