Page 7 of Morel Dilemma

The Forest Deconstructed: Artisanal Essentials from Nature. Was that a cookbook title? She wouldn’t have known if Jildarin hadn’t already opened it to a recipe with a picture of a sliced mushroom. The other tome was entitled Five Thousand Years of Gastronomy in the Elven Court.

“I have been considering fresh mushroom dishes that might appeal to a royal,” Jildarin said.

“I’m impressed that you can properly prepare such things. I’ve always thought of mushrooms as something our foods eat to fatten themselves for our enjoyment.”

“White-tail deer do consume them,” Jildarin said.

“Such common fare.” Zilek waved dismissively. “I caught a magical ghost moose recently on a hunt. It was delicious.”

“People highly value rare foods, don’t they?” Jildarin looked up from the cookbook, his expression thoughtful.

“I enjoy them,” Zilek said.

Rylana shrugged, more inclined to like common fare, but she didn’t disagree that others might seek out unique dining experiences.

“That is probably as true of elves as other intelligent species,” Jildarin mused.

“Scarcity increases the allure of a food,” Zilek said with confidence. “Or a drink. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated the late-harvest zinfandel that Lord Oxhon brought to our last conclave. A most luscious dessert wine with an intense unctuous flavor that lingers on the tongue. I understand the vintner can only produce it in years where the conditions are perfect.” He brought his fingers to his lips for a kiss.

“Maybe there are some rare mushrooms you could add to a dish for the queen,” Rylana suggested. “Every now and then, there are enchanted morels in the market this time of year, but they’re hard for even expert foragers to find so they command a premium price.”

“Enchanted morels?” Jildarin considered her suggestion for a moment, then nodded firmly. “Yes. Yes, I like that idea.”

“Your bookkeeper has some value, doesn’t she?”

“Great value. That is why I have made her my partner and why you will not kill her.” Jildarin’s eyes narrowed. “You have not spoken again with Aunt Lysilria, have you?”

“No. I believe she and our mother left the area to attend to clan affairs, and I’ve already told you that I won’t kill your bookkeeper. Despite your strange ways, you are my older brother.”

Rylana scratched her jaw. Hadn’t they mentioned being born in the same clutch?

As if he could guess her question, Zilek explained, “As he’ll inform anyone who will listen, Jildarin hatched a day before I did and is, therefore, my senior and much stronger and wiser.”

“Even Wixta is wiser than you,” Jildarin muttered.

“What? Our whiny little cousin tried to fly out of the nest before her wings were fully developed and almost plunged to her death. I’m insulted. I may take those books and leave.”

Jildarin stepped back, drawing them out of reach. “You will not leave. You have come seeking something. For no other reason would you bring this bribe.”

“You insult me again.”

“What is it that you want?” Jildarin asked. “Are you certain you do not desire to slay my partner?”

“I never did. I only sought to be a good nephew and clan member by doing as my elders wished.” Zilek rested a pious hand on his chest. “But it would be a shame to lose her. I agree. Despite being a puny and insignificant human, she has used the limited resources granted her by her species to turn your diner around.”

“I love it when dragons compliment me,” Rylana murmured, then raised her voice to ask Zilek, “Do you actually care about the diner’s success?”

Life would be simpler if Zilek weren’t angling to get her alone somewhere to kill her, but could she trust anything he said?

“My brother,” Zilek said, “is less of a grumpy scale wart when he’s not forced to deal with the minutia of running a business and can focus entirely on his new hobby.”

“That is a truth,” Jildarin said.

“I also hear that sleeping with numerous surplus ovens stabbing you in the back can be tedious, and you’ve been solving that problem for him.” Zilek nodded to Rylana.

“One night, I twitched my tail in my sleep and got it caught between two of the ovens.” Jildarin grimaced.

“Tedious.” Zilek nodded again to Rylana. “He clearly needs you.”