Page 9 of The Darkest Knight

“Hot spiced wine to warm you,” the thin man informed them and then added. “I am Fitz, at your service, for whatever you require.”

Padriag drank from the goblet and then looked at Argo. “Does this mean we are granted asylum?”

“Their highnesses had agreed to give you asylum when Tristan asked during a visit. We expected you would come ... eventually,” the wolf shifter replied and leaned back into the chair, drinking deeply from his goblet. “I am sure they will speak to you tomorrow.”

The rich aroma of spices wafted through the air just before the same pair of women returned. One set a basket filled with enticing loaves of bread between them, the other woman placed deep bowls of a thick broth with chunks of meat and what looked to be carrots and potatoes in front of each of them.

Despite not thinking he was hungry, Niall ate every bit of the stew and an entire loaf of the freshly baked bread.

Their goblets were refilled as they ate, and they drank their fill.

“We appreciate the princesses’ hospitality,” Niall said to Argo, who nodded in response.

“Can I ask,” Padriag said, “why do you seem impervious to the cold?”

Argo’s large shoulders lifted and lowered. “Our species is native to this region. Some of us do not live in structures, but out in the wild, or in huts. We have thick undercoats to keep us warm. We are bred for surviving here.”

“Makes sense. That’s awesome,” Padriag replied.

“If you are ready, I will show you to your bedchambers,” Fritz exclaimed in a tone that was much too cheerful for the occasion.

Leaving Argo in the dining room, they followed the thin man up a stairwell to the third level and there they were shown a large chamber. The first thing Niall noticed was that they would be sharing a set of rooms. The spacious bedroom had four beds and next to it was a small sitting room and another room he assumed was a bathroom.

Padriag made a beeline for the bathroom. “I wonder if they have running water.” The knight peered into the room. “Nope, there’s a basin and several large pitchers full of water and chamber pots. I hate chamber pots.”

Only one thing worried Niall. Would Devina find him there? If so, what would occur if his friends tried to wake him during the time she had taken him away in his sleep? How could he possibly keep the secret of what happened to him?

Liam studied him. “Is something wrong Niall?”

Looking around the room, he tried to figure out which bed would serve him best. “I do not like being here. Having to seek asylum for the rest of our days here.”

“I foresee something interesting,” Liam began. Niall froze, not wanting to hear what Liam had to say. The Brit’s abilities to see the future was yet another thing to worry about.

“I see you going places, some sort of travel,” Liam continued. “It’s probably just your trips back and forth to see Tamara.”

Padriag walked out of the bathroom, a chamber pot in hand. “So what the hell am I supposed to do with this?”

“Put it back,” Liam yelled, “For god’s sakes, I know you didn’t just walk out carrying your shit. They have servants to clean up.”

“So I just leave it?” Padriag scowled. “Fine, but it’s going to be stinky in there.”

“It is getting smelly in here,” Liam retorted, holding his nose. “Go away.”

After an eventless night, Niall woke and stretched from under the thick coverlets in a bed so comfortable, it was tempting not to complain about staying there for the foreseeable future.

Liam was sitting up in his bed, his blond hair askew, a frown between his brows. “I will have to return to the other realm in a few days.”

Having met his partner, a man called John Stewart, Liam’s dour disposition had softened significantly. That Liam remained more in this realm, to help the two who remained there, was admirable.

“I want coffee,” Padriag said with a loud yawn. “I bet they don’t have coffee here.”

Throughout the many years trapped in the alter-world, Padriag was the one who’d kept in touch with the changes in society. He spoke in modern English, which admittedly was helpful. However, the knowledge of how things had changed meant Padriag was constantly complaining about the lack of amenities in this realm.

After a knock on the door, Fritz and the ever present two women entered the room. “Good morn gentlemen. I have fresh clothing for you to wear when greeting my princesses. Once you have completed your morning ablutions, I will accompany you to the throne room.”

The women walked out and returned with bowls of warm water and cloths; then they walked out.

“I will be right outside,” Fritz announced with a wide grin, he walked out and closed the door.