Chapter 19 – A Dinner and Discussion
The dinner at the Hogling Arms had been a resounding success. The newly completed function room was full to the brim and had been transformed into the perfect reception area. The centre piece was a grand table that had been constructed to fit perfectly down the centre of the room. At the head of the table, Zigferd had sat alongside the Chancellor, with all other essential members of the township in attendance. The table was draped with the finest linen and perfectly crafted silver cutlery. Kerys, Holly and the many others who had helped her had outdone themselves, serving a multi-course feast from the amazing hands of Floretta. Fresh hogling, pheasants, and various fish freshly caught that morning from the lake, alongside the juiciest vegetables that were grown around the town. Everything had been seasoned to perfection, which was expected from someone as skilled as Floretta.
The chancellor had been so impressed with the spread that he had even gone to the kitchen to thank her directly. Floretta, who was not one for attention, had stammered and spluttered in response, and SJ had been pretty sure that her skeletal face had flushed with embarrassment.
The chancellor had held the attention of all at the table as the evening had worn on; he had appeared genuinely relaxed, listening to the stories from Zigferd, Alice and many of the village elders who had attended. It was a far cry from the daily political turmoil and challenges Asterfal presented. Laughter had echoed through the room, and for several hours, the weight of the recent events that SJ had felt had drifted into the shadows of her mind: the quest, the explosion and the ominous presence of Fas's black book.
The highlight of the evening had been stolen by Petunia, who, without any premise, had taken it upon herself to announce Zigferd and Isavil's news about the twins. Zigferd had almost spat his ale across the table when she had stood up and taken centre stage. Every pair of eyes was focused on her as she spoke. The announcement had been met with such an uproar of celebration that SJ had been surprised the inn's very foundations hadn't shaken apart.
It only came to light after the main meal, when the beings mingled and chatted, that Isavil had given Petunia permission to announce the news. Knowing even if she hadn't, that Petunia wouldn't have been able to resist.
As they had eventually left the inn and SJ had escorted the chancellor back to the Wanderer's Rest, the night was broken by the beautifully lit pathway that led along the forest's edge. It wasn't just the light from the lanterns that stood on poles along the track, but also the luminescence that many of the plants now held at night after Aletheia had performed her mana alignment tasks.
Aletheia hadn't been in attendance herself. She wasn't one for any form of socialising, spending hours keeping herself to herself with Lythonian at the church, where they spent hours discussing mana and its properties. Dave had insisted on being in attendance initially after the battle for Killic, but over the coming months, he had learned nothing new that could help him understand how she was able to do what she did. Her position and the uncertainty she created remained a constant headache for the system. SJ was none the wiser about how her own life was supposed to have influenced her initial appearance, although Aletheia would often remind her that she was the reason, never detailing why.
The walk back to the lodging was a quiet and contemplative affair. The chancellor, full of good food and a fairly large intake of wine, walked along humming to himself, only occasionally commenting about the luminescence from the flora. He paused as they reached the entrance to the graveyard, where those who had fallen defending Killic lay. The stoic statues of Orik and Ballentine provide their protection.
"I remember Ballentine," the chancellor said casually, looking fondly at the dwarf's statue.
"You knew him?" The comment surprised SJ.
"Yes. He had a long history before he moved to Killic. Not just across the wider continent, but he also spent time in Asterfal. I remember my early days as a junior council member, when I was terrified of him. He used to run the tower guard and was a stickler for the rules. The gods forbid if you ever forgot your token of proof," the chancellor chuckled.
SJ hadn't known Ballentine had ever even worked in Asterfal, the history of so many of the beings still unknown to her.
"I never knew," SJ said, feeling frustrated that she still knew so little about so many.
"Ah, Zigferd performed his usual trick of talking him into coming to Killic. That lycan can be very persuasive when he wishes."
SJ smiled at the comment. Zigferd was indeed a very skilled diplomat, SJ having witnessed his ability to defuse and resolve many problems with apparent ease at times. If only they all knew how uncertain he was about his own ability behind closed doors. To SJ, she had come to know and love him like a surrogate father, his weaknesses making him the strong being he was.
As they continued down the path, the chancellor spoke. "It's a remarkable thing you have helped build here in Killic, SJ," his voice soft and soothing. "You have such a strong community, I could see that this evening. Not once was there a sign of contempt or bitterness; every being felt genuine and open. I only wish Asterfal were the same. Sitting in a tower, running reports and looking at figures, never paints the picture on the streets, as I know only too well, amid the continuing political angst. To walk among the streets here in Killic and see the genuine love that the beings hold for the town is refreshing."
"Thank you, Chancellor," SJ said, her voice quiet. "We do have our problems, but not on the scale of Asterfal. As the town continues to grow, the challenges it brings grow as well. Although Killic will always be my home, it is where my family is."
