“I’m coming in,” I announced before swinging the door open.
I paused at a clattering above, frozen in my tracks just as a bucket of ice-cold water fell from the ceiling. I stood there inhaling sharply, as the frozen water soaked into my hair. My blood seethed, but I impelled myself to remain calm. After all, they were just children acting out against their absent dad, looking for attention.
I wouldn’t hold it against them.
For now, at least.
The giggling girls were falling over laughing at my misfortune.
“That was so funny,” I fake-laughed with them. “How about we do some learning now that we’ve got that out of our system?”
Megan and Eliza composed themselves and strutted over to a table beside the window. Books were scattered across the tableand piled on the windowsill. I glance at open workbooks with sloppy handwriting.
They like games, so I would incorporate that into their learning. Elana learned better when I made a game out of it, maybe these girls will follow a similar method. Following them to the table, Megan pulled out a chair for me to sit on.
Manners, good to know they are in there somewhere.
A booming croak made me jump out of my skin as I was about to sit. On the chair was a very large, warty toad. Shuddering, I had hurried out of the room and downstairs.
Myles almost keels over laughing at my tale.
“It’s not funny,” I grumble at him.
“You’re right, it’s not, I’m sorry,” he says, wiping tears from his face. “Will you go back? There are other options.”
“Oh no, I’ll go back. I’m not scared of them, and they need to know that,” I say, picking up a piece of bread, biting it off angrily. “I just need to figure out the best way for them to listen.”
Myles couldn’t stop chuckling. “At least he paid you for today, he must not expect you back.”
Unlucky for them, I was stubborn and wouldn’t let them get the better of me. It will take more than a toad to scare me away. And after all, we’re only staying a few days, and the extra coins would be handy for the rest of our journey. I’m positive I can hold off. Sipping my tea, I ask, “How was your day? Certainly better than mine.”
“Infinitely better,” he said. “The smith’s is quite busy. He works as a farrier too since there’s none near Cyvail. Henry was happy to have the help.”
I smile at him encouragingly, but it feels bitter. I shouldn’t resent Myles having a good day at work when mine was utterly horrible, and it is good to see him laugh.
Since Vendyl and dying, he has been distant, guarded, and this feels more like our old selves. Perhaps staying here coulderase the pain we have both suffered. Myles never wants to talk about what happened. I can’t imagine dying and being brought back to life was an easy feat, but keeping it all in, can’t be good.
The night draws in quickly as we climb up the stairs to our room. While Myles washes up, I pick up a paper with an interesting story on the front cover. But before I even read a word, a drawing tucked underneath catches my attention.
Checking Myles is still occupied, I pick up the drawing by the edges, trying not to smudge any detail. I recognise this face.
The pointed ears, the oval eyes. Why would Myles draw the Elven barmaid?
“What are you doing?” Myles says harshly.
Caught unawares, I accidentally drop the drawing on the ground. Turning to him shyly, I say, “Sorry, I was just reading the paper and saw it. Is that the elf downstairs?” I ask curiously.
Myles’ face softens, “Yeah, it’s not often you come across an elf. I was inspired to draw her.” Picking up the drawing from the floor, he examines it. “I messed it up anyway,” he says, pointing to the side of her face where it looks smudged. He sets it on the desk and heads to bed.
I’m glad he’s drawing again. Back to himself.
I’ve been worried over nothing.
Everything is fine.
I wake before the sun has risen; a faint pink glow lighting up the sky. I surmised the girls would be in a kinder mood in the mornings, before their mischievous streak had woken. But it’s a little too early, so I wait in the quiet tavern, sitting in a corner booth for a more respectful time to appear at the house. Making sure to order a hearty breakfast to keep my strength up. With these girls, I’ll need it.
The sun arises from its slumber, engulfing the town in a captivating light, orange and yellow streaking through thewindow; creating a glistening path along the floor, glimmering off the glasses on the bar, creating a rainbow reflection on the walls.
