Page 181 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

“And we need to think about some sort of armor. Not like knights in shining type, but dude, a bulletproof vest might have gone a long way to preventing that bird from literally going straight into you. And… not to freak myself out completely here, but if it had hit me?”

“My worst nightmare would have come to pass. I will look into human armor. It will not work against magic, but a blunt force attack could be prevented.”

“I mean, look, I’m not going to leave the house dressed like I’m on some swat team or something all the time, but having a little extra insurance is probably a good idea. I’m freaked out enough by the giant sentient birds without thinking about how it was my idea to go up there completely unarmed and unprotected.”

Andvari arched a brow. “Unprotected?”

“You know what I mean. Yes, I had you and your mighty sword, and Draco and his dragon breath and body armor, but my person? A T-shirt wouldn’t have done much to help me. So… I think you should teach me. And Henry, too. I hope I’m never in another position where I have to fight like that, but let’s face it, that’s not likely. I don’t want to be helpless.”

Andvari held Sawyer a little closer. “Then I will teach you. After you eat.”

Sawyer’s stomach rumbled and he looked down at it like it had betrayed him. “Okay, tell me the truth. Can you hear it before it growls? Because Draco always knows and I want to know if there’s like advance warning or something. Some weird gurgle that I make that’s only heard by like… super ears or whatever.”

Andvari grinned. “You’re always hungry.”

“Ugh, that’s what he always says!”

“Come. Let’s see what Cecil has prepared for us today. The others will be rising soon, I’m sure.”

“Don’t count on it,” Sawyer said with a laugh. “I think Henry would come down here and get your sword and stab me with it himself if I tried to make him get up.”

“Our seer does prefer to sleep whenever possible.”

“Eduard will be up soon, though. I bet he’s going to get to work on the pool and stuff.”

Andvari huffed. “I don’t like leaving you so exposed.”

“I know, but if one of the guardians needs a salt water pool, then I want to get it ready as soon as possible. I feel like whatever is coming… well, I think we need all the guardians here. I’ll feel better once all the pieces are in place. I don’t have the full picture yet, you know?”

“I understand. We will make it happen.” Andvari led the way to the kitchen, where Cecil was busy putting another of his trays together.

“Morning, Cecil,” Sawyer said with a smile. “Smells yummy in here.”

“Good morning, Master Sawyer. I prepared you a restorative drink.”

Sawyer sighed and Andvari had to bite back a laugh.

“Cecil, buddy, I appreciate you more than you know. I swear I do, but do those drinks have to taste like you dug up something dead and marinated it in sewage?”

Cecil’s lips twitched, but he managed to keep his butler-cool. “I prefer to marinate in the blood of our enemies, sir. Shall I change to sewage?”

Sawyer burst out laughing as he accepted the small juice glass Cecil held out. “I suppose not. But I really don’t want to ask what is in this, do I?”

“Every butler has his secrets.”

Sawyer chugged the drink, then sat the empty glass on the counter. “Oh, that’s horrible.”

“Yes, sir. Brunch is almost prepared. Shall I serve in the dining room?”

“Nah,” Sawyer said. “The breakfast table will work. We don’t need that much space.”

Sawyer skipped around the counter and sat down on the floor beside Pearl. She was spread out on her dog pillow but raised her head happily at his approach.

Andvari glanced at Cecil, who was smiling at them both in a doting way. “It’s been a long time since you’ve had so many people to care for, isn’t it?”

Cecil smiled and turned his attention back to the breakfast tray. “It has. I believe I will take you up on your offer of assistance, though. I don’t want to leave Master Eduard’s estate too understaffed. The housekeeper there will manage fine in my absence, but I don’t want to leave her at a disadvantage. It is a large property with many valuables which require special handling.”

“I’m sure it’s a museum,” Andvari said. “Tell me what you need and I’ll bring some of my people in to assist. I trust them with my life, and with Sawyer’s.”