The innkeeper came forward to speak with Norgrim, extending a hand to help him up. "Brave o' ye ta try and get my Daisy back, dwarf," he said, "but I'm afraid there's jus' nothin' for it but ta pay their ransom, now.
"It's good ta know tha' even in these dark times, some will still stand up fer th' little guy," he said, addressing Albrecht, Solveig and Gustav as well. "In thanks, my fam'ly would like ta offer you four lodging and meals this evening on th' house; tomorrow as well, if ye'll be stayin'."
His head hanging low, the innkeeper trudged back to the kitchen. His wife brushed past him through the swinging kitchen door, and came out to speak to the group assembled in the front of the inn. Tall, wide, wrinkled and ample-bosoomed, she retained a symmetry of features and tight blond ringlets that suggest she had been quite the fetching maiden in her day.
"I know it's askin' a bit much, but my Helmut--Helmut's my husband, he is--has gotten 'imself deep in it this time, and he'd be far too proud ta ask. He's goin' ta haf ta deliver a heafty sack of coin tomorrow night ta get our Daisy back, and I can't stands the thought of 'im goin' alone ta that butcher's den. Please, will ye watch o'er my poor sweet Helmut when he goes to 'em on the morrow?"