I shrugged. “If you want to. Just make sure no critters get into it. And protect my cauldron, too.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
“I’m sure you’ll figure something out. Oh, and Linc?”
“Yep?”
“If something happens to my cauldron, I’ll skin you alive and wear you like a coat.”
“Oh… Okay. Fair enough.” He only looked mildly frightened. I was losing my touch.
“Thanks!” I grabbed my plate and mug and bolted away from my table. My cheeks ached from the ferocity of my smile. My chili was a hit! Everyone loved it!
Nothing could bring me down—I was riding a high.
I skipped to the far end of the park where Tandor’s table always was, craving a crisp, refreshing beverage. A crowd surrounded his table, everyone chatting and laughing loudly. My curiosity piqued. I gently (with my elbows pointed outward) shoved my way through the crowd to the table.
“Hi, boo boo hands!” I greeted Tandor when I finally made my way to the front. The orc had removed his shirt and ripped it into strips, using those to wrap his wounded palms. He was sweating slightly, and his muscles glistened in the sunlight. He poured his brew into mugs with impressive efficiency.
He was truly a sight to behold.
My eyes traveled over his arms, past his bulging shoulders, down his chest, to his stomach… lower…
I yanked my gaze back to his face to find him already watching me. He cracked a crooked smile. “I was wonderingwhen you were going to make it over here. I was afraid it was going to run out before you got to try it.”
“I’ve been a little busy. Try what?” I lifted onto my toes to get a better look into the mugs surrounding me, but I couldn't see much.
“You’ll see.” He winked and snatched my mug from where it dangled by my side.
He filled it with liquid, his bandaged hands turning the knob on the barrel with practiced precision. His eyes danced with anticipation. He carefully handed the mug back to me—it was filled to the brim.
“You won’t tell me what it is?”
“Nope.” His smug smile grew.
“Is it going to kill me?”
“Try it and find out.”
I shrugged, lifting the mug to my mouth for a hearty swallow. My eyes rolled to the back of my head, and I let out an ungodly groan before swallowing again. And again. The rich, smooth flavor rolled over my tongue and down my throat like it belonged there. By the time I finally came up for air, Tandor was laughing heartily with a massive smile on his face. His small lower tusks gleamed in the sunlight.
“That bad, huh?” he asked. His cheeks were flushed a warm healthy green color.
“Terrible.” I held my mug out to him. “More, please?” I smiled sweetly at him and batted my eyelashes.
“For you, I guess.” He poured me another mug full, and then filled another mug for himself. I held mine out for a toast.
“What are we toasting to?” he asked.
“To your Gods-blessed hands, for creating the most astoundingly delicious thing I have ever tasted. Even if they are burnt right now.”
He chuckled. “I suppose I’ll take that.” He clinked his mug to mine and we both swallowed.
“Has Fiella been by yet?” I asked.
“She has. She said the lavender blueberry was better.”
“Hmm. That’s a load of shit.”
