Guests from Neverwinter

After the first caravan left, more and more caravans began passing through the Undead Swamp.

The busiest trading season on the Northern Continent had officially begun before winter. The caravans would not thin out even before the worst of Extreme Winter arrived.

The name of the Ocean Goddess Aglaia began spreading throughout the Northlands on their lips.

Many beast trainers in the Northlands raised Flying Eagles to carry messages, so even trivial news traveled fast—let alone the appearance of a new goddess.

Yet, to Hill's surprise, Umberlee showed no reaction at all.

After a few days of inquiries, Martha returned looking unusually astonished. She told Hill and Aglaia that no one had informed the Nearshore Goddess.

Not even the Luskanites who had come expressly to drink had done so. Hill remembered that Luskan had a temple to Umberlee, and its people were hardly fond of a place aligned with Lawful Good like his.

Only the lure of strong liquor had brought so many arrogant-looking Luskan merchants in leather here.

The enormous oak barrels behind the bar in Hill's tavern were actually Bottomless Kegs he had crafted. As long as the gems beneath them held enough energy, turning a brass tap would pour out any of several drinks.

Besides the simplest ale, Hill knew dozens of recipes for alcohol, and he never lacked brewing ingredients.

Inspired by his spice pouch, Hill had developed these Bottomless Kegs himself.

"Bottomless" was an exaggeration, though. The gems beneath each barrel lasted only about three years, after which the barrel had to be replaced.

Whenever Hill had time, he made partly finished barrels with Runes carved all over their sides. Later, he would only need to add gems and pour in the liquor base to put them to use.

Telly had decided to remain the