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physician had given him something to swish around his mouth and then spit. It tasted horrible,
but instantly, he d felt movement beneath his gums. He d been handed a miracle by a man
who d passed it off like it was a damp rag. They didn t even hurt now, and it d only been six
hours.
She shook her head and grinned impishly. I don t know how you survive. Can t even
heat mushrooms. Her voice was like velvet and silk with no accent to impede the enunciation
of her words.
He wheezed a small smile back. His shoulders dropped and he sighed. He found that
his shoulders weren t so tight anymore. Maybe it was because he d escaped with his life twice
in as many days or maybe it was merely the fact that Der wasn t around for the moment. He
would kiss the sandals of Ahtome if she could keep out of trouble. Somebody else usually
cooked. And it wasn t fancy food.
All Things Impossible Crown of the Realm Dalton 102
She chuckled. This isn t fancy. This is camp food. We have to feed everyone, not
astound them.
It s fancier than anything I ve ever eaten. He sighed again, picking up the spatula and
tried to be useful. I didn t know prisoners had to work.
She shuffled back to work too. You ve obviously never been a prisoner before. Up
close, her blue eyes were brighter than before. They were gems, and sparkled like a
sapphire s reflection. They weren t round like most people s eyes, instead they were multi-
faceted like a diamond. It begged the question of why the camp cook was presiding in his trial
with obviously high ranked nobility.
He liked the cook, he couldn t help it. She was the most beautiful face he d ever seen,
intelligent, more graceful than a doe. Yet, here she was, the camp cook.
He didn t know what to think of her. Of course, he never expected to find himself a
prisoner of a totally mythological race and then by elves. He didn t dare think about the events
of the past few days. He was here. He was alive.
He was also no journeyman blacksmith any more. He d wanted to be. While his best
friend had been dreaming of poems and ballads, he d quietly imagined, with extensive detail,
his own forge. He wondered what his wife would look like and if his children would look like
him. Riversbridge would be perfect, but Sigard worked there. However, there were a dozen
small villages that the only difference was the name. That was what he always wanted he told
himself.
He wasn t certain he d ever wanted a life where adventure tugged at the corner of his
soul. Not like Der, anyway. She never thought about things, she just charged ahead. It was
always left to him to think about things and pay
Attention to the food! The cook hurled several leaves of lettuce onto his head.
Kelin blinked stupidly. The mushrooms were burning again.
Sir Jakkobb glanced down at the lettuce ricocheting off his armor. So, supper will be
late then?
Ah. Kelin gently put down the spatula. How had such a large man walk up so quietly?
That defied reason, he thought.
What are you doing here, sir knight? the cook asked, brushing a thick curl from her
face.
The knight-captain grinned. Well, my lady, I just wanted to see what was for dinner.
Right, she replied. I was not expecting you, since you haven t taken the time to have
a conversation with me on this journey yet.
His grin froze. Uh. Now, my lady, a knight is always busy.
The cook rolled her sapphire eyes.
Kelin suddenly tried to focus on heating the mushrooms with all his might. But, the
dragoon saved him by slapping him on the back. As big as he was, he barely absorbed the
blow. So, how is this prisoner doing?
He grunted. I thought prisoners were supposed to be tied up and under guard.
The knight uncorked a huge grin. Not mine. They work. And, if you want to run away,
please, I m sure some animals in the Altice Domain could use a meal or two. He looked up
and down at the boy. Or maybe a whole week.
Hey
Speaking of working. He beckoned into the shadows.
All Things Impossible Crown of the Realm Dalton 103
From around a tree, Thalon inched toward them. His orange eyes roved nervously.
Jakkobb beckoned again, stronger this time. He said proudly, A dishwasher.
Thalon! Kelin dropped down to one knee.
Kelin! The boy tried to tackle his knees. Kelin!
The bigger man hugged him. I m so glad you re safe.
But, the red knight stuck me inside this tent and it was dark and I couldn t leave.
Jakkobb coughed. It was for your own good.
Well, you certainly could have left the child a lantern, the cook chided. She snatched
the boy s hands. Now, let s get you to work. You too, Kelin.
But
Now. She tapped a spoon against her hand. Her euphonious voice was in stark
contrast with her eyes, and Kelin ducked his head, took Thalon s hand and walked him over to
the makeshift cooking area.
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