I don’t need more alcohol, but who am I to turn down an Oz custom?
“Okay, got it,” I say as the server hands me my shot. “That’s easy enough.”
The others each get a glass.
“On the count of three,” Ana instructs. “One. Two. Three.”
“North. South. East. West. Oz! Oz! Oz!” we all shout and then sling back our drinks.
The ozrum has some of the same sweet spiciness as the ale, but none of the smoothness. It burns as it goes down and I come up wincing after swallowing it back.
“Oh god,” I say, and everyone laughs.
We’re all laughing.
I’m immediately grateful for Ana and the rest of the council for welcoming me into their city, for letting me join in their customs. I only wish Rook were here.
Once we’ve settled down and the server has gathered the empty shot glasses, I lean into Ana. “Do you know where I can find the doctor that took my friend? Rook?”
“He’ll be along soon, I’m sure. Dr. Fennel is nothing if not thorough.” Ana stands up and straightens the lapels of her purple suit. “I suppose it is getting late though. If you want, I can have Remy show you to your room so you can get some rest while you wait.”
I wouldn’t mind washing up before Rook returns.
“I’d appreciate that.”
Ana waggles her fingers at Remy. The innkeeper excuses themself from the group they’re chatting with and comes over.
“Could you take Dorothy to her room?” Ana asks. “Make sure she has everything she needs. She needs to be in tip-top shape for the big celebration tomorrow night!”
“Well, I’m not sure if I’ll stay—”
“Nonsense!” Ana claps me on the back. “You’re our hero. Of course you’ll stay for the party thrown in your honor! Get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow.” Ana gives me a squeeze and then leads the council out of the tavern.
Remy motions me to follow. “I’ve put you in our best room on the third floor with your friend in the room beside you.”
“That’s great. Thank you, Remy.” I scoop Toto into the crook of my arm, then grab my picnic basket with the other.
Remy takes me to a large staircase on the other side of the server counter. There are string lights woven in and around the carved balusters. The wall of the staircase is covered in oil paintings hung in rudimentary wooden frames. All the art isfantastical. Beasts that are half lion, half bird. Trees with faces. A girl made of patches. A glass cat that spins rainbows of light around it.
The artist is talented, just like Aunt Em. Em paints in vibrant colors of the rainbow. This artist is more subdued in their pigments. More earth tones, more drama.
“Who painted these?” I ask as I follow Remy up the stairs.
“My father.”
“He’s an incredible artist.”
“Was,” Remy corrects.
“Oh. I’m sorry for your loss. Did he die in the war?”
Remy reaches the second-floor landing and keeps going up. “My father was one of the people Delphine used to replenish her power.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry. That’s awful.”
“I appreciate that,” Remy answers over their shoulder. “I’m grateful to still have my mother. She’s the cook here.”
“Please give her my compliments. The food was amazing.”