The chancellor smiled at the family's comment. "Indeed, you have found your family here in Killic. You are respected by so many, a feat unheard of by so many fae."
The comment reminding SJ she was a fae cut a little; her kind was still shunned by so many, although no being in Killic would ever be stupid enough to say anything against her. She had proven her worth a hundred times over with what she did for the township.
"I am only ever me," SJ said, smiling.
The chancellor returned the smile, nodding his head in understanding. "Your trip to Asterfal was a success? Guild business, I assume?" he asked.
The question threw her, as she hadn't expected the chancellor to even know she had been there.
"Erm, yes, I suppose. It was informative at least."
"I see. Hopefully nothing too problematic," the chancellor replied, with a hidden understanding. Although SJ kept her guild life away from the tower and the city politics as much as she could, the chancellor still knew she was an assassin and that she worked for the guild. After the time she spent resolving the city's issues and serving as a confidante to the chancellor, her secret life remained, but those who needed to know did, though they were a very select few.
"I'm not sure yet," SJ replied openly. "I still have to look into the matter."
"I see."
Kibble let out a snore from where he was curled up around her neck. She lifted her hand and gently petted him.
"That pet of yours still amazes me," the chancellor said.
"Why?" SJ asked.
"Miniature wyvern to even succeed on a bonding is rare, and yet you have succeeded where many have failed and flourished. They only ever bond with those of a true heart. I am looking forward to seeing what he has achieved with this flight you have established."
SJ spun the ring on her finger that the chancellor had given her. "I'm sure your gift helped."
The chancellor glanced at her hand. "Perhaps, but a ring doesn't change you."
SJ felt warmth in her cheeks. They continued in silence for several moments, the brightly lit exterior of the Wanderer's Rest clearly visible in the distance. Its warmth drew them towards it like fireflies to a light.
As they reached the entrance, the chancellor thanked the guards who had escorted them. They had remained at a distance, not intruding on their private conversation, but near enough to act if anything had happened. Not that SJ had any concerns that anything might. You could never be too careful, though, with such an exclusive visitor.
"I must bid you good evening," the chancellor said as he collected his suite key from the desk, where Fhyliss was. "I have some unfinished work that I must attend to after the latest incident. I am due to speak to Alec."
SJ frowned. "Sorry?"
The chancellor looked at her and smiled wryly. "I know you were there. I have received the initial reports about the explosion."
SJ felt as though a lance of ice had been placed against her back. She flinched. "I wasn't sure if you were aware of the problem?"
"Yes. It was communicated to me as soon as it happened. I am awaiting the initial reports of the investigation."
"I see," SJ said, the shock at the explosions' mention sending her nerves on edge. "I will wish you a good evening, and I hope the information you receive gives you the answers you seek."
"So do I. I will see you for breakfast. If the food is anything like this evening's fare, I will be looking forward to it."
"You won't be disappointed," SJ smiled as she bowed politely.
The chancellor chuckled. "You don't need to bow," he said as he turned and made his way up to his suite.
As soon as the chancellor was out of earshot, Fhyliss started. "How was it? Did everything go as expected?"
SJ smiled at her friend. "It was perfect; your mum, Holly and Floretta would have made you proud."
Fhyliss let out a sigh. "Thank the gods. I have been so nervous. I nearly shut up and came down to check on everything."
"Ha. You had nothing to worry about. Right, I'd better get some sleep myself. We have a busy few days ahead of us."
"Yes. I will be locking up as soon as the last stragglers return."
When SJ and the chancellor had left, several of his party had remained at the inn, joining the townsfolk in the main common room and listening to Ptolemy, who had been performing on the stage. "Hopefully, they won't be too long. Also, while I remember, I am hiring a helper. You can't do this all by yourself."
Fhyliss frowned. "What? I'm fine."
"No. You need help; you can't be expected to do everything yourself. I insist. Alice is speaking to a member of the barracks' staff to come and support. I won't listen to you stating anything other," SJ said before Fhyliss could complain.
"Who is it?"
"Mrs Harding."
"Oh, Bethany," SJ watched Fhyliss's face relax.
"You know her?"
"Yes. I know Bethany well. She was always a regular at the Hogling Arms. She has known Mum for a long time."
"That's great to know. Alice said she used to work in hospitality."
"Yes. She is lovely," Fhyliss smiled.
"That's great to hear then. Right, I need some sleep," SJ said, stifling a yawn. "I'll see you in the morning."
SJ awoke to Kibble nuzzling her ear. She had been so tired by the time she had got to the suite she hadn't even opened the balcony doors.
"Come on, I need to go," Kibble complained.
SJ sat groggily before untangling from the sheets and opening the balcony to Kibbles' immediate relief as he shot out of the door.
