NIMBUS AND THE KNIGHTS OF CENFERUM

Capítulo 24 part 2

They walked through the buildings and cobblestone streets darkened by dirt, with an open sewer running along the gutter. Along the way, they passed several bars with open and inviting doors, but Henry seemed to have something in mind and ignored them until they reached a two-story shack more destroyed than one could imagine, which, surprisingly, housed a bar inside. Despite being on the verge of falling apart, the place was packed. People stood outside, leaning against the walls as if holding onto them to keep from falling. Many were drinking, others smoking, some warming themselves by makeshift fires, but everyone was chatting with each other. As they approached the door and looked inside, the place was so crowded that there wasn't an empty table, and several people were drinking and having fun while standing or leaning against beams and walls, just like those outside. As they entered, a very large and strong man approached them, ordering, "Weapons in the coatroom." They immediately headed for an opening in the wall where a man was sitting in a chair, smoking a cigar. Without a single word, he took the weapons placed on the counter and stored them.

— This one stays. — Lonios held the Indolent, which was wrapped in bandages to avoid recognition. Then, without another word, he passed by the security guard, who only stared at him.

— Welcome to the Hole, the best bar in Éter Sombrio. — Dr. Henry introduced the place and began to walk towards the counter. Upon reaching it, he looked at the bartender, who clearly recognized him.

— Clumsy Montigomeri, how long has it been, my friend? — The old bartender dropped the glass he was holding and, over the counter, greeted the mechanic with a handshake and a pat on the back that nearly made him jump forward. He appeared to be the same age as Henry, also bald with thick arms, but much fatter, his enormous belly hitting the counter as he served his customers.

— Old friend, Tough Bone Marco! — Henry returned the pat on the back with another of the same intensity, and the bartender smiled. — Tough Bone, can you get a table for us? — he pointed to everyone with him.

Nimbus found it funny that Dr. Henry, the highly respected engineer of the Brand, was addressed by a nickname like Clumsy, but only glanced at Jim and laughed, who immediately understood the reason for the laughter and started laughing too.

— Of course, old friend. — He signaled to one of the many waiters serving in the area, and without saying a word, he removed and threw two men who were sleeping, probably drunk, at a table onto the floor. — Sorted, you can sit at that table there — the bartender pointed to the empty table where the waiter was waiting beside.

— We'll stay at the counter — Valeros said and began to sit along with Eli on the barstools.

— As you wish, kid, you'll miss the first round for free. — Henry went towards the table, and Lonios, Nimbus, and Jim followed him. — Bring a round of your best beer for everyone at this table, and also give two glasses to those two guys at the counter — he pointed to Valeros and Eli.

— Yes, sir. — The waiter immediately headed towards a door behind the counter. After a few minutes, he came out with a tray above his head, with a beer mug for each of them. As he passed the counter, he left two for Valeros and his friend, then headed towards the table where they were, skillfully dodging the large number of people along the way, until he reached the table and placed all the mugs in its center. — Here it is. Good drink, sir. — Then, he withdrew.

— Now let's drink. — Henry picked up one of the one-liter mugs and started drinking.

Nimbus, at first, felt a bit awkward about starting to drink. He had seen many people drink in Anabele's father's tavern, but the only experience he had with alcohol had landed him in trouble. So, he looked towards Lonios, and when he received an approving look, he began to take short sips. Jim already seemed more comfortable and drank. Henry began to talk a lot, mostly about parties, drinking, and women because after an hour at the bar, he had already drunk three large mugs and was starting to slurred his speech. Lonios was conservative and had only emptied his mug. Jim was drinking steadily with Henry and tried to keep up with the third mug but couldn't drink anymore. Nimbus had only taken a few sips from his mug and had only reached its halfway mark. At that moment, a man approached.