“I’ve only been there a couple of times. The roaster thing does smell really good when it’s running. And I liked the little cookies that came with the drinks.”
“Quality,” Rylana assured her.
“They used to have a sexy half-orc male who worked there. When he delivered my cookies, they were extra delicious.” Zalani smiled slyly at Rylana.
“The next time I’m over there, I’ll mention the need for more sexy male servers.”
“Just tell them to bring that one back. He was seven feet tall and very fit. He played sports to take out the aggressive urges from his orc side but also attended the university and was studying to be a healer. He wore spectacles. So dreamy.” Zalani clasped a hand to her chest. “I wonder if he finished his studies and is practicing in the city.”
“Do you feel a malady developing that requires the attention of a healer?”
“Maybe.”
Jildarin, who hadn’t stopped gazing toward the ceiling, said, “Wewillgo to the elven enclave.”
“To research the troll gods and the history of Tranquility or to see if any plant masters have openings in their spring schedule?” Rylana asked.
“Both important missions may be accomplished. Meanwhile, the half-elf—Zalani—may continue looking for troll recipes,especiallyancientandtraditionaltroll recipes that call for rye. If their gods are like the gods of the other lesser species, appropriate offerings may appease them.”
“I know they appeaseme.” Rylana waved a goodbye to Zalani, hoping she was pleased that Jildarin might start using her name going forward, and followed him out of the kitchen.
They left through the front door of the diner, but Rylana halted abruptly when she spotted two elves in green cloaks standing in front of the coffee shop. Alarm swept into her since she’d just left Sylin inside. Was she still there? Or had she seen the elves coming and slipped out the back?
One had his hands clasped over his pointed ears while casting glares at a nearby pillar, which continued to send its resonant alarm gongs through the city. A gnome in overalls crouched next to an access panel, a toolbox at his side. It was open, and he held a wrench, but he looked more frustrated and perplexed than enlightened as he studied wires and a glowing orb inside.
The second elf nudged his comrade and pointed toward the rooftop of the coffee shop. They must have figured out that Sylin sometimes consumed her beverages up there.
“Let’s go out the back.” Rylana didn’t think they’d noticed her yet and pointed through the diner toward the storeroom exit.
But Jildarin put a hand on her sleeve while pointing at the elves. “That is not necessary. An escort has arrived to take us to the enclave.”
“I don’t think they’re here for us.”
Even as she spoke, the elf considering the roof turned to look at them. His eyes narrowed, recognition in them, as his gaze settled on Rylana. Tranquility ribbons tied the bow and quiver on his back, but that didn’t keep her from wanting to trot off in another direction.
Jildarin released her arm and strode toward them.
“Lord Dragon,” the elf less bothered by the noise said. “It is always an honor to see you.”
“Yes,” Jildarin stated.
“But you do, considering that you and your kin fought in the Ore War, keep strange company these days.” The elf pointed at Rylana.
“To find a quality bookkeeper, one must be agreeable to considering applicants from all of the lesser species,” Jildarin said. “Even those of extremely dubious backgrounds.”
“Have I mentioned how delightful it is when you stick up for me to them?” Rylana wasn’t even sure that was what he was doing.
“You have,” Jildarin said. To the elves, who both faced him now, though the sensitive one winced with every gong round, he added, “I require that you take us to the elven enclave. We seek a plant master.”
“And a librarian.” Rylana wondered how the warriors would respond to a dragonrequiringthings of them. “Ideally, a very old one,” she added.
The elves blinked and exchanged looks at the request. Maybe shewasstrange.
“Lord Dragon, the enclave is not accepting visitors at this time. We are preparing for the arrival of someone of great importance.”
“Queen Fareesa from the southern core of the elven kingdom,” Jildarin said. “We are aware, but we do not seek an audience with her.”
“Our plant masters are very busy preparing for her and her entourage. So are the librarians. We all are.”
