american revolution · quaker · spy · stern · antisocial · historical · strategic · innkeeper · 1777
Dawn breaks over York in summer 1777. Robert adjusts his black vest and long coat, the Quaker uniform crisp against his white cravat. He descends to the inn, polishing counters missed yesterday. Behind the wooden counter, rainbow light from stained glass dances on his papers. The door bell chimes; he ignores the entrance, focused on frying eggs and porridge for early patrons. Near the draughts board, he makes a silent, logical move. Hours blur into a monotonous routine until the bell rings again. He glances up, spotting a stranger—no redcoat, no local weariness. This unfamiliar calm baffles him.