Aelstan had eaten at several monasteries around the kingdoms, and never really cared for the simple fare that monks served travelers. Churches, however, seemed to enjoy catering to hearty appetites, and the Church of Shivaldar was no exception.
The ranger and the others sat down in a relatively simple dining hall, save for the ornate tapestries lining the walls. Poached eggs, ham steaks, and fresh fruit slices were served in abundance to the adventurers. Aelstan felt almost as if they were being courted, or recruited, in some way. Then, with a dismal spark of cognizance, realized that indeed they were.
As they ate, Father Keane produced a map of the barony, including a dotted road that led to Falmouth, where Lord Theodric's father, Baron Grath, lived. The high priest encouraged the travelers to stay on the road and not share any information with wanderers along the way. He apologized for Lord Theodric's absence, but explained that he had to leave late in the night to return home and thus not arouse much alarm. He did, however, leave the party with enough gold to furnish whatever their needs may be, including horses.
Aelstan was used to eating common food, and often even raw, wild food, with few spices. This breakfast was indeed a hearty treat, and he was now eager to get his equipment and head out of town. He hadn't been on a horse in over a year, but felt it would be wise to not share that information with the group just yet. He could pick it up quickly, maybe they wouldn't notice...