“Actually, yes. We think the troll gods are waiting for an offering.”
“Of bread?”
“Maybe a cake. Though most of these recipes are savory.” Rylana held up the troll cookbook, aware of Sylin watching her from across the attic. “Have you been to the ruins site on the knoll alongside the Icefang River east of the city? There’s an offering pedestal in there with a carving of the troll gods holding out their hands and rye stalks in the scene with them.”
Tassani gazed thoughtfully up at her. Was he debating if she was telling the truth? Or was he using some elven magic and trying to sense if Sylin was also in the area?
“Wethink,” was what he said and arched his eyebrows.
“My research partner and I. You met him in the enclave today. He’s in the diner, testing dishes on live trolls to see what appeals most to them.”
A bead of sweat ran down Rylana’s spine. She wassurethe captain’s elven magic would alert him to Sylin nearby. Might he even now be speaking telepathically with some of the warriors under his command?
“You could go over there if you’re hungry,” she said with a smile. “I’m sure Jildarin will feed you, even if it’s troll night instead of vegetarian elf-dish night.”
“I’ve heard about the soup he makes,” Tassani said dryly. “Is that what you’re suggesting?”
“He makes alotof things, but the dragon spices do add a lovely flavor to his soups. If you’re in the mood to feel randy, you should try them.”
Nervous for Sylin and flustered, Rylana couldn’t believe she’d said that. But if he was interested, being drugged by dragon spices could distract him from his duty of hunting down assassins.
Tassani tilted his head. “Usually, women I’m not in a relationship with don’t suggest dishes to make me randy.”
“You’re used to elven women. Human women are different.”
“Interesting.”
“Yes, we are.” Rylana smiled.
“Perhaps I will visit the diner to speak with the trolls. Even if my duty is not solving the curse, it is proving deleterious to the city as a whole. After you left, two platforms fell from the trees in the enclave.”
“You’re lucky that nothing has caught on fire yet. The troll gods really know how to throw a curse.”
“Indeed.” Tassani's gaze shifted to the rooftop of the coffee shop again, though it soon returned to the attic window. Sylin wasn’t making any noise—was she even breathing?—but he tilted one of his pointed ears toward the attic, as if he’d detected a second heartbeat.
“I’m studying cookbooks right now if you’d like to join me.”Rylana smiled again—she was smiling too often but couldn’t stop herself—and held up the title.
Face visible in the light of her lantern, Sylin’s eyes grew round.
“I’ve seen some of the items that come out of the bakery,” Tassani said. “My mother would chastise me if I went in there.”
“Do you still live with your mother?” Rylana had assumed the captain to be at least her age, but who knew with elves? He might have been three-hundred-something instead of thirty-something. Though the comment about his mother made her wonder.
“She’s next door to me,” Tassani said. “She was injured a few years ago and lives close now so I can keep an eye on her.”
“It sounds like she’s keeping an eye onyou.”
“On my dietary choices, at least.” Tassani nodded to her. “Good evening, Sergeant.” Apparently, he wasn’t ready to accept her as retired from military life.
Since he was leaving, Rylana didn’t correct him. As soon as he disappeared around the corner, she pulled the shutter closed and slumped against the wall.
“Youreallyneed to get out of the city,” she whispered to Sylin.
“I’m aware, but why did you invite him up here?”
“I wanted him to think I didn’t have anything to hide.Anyoneto hide.”
“And were youflirtingwith him?”
