Page 24 of Ale Storm

“I would have hefted you if you hadn’t been moving, however lethargically, of your own accord.” Sylin pantomimed raising something heavy overhead.

“And thrown me in the fountain?”

“It did cross my mind that being soaking wet is a moderately effective way to keep from bursting into flame.”

“When it comes to dragon fire, I’m not sure even water can keep that from happening.” Rylana waved at Rolf, who was clearing tables, and led the way to the kitchen.

“The inherent magic of their kind does make their fire powerful.”

Jildarin wasn’t in the kitchen. Rylana looked around in surprise before remembering his errand. It occurred to her that he probably would have shown up at the market if he’d been close enough to sense the arrival of the dragons. And wouldn’t he have detected them if he’d been anywhere in the city?

“Must be a long-distance errand,” she murmured.

“Mind if I help myself?” Sylin pointed at a few simmering pots and peeked into the oven. “Oh, there’s still half a rack of lamb in here. It smells delicious. Such a shame that the dragons drove off your customers and there’s so much food left over.” Sylin grabbed a plate and utensils before looking at Rylana for permission.

“Take whatever you like.” Rylana had offered her food.

“Should I leave coins?”

“If you do, Rolf will assume they’re a tip for him and take them.”

“Nobody tips the chef?” Sylin did anyway, placing a couple of silver coins beside the knife block. “I like to pay for what I take. Too bad I can’t eat more. It would be a shame for any of these fine offerings to go to waste.”

“They won’t.” Rylana leaned her bow and quiver by the doorway and walked to the pantry to put away the groceries. “When there are leftovers, Jildarin boxes them up and sends some home with the staff, especially Rolf, who has something like a dozen kids. Others go to the peacekeepers on duty, and Jildarin has been known to send some specifically to Corporal Bixtok and Willow.”

“Willow?”

“That’s the name of the log-inspecting hound that found the horn and, more importantly to Jildarin, his enchanted morels. He remains grateful that their discovery allowed him to entice the queen to dine so that he could put her name on his plaque. I think he also appreciates that Bixtok vouched for us with the local peacekeepers after he turned into a dragon to defend the rooftop against the elves.” Rylana extended a hand toward Sylin, who’d been the reason the rooftop had needed defending.

“I approve. Also, he’s more gracious than I would have expected for a dragon.”

“He’s even started putting some leftovers out for the cats that have learned it’s a good idea to wander past the back of the storeroom at night.”

“I had no idea he cared about the welfare of stray animals.”

“I think it’s more that it pains him to throw away any of his food. Also, I don’t think he really considers humans, dwarves, elves, and the other lesser beings he serves as superior to cats and dogs. Compared to dragons, we’re all inferior.”

“Elves and animals are not on the same plane. Even a dragon wouldn’t say that.”

“What about humans and animals?”

“Hm.” Sylin took her heaping plate of food to the staff eating area in the back corner. “Where is our chef?”

“I’m not sure.”

“It’s occurring to me that those sisters could shift into humans and walk into the city. To this very diner where you are currently without a stalwart defender.” Sylin sliced off a piece of lamb, smeared it in gravy, and popped it into her mouth.

“You’re here.”

“My presence intimidated them vastly in the market.”

“I’m sure Jildarin will be back tonight. He knows I pine when he’s not in his lair with me.”

“Despite your flippancy, I think you do pine.” Her eyes crinkled as she stabbed glazed carrots and tucked them into her mouth.

“Maybe a little. His presence is comforting.” Rylana eyed the cookbooks on a shelf, wondering if Jildarin had taken the tome on humans with him or if he’d left it in the kitchen with his other texts.

“Especially when vengeful female dragons are after you.”