Page 42 of The Storm of the Empire

“No ryder, remember? Not much use being a storm dragon if I can’t fulfill that side of it.”

“Don’t be so down on yourself—” I hesitated, but I had to, it was too easy. “Sparky!”

“Okay, that’s it.” She swiveled on the stairs, facing me with a menacing look despite being two steps down. Cute as a button. “Once more, and I’ll show you my spark.”

“I’m an unarmed fae. Don’t harm me." I held up my hands. “I prefer Goddess anyway.”

She gave me a flat stare. “Don’t start.”

Before I could say anything else she turned, satisfied, and continued on her way.

The temperature dropped a few degrees as we descended further into the ground, and we passed other rooms on the way down that seemed to be filled with plants. These must have been the indoor crops she was telling me about.

“Here,” Hazel handed me a few bottles to carry and then picked some up for herself.

“So what’s the plan?” I whispered, taking the opportunity while we were alone.

“What do you mean? We are having dinner.” She looked at me blankly as if she’d forgotten all the shit going on outside as soon as she was in the warm embrace of her home and family.

It was beautiful, really, and I envied it with everything in me. I almost didn’t want to burst her bubble. “I mean, are you going to try and get that book from your Mom’s office? Or talk to her about it?”

She looked contrite. “I don’t know.”

I felt for her. If I had this set up, I wouldn’t risk it either.

“Let’s just play it by ear,” I suggested.

She nodded, and we started back up to the house where we could hear chatter growing.

When we emerged from the cellar, the kitchen was buzzing. Hazel’s brothers were all here, so the priest thing could become an issue. I just had to hope for the best and stay vague. I was good at that.

Her mother had arrived while we were below, and I was struck by how alike they were. Both petit and yet powerful in a way that needed no explanation. They were warriors, it was clear.

“Mom, this is my friend, Luka,” Hazel said as she set down her bottles.

“Pleased to meet you,” I said, dipping my head in respect.

“Luka, welcome,” she said warmly. “I see you’ve become acquainted with my husband’s home brew store. Let me pour you a glass.”

It appeared that dinner was a revolving concept in their home. I’d assumed since Hazel had missed the meal while waiting out the storm with me, we would be treated to leftovers, but everyone sat for their share of the apparently legendary beet stew. It smelled just fine, but I had not had wonderful experiences with beets in the past.

On the compound, we were hungry more often than not, and when tough roots could be foraged, we relied on them heavily in the winter. To me, it was a last resort, and I had already started preparing to put on my best act of enjoying the dish when it was placed before me.

The smell was otherworldly, though, and I breathed it in as a basket full of warm bread was passed around. I took a chunk gratefully and passed it on, then followed the family’s lead as they raised hands to the Goddess in brief thanks for the meal.

Then the moment was upon me, and I had to try and swallow down the beets. I dipped the chunk. of bread in the bowl and took a bite, and flavor hit my senses in ways I never knew it could. It was spicy and warm but also fresh. I was impressed! I’d sworn to myself since finding myself in the First Kingdom that I would never eat beets again, but these were—well, Hazel was right. They were life changing.

I glanced at her beside me, and she flashed a knowing smile that said, ‘right?’ I just nodded my agreement and picked up the spoon.

The conversation flowed among the family, and I listened to their dynamic with interest. It was all so unfamiliar to me. My childhood meals were taken in silence, but I could tell this house was always loud.

Talk turned to the storm, and Rhoui asked Cal if they had lost any stones. My ears pricked up at that. “Stolen?” I asked, suddenly aware it was my first attempt to join the conversation, and all eyes were on me.

“Nah, we’re too good for that,” Cal winked. “He just means did any stones wander off.”

I frowned, more confused.

“When the storms are huge, like today, some of the lighter stones can be moved by the high winds or the occasional tornado. Sometimes, we have to go on a little hunt to get them all back to where they should be. It’s just part of the job.”

---