Hawke dismounted just outside the tavern door. With a quick look about, he opened the partially open door. Inside he could see what remained of the once active tavern but now it was a mess, the tables scattered all about, the fireplaces cold and snowfilled. Once inside his eyes adjusted and he was able to take better inventory of the way things were. Moving about the room he first made sure he was alone and that any suprises wouldn't catch him unaware. Getting a fire going presented no challenge as he broke up a few of the old tables for kindling. With the light of the fire he could get a better view of the darkening room. The bar counter, though scrapped and dusty was intact as was most of the mugs and glasses below the counter. The cook fire was cold and the old pot resting on the ashes as if someone had tipped it to gather what remained in its bottom. Hawke then moved back to the door and brought his horse inside. For at least tonight the horse could shelter here in the warmth of the one fire he started. The rest of the evening was spent exploring the tavern. The door to the upper floors was still locked and apparently strong enough to ward off several older attempts at gaining enterance. "Somewhere there must be a key." Hawke pondered aloud as if there were others nearby to listen as he continued his search. The only response was a brief snort from his horse, as if the animal could really understand.
It was in the wee hours, when a loud crash was heard from the basement. Hawke sprang from his blanket with sword in hand. Though the fire had diminished some, its flickering light showed the tavern to be unoccupied. hawke moved closer to the one door he felt lead down stairs and listened for quite a while for any more noises. Caution took over and He decided not to go downstairs at this time. Whatever was there could stay there for the time being. With a quick check of the lock on the door, Hawke moved back to the fireplace and settled back into his once warm blanket. The rest of the night as without incident thought the scurrying of the rats and mice could be heard occaisionally.
Morning brought the warm sunlight streaming through the uncovered windows. Looking outside he could see that night had brought another several inches of new powdered snow, completely erasing any sign of his enterance. After banking the fireplace, Hawke went outside to check out the barn. Though he treasured his horse, sleeping in the same room was not a pleasant thing. Somehting about a wet horse irratated his nose. The barn was in very good shape though the hay was old. But, for now it would have to do. Hawke led the horse into the back stall and made sure that there was plenty of hay and water. His horse launched into the hay as if there was no problem, Hawke smiled wondering if the need for fresh hay was just a way to soothe a humans feelings and the horse could care less. Trudging back across the courtyard, Hawke was careful to examine the snow for any other tracks but he found none. Sitting there next to the window, Hawke ate the last of his dried beef and oats, washing them down with some old wine he had found. Tomorrow would require him to do two things. First to hunt some if he wanted to eat, and from the number of wild rabbits running about the tree line, he figured roast rabbit would do fine. Secondly, to get some real firewood. No sense burning all the tavern furniture up, though the thought of how easy it was compared to chopping did intrigue him.
Once again, late at night another loud crash from below was heard. Hawke though cautious wasn't startled nearly as much as he was last night. He knew sooner or later he would have to go down there and see what the commotion was about. But Hawke found himself in no rush, that is, as long as that old oaken door remained intact. Hawke slowly drifted off into a deep sleep once he made a mental note to find the key to the upstairs and to get some food he could cook.
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