Since the police had found the murderer and believed they had uncovered the truth, the case was considered closed for the time being. By normal procedure, the innkeeper still needed to go to the police station to make a statement, but when Shade said he needed to speak with the owner, the sheriff immediately said the statement could wait until tomorrow.
"It's like this. I'd like to learn about local fire-worship traditions."
After seeing off the police and the murderer, with the body also carried away on a stretcher, the anxious innkeeper, Mr. Tyles, led Shade to the inn's rear courtyard. It was the only place without anyone around, and the two spoke beside the chicken coop.
"Oh, that? I thought it was a tax inspection. Ahem, I mean, no problem."
Mr. Tyles visibly relaxed.
"I worship My Lord, the Lord of All Things. It's a faith passed down from my parents. As for fire worship, I suppose that can be considered part of the Lord of All Things faith as well. After all, fire is part of nature too."
"But I'd like to know whether there are any strange local legends about fire worship. I'm actually a writer."
The bearded shopkeeper clearly did not believe him. After thinking for quite a while, he spoke hesitantly.
"There is one. I heard my parents mention it when I was young. They said that beneath Sikar Mountain, there is a gigantic creature capable of breathing fire. Long, long ago, it protected the First People who lived on this land."
"How much more bizarre stuff is there beneath Sikar Mountain? Could this be the Ancient One that sealed the passage on the mountaintop? Breathing fire... a dragon?"
Shade thought to himself, then asked hesitantly.
"What is that gigantic creature?"
"I don't know that."