They talked until dusk, keeping the conversation lighthearted. When Lee noticed the fading daylight, he called for Martin.
“Will you be dining here tonight?” Martin asked.
“No,” Lee answered. “Please inform Harlondo we will be at the Frog’s Wishbone.”
“I shall send for the coach, my lord,” he said, backing out of the room.
“We’ll stop by the tavern first and make certain all is well,” Lee told them. “Then Dina and I will make contact with her people.”
“Shouldn’t we all go?” Kaylia asked.
“I didn’t really want to take Lee,” Dina admitted. “The order is very secretive, and distrustful of outsiders. For me to bring one person may be a problem; if they see me with three others, things could get…complicated.”
“You two will wait for us to return, assuming all is well at the tavern,” Lee instructed. “Then, we’ll come back here to regroup.” They all agreed, though Kaylia still wanted to change her clothes.
Martin returned shortly after, to inform them that the coach awaited them downstairs. They thanked him and left.
Lee told Gewey to make certain he wore his sword. “It’s fashionable here,” Lee said as he dropped by his room to get his own. “As for the ladies…”
“I’m armed,’’ Kaylia assured him. “As is Dina.” Gewey tried not to think about where they had hidden their knives.
“We’re off then,” said Lee, and they all walked down to the waiting coach.
Chapter 28
When they arrived at the Frog’s Wishbone, Gewey was surprised to see that there were a dozen fine coaches parked out front. The building had clearly been renovated, though Lord Ganflin had left the old, faded sign depicting a frog with a wishbone in its mouth. Before they had a chance to exit the coach, the door flung wide to reveal Harlondo, smiling in at them.
“I was just about to head back to the manor to join you for dinner,” he said. “But I see that you’ve decided to join me instead.”
“Lord Ganflin recommended this place to us,” Lee replied as they stepped from the coach. “And since Martin informed us he owns it, we thought we should see it while we’re here.”
“He finds it to be prudent to have a place where old prejudices aren’t allowed,” Harlondo told them, glancing at Kaylia. “You’ll find that everyone is welcome here.”
Harlondo walked them in and instructed the barmaid to find them a good table. The tavern was by far the most elegant Gewey had ever seen, though of course he was no expert. Still, the floors were laid with solid stone tiles, and the sturdy wooden tables would have made anyone in Sharpstone proud. Fine lanterns hung from the ceiling, and the walls were decorated with beautiful oil paintings.
A marble fireplace had been built at the far end of the hall, and two leather couches had been placed on opposite sides. A lutist strummed lightly from the near corner, enthralling the small crowd gathered around. Looking around the room, they found they were by no means over-dressed; lords and ladies in fine dress were everywhere, and scattered among them were at least a half-dozen elves. The barmaid showed them to their seats, and Harlondo ordered a bottle of wine for the table. Lee spotted who he assumed was the innkeeper talking to a group of three elves near the fireplace.
“The food here is excellent,” Harlondo declared after the wine arrived. “Lord Ganflin is very particular when it comes to cuisine.” He looked at Kaylia and smiled. “They even serve elven dishes, if you’d like.”
Kaylia looked surprised. “Really? I haven’t had mint roast lamb in a while. I wonder if they have it.”
“They do indeed,” he answered cheerfully. “It’s a favorite here. In fact, if your friends have never tried it, I must insist they join you.”
“Unfortunately, Dina and I must leave shortly,” Lee replied. “But I would appreciate it if you would have some sent to the manor for us.”
Harlondo looked a bit disappointed. “I am sorry you won’t be able to join us. But I will see to it that you both have a dish awaiting you. Might I ask why you must leave? The nights are quite entertaining here, especially when the elves start singing-such magnificent voices they have.”
“Nothing of consequence,” Lee answered dismissively. “But I must attend to it before morning-a nuisance really.”
“I understand.”
Lee excused himself and spoke briefly to the innkeeper. “We must go,” he said when he returned. “We’ll be back soon.”
“Take your time,” Gewey told him. “I think I’ll have a fine time right here.”
“If you’re delayed, I’ll see them back to the manor,” Harlondo promised. “I have a carriage outside.”
Lee nodded in thanks, and he and Dina took their leave.
Harlondo took the liberty of ordering for the group, and they listened to the lutist as they waited for their meal.
“Greetings, sister,” said a tall elf who had seen them from the fireplace. He was dressed in a green ruffled shirt and pants with black buttons and had a long knife at his side. “I’m Drantolis. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Not at all,” Kaylia replied. “I’m Kaylia. This is Gewey and Harlondo.”
“Harlondo I know,” he said. “But you say you’re Kaylia? It is truly an honor to meet you.” He bowed low. “We have anticipated your arrival. Lord Broin says that Linis speaks very highly of you.”
“Is Linis here?” Gewey asked.
“No, I’m afraid not. He wanders the land, as Seekers do. We rarely see him. But Lord Broin sent word that you and the lovely Kaylia would likely come here. But where are your other companions?”
“Attending to some business,” Kaylia replied. She sounded uneasy.
Drantolis gave her a knowing look. “It’s strange the first time, speaking openly among humans. I still find it hard not to cloak myself. And the clothes are a bit difficult to get used to.”
Kaylia was suddenly aware of her all too human attire and blushed. “It
The elf scrutinized Kaylia for a moment. “They certainly know how bring out the beauty in a woman though,” he said with admiration. “Please, join us once you’ve eaten. The rest of my kin will be excited to meet you.”
Kaylia nodded, and the elf politely excused himself. Gewey felt a familiar twinge of jealousy that Kaylia immediately picked up on.
“At least something good has come from this evening so far,” she observed.
“And what’s that?” Gewey asked, trying not to sound upset.
“You get to feel as I have during our trip,” she replied, looking satisfied.
Gewey looked confused. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Don’t try to understand the fair sex, my lord,” laughed Harlondo. “It will only cause you grief. Just accept that they know more than you, and try to keep up as best you can.”
“Wise words,” Kaylia agreed with a smile.
The meal was very good. The mint lamb had a uniquely wholesome flavor that made Gewey think of spring.
More and more elves filed in as they ate, and he could tell by the wandering eyes that they had become a topic of discussion among both humans and elves alike.
When they had finished, Gewey was stuffed. He leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily.
“So what did you think of it?” Harlondo asked.
“As good as I’ve ever tasted,” Kaylia said, wiping the sides of her mouth with a napkin. “Thank you.”
Gewey only nodded and smiled with satisfaction.
“Wonderful,” Harlondo replied. “But if you will excuse me, I must attend to some business while I’m here. Looking after Lord Ganflin’s affairs takes constant vigilance. Might I suggest you join master Drantolis and his
