Ad aspera

— Well, thank you for the company and the tip. It’s nice when you’re greeted like that. Here, take this.
Ruven handed the boys a couple of copper coins.
— If we meet again, I’ll tell you what I manage to find out about the Stronghold. Alright, run along, I’ll continue on my own.

Deciding to visit the Stronghold later, he headed towards the tavern he was told about.

"The Golden Goose" is a building without frills, but impressive, two-story, made of good brick, and even the sign above the entrance – Ruven doesn’t know what it says, but it looks solid. A pig is eating some scraps near the right corner of the building, and Ruven manages to witness someone from the tavern staff trying to drive the animal off the street with kicks and a broom.
At the entrance, Ruven is greeted by the gaze of an armed brute sitting by the door, and, finding nothing suspicious in his appearance, he again sinks into a half-sleep. There are not many people in the tavern during the day; at first glance, the place looks very respectable, quiet, and clean, and the visitors are quite diverse, only it is noticeable that they are all quite well-off. One is solemnly drinking wine in the corner, embracing a lute; two are playing dice; another stands out because he is armed and wearing chainmail. At the window, a group of merchants complain to each other about their difficult lives, accompanying each heartbreaking story with nods of solidarity:
— After the guards searched the hold, I found that three bundles of excellent fabric were missing! They don’t even know why they’re doing it, but they still steal!
— The tax on slaves has been raised again, and without any quality control! It’s good for those who trade in healthy girls and bodyguards, but what am I supposed to do? I buy in bulk...
— There were some unfortunate ones... Bandits almost didn’t let me out of the city. Luckily, I hired some guards – they got a little scared, said, “Give us your wallet, unload the bundles of furs, and get out of here.”
— Did you give it to them?
— Of course. Nowadays, all the guards are a bunch of scoundrels; half of them will run away as soon as they sense trouble. I wouldn’t be surprised if we meet those bastards in Tirren again. They’ve completely lost their fear.
The man behind the counter in the middle, burly, balding, and with a short-cropped beard, sits with his chin resting on his hand, and his small, dark eyes dart around the room, just like a good scout checking the surroundings, but his face is impassive. Ruven clearly doesn’t look like an important person to him, and he doesn’t bother to change his relaxed posture to greet him – only his eyes stop on the guest.
— Welcome to the Golden Goose. So, what can I get for you?

Added 1 hour 53 minutes ago

By noon, Unus, Krait, and Ruven have the opportunity to listen to the town crier’s speech. The square is large, but there are not too many people – most of the workers would prefer to have a snack and refresh themselves with beer during their break, if there is one, rather than listen to the town crier, and most of the audience are women and outsiders. Exactly at noon, the sound of a trumpet announces the beginning of the speech. The town crier is in his forties, clean-shaven, short, and dressed in a tabard with the city’s coat of arms.
— Hey, you! Shut up, – he shouts at the noisy crowd instead of a greeting. – So... First of all, I have the honor to inform you again, citizens of Tirren, that, by the grace of the gods, King Fendrin, our ruler and benefactor, in his wisdom and generosity, has granted all free people of our country the right to bear arms, excluding only double-edged swords with blades longer than four palms, regardless of their service in the city guard, mercenary units, or other activities that usually imply this. In this regard, the blacksmiths’ guild needs masters and apprentices, and the head of the guild asks me to inform everyone who is healthy and not yet employed. Also, with the resumption of shipping, loaders are needed at the port... Also, anyone who is ready for more noble, albeit dangerous, work will always find a place in the city guard...

— The good news for honest people is that Andreas, nicknamed Baldy, a thief and the head of a gang that has caused much trouble in the city in recent months, was finally caught yesterday, along with three of his accomplices, and tomorrow, at noon, on this very square, there will be a trial and execution, which honest people will, of course, be pleased to see. Of course, it would be nice to wait for the holiday, which is in five days, and I remind you that during these three days, every craftsman will be completely free from work, and on the third day – half-free, but justice cannot be delayed.

— I must also remind you again about the temporary ban on fishing... about the fact that property tax is now levied per capita...
The brave soldiers mostly listened to this incomprehensible part. Unus, the literate one, could still understand what new problems await the inhabitants of Tirren, but the cultural gap between his homeland and local customs deprived him of this opportunity.
— Since everyone who has anything to do with it knows that... in three... four... In general, they should know that the big tournament in Divefe is coming soon, and access to the Stronghold is now open to every free warrior from foreign lands, so that they, as well as the knights of our country, can hone their skills before the upcoming great competition. Details on the spot. I will also mention other matters: the elder of the village of Colorino to the north has asked to rid the peasants of the naga that has settled near the village, and whoever deals with it will receive a reward. And an alchemist who lives in the port is looking for a “reliable person” for some business. I don’t remember the details of the business or his name, and in general, may the gods punish him, because he is a disgrace to our city and his profession... That’s all!
The town crier, having exhaled, coughed for a long time, with obvious pleasure, and finally left.

Added 2 minutes ago

Unus, having no competitors, can begin to preach, but the town crier’s large platform is not for him – the humble place of the preacher is located separately, at the very edge of the square. Near it, as usual, there is a crowd of beggars looking for alms.