Page 128 of The Demon's Discovery
The relief from the staff was palpable, though nobody said a single word.
Ris emerged from the pantry with several bottles clutched to his chest. “Glasses?” he asked.
“Of course, of course.” A woman scuttled to a cabinet and retrieved them, rushing past us through a door that connected the kitchen to a broad dining room.
She set the glasses out on the table, helping him set bottles down one at a time so they wouldn’t break.
“We’ll bring you all something in just a moment,” she was wide-eyed as she took in the size of Magnus, the rejuvenated king, and three demons. Even Calla and I were tall compared to most.
“This was a brew my father made specifically for my mother. She loved apricots, so he added them to the mash. He hated it.” Ris smiled as he poured. “But she loved it. So naturally, he insisted every barrel from that year be her recipe. She preferred wine, so we were left with a cellar full of her special ale that nobody else was allowed to drink.”
“This is miles better than the swill we drank at the Empty Cask. Tasty!” Seir exclaimed, eyes bright as he proceeded to drink half his glass in one go.
“One of the best I’ve ever had,” Magnus said, glass raised high.
In truth, it was something I could happily enjoy, and I didn’t even like most ale. “It’s delicious.”
“I don’t know how to properly thank you,” Ris said, eyes drifting to the table. “Any of you.”
“You would have done the same,” Vassago said.
“Yes. I would have.” Ris nodded. “You are all welcome to stay as long as you like. Clean up, eat, sleep. I have much to sort out here. A hundred years of Vos’s deceit, lies, and tyranny.”
Seir had already made a quick trip to the tavern to tell Pol and the lingering townspeople that King Ris Sylvanus himself had been restored to the throne.
My energy flagged as we ate the rich stew the kitchen staff served, drank ale, and Ris told us some of the many transgressions Vos had committed while he was wasting away in the cellar under the manse.
“That’ll be my first stop. That house needs cleansed.”
“I’ll stay,” Seir said happily. “Assuming you can get me back home when we’re done.”
“Appreciated,” Ris smiled. “If your doorway has closed, we’ll find you another.”
A lull fell over us all as the food settled, the ale creating a comforting warmth. Vassago’s hand ran through my hair as my eyes became unbearably heavy.
“Sleep, Dragonfly. You’re safe.”
After everyone got some rest,a little more food, and a thorough cleaning up, we flew to the woods where Seir’s portal awaited. The people of Everwood had arrived in droves to the palace, demanding an audience with their king. Ris was needed by others, and we had to get home ourselves.
“So, are you going to stay? Or will you go? The door is always open, either way.” Ris asked Belmont, the bird perched on his shoulder, plucking through Ris’s hair. “I do always miss you when you’re gone, but I appreciate you keeping an eye on her more than you know, old friend.” Belmont blinked several times and made a low keening noise before flying back out into the night.
“What does that mean?”
“I’m not sure. I think he’s undecided about where he wants to be.”
“Well, if he’s at my window demanding treats in the morning, I suppose we’ll have our answer.”
Ris laughed. “It’s Mother’s fault he does that. She spoiled him rotten.” Vassago grunted in response to that, his frustrated amusement where Belmont was concerned endearing. Ris hugged me tightly. “I have much to repair here. I hate to leave you again, Libelle, but I must stay, and you must go. I’ll visit when I can, though. And you’re always welcome here. This isyour kingdom, too, such as it is right now. I have much to share with you, to teach you.”
“I’d like to come back, one day soon. That may be safer for you.”
He nodded slowly, regret in his face. “Yes, you’re probably right. But once everything is stable again, and I’m sure I can trust someone in my absence, I’ll be searching for Rowan. I need to know what happened to her.”
I could only nod. The prospect of having a father I could visit was such an unexpected development, I couldn’t even conceptualize also finding my mother.
“Our resources are open to you, King Ris,” Magnus offered, the honorific leaving Ris to clutch at his chest in a gesture of gratitude. “Vos’s response leaves me with hope that Rowan can be found, and I want nothing more.”
“The doors to Everwood are always open to you all, and I will share all that I’m able.”
