Whispers say the brazier's ember was brought from the shrine of a 'Hearth Mother' whose cult once protected the road. The brazier's ward is minor but old enough that some local merchants leave small offerings before a long trip. The town's old watchtower — visible from the inn on clear nights — was once part of a chain of fires used to warn of invaders; some believe its basement stores a chest of coins from a bygone tax-collection, hidden from a corrupt official. A few old patrons claim the bard who founded the inn used to hide songs that, when sung in order, open a small stone lock in the woods — whether that's literal or drunk imagination depends on who you ask.