They took their seats, men on one side, ladies on the other. At the head of the table sat Joonas Erlichman, Mistel assumed. Only when they were settled did Nash resume his place on his father’s right. “Father says you’ve come from Armonguard and might even know our new king and queen.”
“I grew up in Sitna,” Mistel said. “Achan—er, the king—and I weren’t close, but I saw him often enough. Cole squired for him.”
Drustan, who sat between Nash and Kurtz, let out a chuckle. “Not sure I like what that says about the king.”
Master Erlichman cut in sharply from the head of the table. “Don’t be rude.”
Indeed. Drustan Fawst was a complete and utter hunx.
The conversation shifted to the estate, its history, and the family’s thriving business.
“This place has been passed down through generations,” Master Erlichman said. “One day, Nash will take over. He’s already running parts of it.”
Cole leaned forward. “We saw the kennels on our way in. What do you do with so many dogs?”
“He sells them,” Drustan said.
“Well, not those,” Nash said.
His father’s face brightened. “The dogs you saw are our sled dogs. But I do sell hunting dogs, boar, and most recently, horses. Boar are my specialty, though. Started with just one boar and sow, and now my stock is famous across Er’Rets.”
Mistel admired the man. Ambition, drive, and success—qualities she knew well.
Kurtz inquired about Erlichman’s clients while Zanna discussed falconry with Madam Erlichman.
“What got you into singing, Miss Wepp?” Nash asked from across the table.
“Oh, I’ve always loved it,” she said. “Cole is my cousin. When he invited me to join him and Kurtz, I couldn’t pass up the adventure.”
“Your cousin?” Drustan glanced between Mistel and Cole and chuckled darkly.
How odd. Mistel took a sip of her wine to put something between her and Drustan’s piercing gaze.
“Do you plan to wander forever?” Nash asked. “Or might you one day be convinced to marry and settle down?”
My, what a question. Mistel swirled her goblet, considering how to answer. “Perhaps someday, but not now. There’s too much of Er’Rets left to explore.”
After they’d eaten a delicious feast, Master Erlichman stood and helped his wife to her feet. “It’s been a pleasure, but we must retire. Please, enjoy yourselves. I’m sure Nash and Drustan will be good hosts.” He offered his wife his arm. “Come, my dear.”
As they left, Mistel shot Cole a glance and found him wide-eyed. They’d missed their chance to ask about the Black Boar.
Nash retrieved a dark bottle from a cabinet and poured a generous amount of amber liquid into his goblet. “Anyone for a drink?” He grinned as he made the rounds.
Drustan held out his goblet first.
Kurtz followed with a casual, “I’ll have one.”
“No, thank you,” Zanna said.
Nash turned to Cole. “A drink for the road?”
Cole’s expression was unreadable. “I’ll pass.”
Mistel shook her head. “I’ll stick to mulled wine. Best to keep my wits when riding a horse side saddle.”
“More for us then.” Nash winked and raised his goblet. “To friendship.”
“To friendship,” Mistel echoed, sipping her now-cool wine.