"Morning," Dave said cheerily. "Last night appears to have gone down a hit."
'Yeah. I think everyone had a wonderful time,' SJ thought as she threw water on her face to freshen up.
"We have a full day ahead of us with all the activities planned."
'Very. I am really looking forward to the chancellor and his entourage being introduced to the wyvern.'
Dave chuckled. "Let's hope Rasper behaves."
'I'm sure Kibble will make sure he does.'
The warmth of the early morning sun streamed in through the large windows on the top floor of the Wanderer's Rest. Her suite took up almost half of the floor and wasn't just a bedroom. She had a living room, a bathroom, a storeroom, and even a space for tailoring. The other half of the top floor was a private suite where Fhyliss now lived. SJ walked through to the living room, her dress was discarded on the sofa, where she had undressed as she approached the bedroom. Picking it up, she pulled it on, its perfect material falling around her with its soft, silken texture smooth against her skin. She changed its design from the brilliant original green of the previous evening to a dark blue and adjusted its length. She really had little need for any other clothes, and in the bedroom, she did have a wardrobe that had stood half-empty for so long.
Kibble came flying through from the bedroom.
"Are you ready?" Kibble asked.
"You can't be that hungry after the amount of food you ate last night?"
Kibble landed on the sofa's arm and stood proudly. "I always have room for Floretta's feasts."
SJ chuckled at her companion. "Let's go then. It will soon be time to escort the chancellor."
They made their way down to the ground floor. Several beings were already up and moving around, and upon reaching the foyer, SJ spotted the chancellor sitting in one of the large armchairs, talking to the head of the guard who had accompanied him.
SJ didn't interrupt and approached the bar area, where the bittersweet smell of coffee wafted.
"You must have been up early?" SJ asked Fhyliss.
Her friend smiled. "Morning. No earlier than usual. Are you going to feed the lizards this morning?"
"I'd better have it before we go out. I don't think Jay will have the time to do it today."
SJ lifted the mug Fhyliss had poured for her, sniffing the coffee and letting out a deep sigh.
The guard and the chancellor stood and bowed before leaving. SJ walked over to greet him.
"Good morning. I hope you slept well?" SJ asked.
The chancellor turned towards SJ. "I did thank you; very pleasant. The bed was exceedingly comfortable; I didn't want to get out of it."
That news made SJ smile. Their aim was to make the Wanderer's Rest a home away from home with the luxury and comforts any guest would wish for.
"Would you like to accompany me to feed the lizards?" SJ asked, uncertain of the chancellor's response.
"I had forgotten about the lizards with all the talk about the wyvern. Yes, let's do so."
SJ led the chancellor out into the rear area of the lodging house, walking through the pristinely manicured gardens to the fenced enclosure at the far end. As SJ approached, she heard them before she saw the first head appear over the fence, followed by several others. The large, wide faces of the lizards rested as their tongues tasted the air.
"Morning," SJ said to them as she approached. Kibble was busy chasing a beetle that had disappeared into a nearby bush as the chancellor came to a dead stop, seeing the size of the beasts.
"They are an impressive sight."
"They are gentle giants unless they meet someone of a dark alignment. Ever since Aletheia purified them, they won't have anything to do with any being who isn't at least neutral alignment."
The chancellor nodded in understanding as he slowly approached. SJ opened the gate and entered the large paddock area, immediately getting nudged by one of the lizards as she moved towards the feeding shed. "Be patient. Pushing me won't get me there any faster," SJ complained.
The chancellor hadn't entered the paddock and stayed on the far side of the fence watching as SJ removed several hogling haunches and gave them to the lizards, before leaving the pasture again. The paddock fence was aesthetic; the lizards could easily get over it if they wished, but they never did.
"Well, that was a first seeing lizards being fed," the chancellor said as SJ secured the gate behind her.
"They would eat much more if they were given the chance to."
"I thought that they allowed riders on them. I'm surprised that they aren't being used as part of the town's defences."
"They can be saddled, if necessary, but there are few who can ride them. Only those of good alignment may do so. For the most part, though, they stay in the paddock and seem happy with their home."
The chancellor nodded in understanding as they walked back to the entrance.
"I hope you got the update you wished for last night," SJ said.
The chancellor didn't reply immediately and then let out a sigh. "It wasn't as hopeful as I had wished. Alec is still none the wiser as to who was behind it as yet, although they do have some ideas they are following up."
"I see. I only saw a cloaked being fleeing the scene and couldn't even tell you what race they were. I hope you can get to the bottom of the attack."
"I'm sure we will in time," the chancellor replied.
When they returned inside, the rest of the chancellor's party were present, and SJ escorted them to the Hogling Arms for breakfast.
