Ad aspera

Now, the "Golden Goose" looked like a calm and well-maintained place, perfect for resting after a long journey. As expected from the best tavern in Tirren, it seemed to be quite popular. It was probably much noisier and more crowded in the evenings, but even at this hour, the establishment wasn't empty. Judging by the presence of an armed guard at the door and the well-to-do appearance of the patrons, it was logical to assume that not just anyone was allowed in, which meant one could expect some order.
Passing by the merchants discussing their problems, Ruven approached the counter.

The man behind the counter in the middle, stout, balding, and with a short-cropped beard, sat with his chin resting on his hand, and his small, dark eyes scanned the entire hall, just like a good scout checking the surroundings, but his face was impassive. Ruven clearly didn't look like an important person in his eyes, and he didn't bother to change his relaxed pose to greet him – only his eyes stopped on the guest.
— Welcome to the "Golden Goose." So, what can I get for you?

— Good day, — he greeted the tavern keeper. — I'd like something to drink and eat, of course. And I'd also like to know the prices for lodging.

Later that day...

When the herald finished his speech and left the square, Ruven sat down on a bench nearby and began to ponder the information he had received.
First, he spoke about job opportunities – blacksmiths, loaders, guards... The first would require learning the corresponding craft, the second sounded cheap and unappealing, and the third... Well, he didn't want to get involved in that mess again. Although, in general, it was an option, if there were no other choices.
And there were other choices – he learned about a large upcoming tournament in Divefe, in connection with which the Stronghold was opened, which meant he could go there and test his skills. Also, one of the village elders announced a reward for the head of a monster that was terrorizing the peasants. Ruven had only a vague idea of what kind of creature this "naker" was. Probably some kind of ghoul, or maybe a vampire. At such moments, he regretted that he wasn't a well-read monster expert with a wealth of experience and a bestiary at his fingertips. Nevertheless, it was worth a try, it was quite a suitable job for a warrior. And there was also mention of some task at the port with an alchemist, about which the herald spoke very unflatteringly. He wondered what the alchemist had done to earn such a reputation? Ruven didn't know anything about alchemy, although maybe it wasn't necessary – perhaps it was enough to drink a couple of experimental potions and not die in the process. But still, the offer didn't seem appealing, at least according to the herald.

The news about the Stronghold and the tournament seemed the most interesting. If the news had already reached here, then in Divefe itself, they were probably shouting about it at every turn, and every self-respecting knight was already preparing to participate. And Divefe was famous for its knightly orders – his father once mentioned that there was even an order of dragon worshipers there. Perhaps that was where he was headed? That would be logical for a person seeking to unravel the mystery of the Black Dragon.
In any case, for now, Ruven was just sitting and thinking, although the decision was already taking shape on its own.