“I tried the most interesting food in Gaumond, Chef,” I say behind my shoulder, walking back to join Golem at the table.
“Ah, yes,” he yells from behind his fire, “let me guess, everything was mixed with black pepper?”
“Yes,” I grin in reply, “just as everything you make is sprinkled with love and cinnamon.”
Chef chuckles, “and did you enjoy it?”
I take a seat and place my traveling bag around the chair.
“Here and there,” I shrug, “there was a smoked peppered sausage that nearly burnt my tongue to a crisp. I finished my whole canteen of water that instant.Neveragain.”
“Definitely a sight to remember,” Cal grins from the open door, his eyes crinkling in silent laughter.
He walks into the large room with Holis and Mana behind him and Desmond not far behind. I promptly stand up and greet all four men with a nod before Cal comes in for a large hug.
“Hi,” I smile, throwing my arms around his shoulders.
“You alright then, Alex?” he asks quietly.
“As good as I can hope to be for the conversation to come,” I reply.
“Lady Alexis,” Holis and Mana nod gracefully in greeting. It takes me by surprise to hear them use such a formal title, but they both seem relaxed and serene in their Discerni features.
“Hirovale visited last night,” I tell the two brothers, watching as their lips curve up in unison.
“All is okay then?” Holis asks.
I try to hide my frown, thinking of the short conversation Keane and I had with the Ancient.
“He inquired about the Livyatan delegation here in Bardot. He’s certainly not a fan of them, but he did allude to the Leviathans being more prominent in the upcoming months...”
I sigh in dismay and shake my head, “he asked that I push the foreigners from my mind for now, but I don’t know how he can expect me to do that after meeting with the Prince last night.”
“I’ll be with you tonight, Alexis,” Holis replies steadily, “we’ll keep you away from the Prince and his group.”
“Thank you,” I grimace.
“Anything else?” Mana inquires.
“Yes,” I nod, watching as Desmond and Cal take a seat at the table behind us, “he’s woken another Ancient. Told me that the brother or sister wanted to meet me.”
“Heysan, without a doubt,” Mana grins.
Holis smiles and nods his head in agreement, the two of their grins not hiding the spark of excitement in their features. I roll my eyes at the two and move towards the table, still having no desire to meet another egotistical Ancient who has unknown plans to dictate my life.
Stormfall’s talons grip my shoulders, as if hearing the thought. I turn to him abruptly and narrow my eyes.
Can you hear me?
Storm remains sleeping, giving no indication that he heard my unspoken words. I sigh and turn back to Chef, needing a stiff drink as I excuse myself from the men.
“Might you have some ale, Chef?”
“Dear Alexis, you know I do,” his plump cheeks move into a grin as the door to the kitchen opens again, “how many times I’ve caught you trying to sneak ale behind my back when you thought I wasn’t looking?”
“And here I thought I got away with it,” I laugh.
Chef shakes his head and hitches his thumb behind him, “back in the storeroom, as you well know. Mugs are there too.”
