The D'Karon Apprentice by Joseph R. Lallo Read Free Book Online

these, she will be joined by the two nobles best
versed in Tresson affairs. My father will be helping you, Ivy.”
    “He will?” Ivy squealed, leaning aside to
place a hand on the man’s arm. “I can’t wait! We’ve been in the
city together for so long, and we’ve shared so many meals, but you
hardly talk. I hardly know you. This will be a lovely way to get to
know each other.” She eagerly snatched up the notes regarding her
tour when Deacon offered them. “The distillery and brewery from
Caya’s family?” She bounced happily. “I’ve never been there! Do you
think they’ll let me sample some more wine when I’m there. I’d love to try some of their ice cider. And we’ll be spending
time along the coast. It is so beautiful there! Oh! The
first day is right here in New Kenvard. Can we have a big dinner? A
banquet?”
    “I believe it would be expected of us,”
Myranda said.
    “Eliza!” Ivy called out, just as the cook
emerged with a final plate.
    “Calm yourself, Ivy. You needn’t shout,” she
said, setting the plate down before Ether.
    “I do not eat,” Ether said, pushing the plate
forward.
    “Nonsense. Everyone eats,” Eliza said,
tipping her head to the side. “Now what did you want, Ivy?”
    “We’re going to throw a banquet for Tressons!
And you need to make pies and cakes…”
    “I do not eat ,” Ether repeated,
pushing the plate away again.
    “You are a guest in this home, Guardian
Ether. It would be rude not to feed you. And you look just this
side of death,” Eliza said, pushing the plate back. “A good meal
will do you good.”
    “… and cobblers!” Ivy continued in
excitement. “Apple and blueberry and strawberry…”
    “Slow down, Ivy. What’s this, the Tressons?
Coming here? Did we invite them?”
    “They invited themselves,” Greydon said
sternly.
    “I think it is an excellent sign,” Deacon
said, turning to him. “Opening communication and sharing knowledge
is always a fine way to build a lasting peace.”
    Ether’s face was becoming increasingly stern
as the conversation grew louder and more vigorous.
    “I suppose I’d best make a list of
ingredients I’ll need then,” Eliza said. She turned back to Ether,
nudging the plate forward again. “Surely you could at least try it.
If you don’t like it, I would be glad to prepare something else. I
refuse to let a guest go hungry in this house.”
    Ether stood, a flare of wind accompanying her
motion, causing the flames of the lamps to flicker. “ I do not
eat! Listen to my words, human! I do not require, nor do I
desire, the seared flesh and softened plants that you seem
insistent in foisting upon me.” The rest of the conversation
silenced as all eyes turned to her. She snatched up the book from
the table. “I will perform this demeaning task for you, but only on
the condition that upon its completion you promise not to summon me
again unless you are certain the D’Karon or some other threat worthy of my attention has arisen!”
    She turned to the door and threw her hand
down, prompting a gale that heaved it open, then stormed outside. A
second gust pulled it shut behind her.
    For a moment silence lingered in the
room.
    “And meat pies, too,” Ivy said, turning back
to Eliza. “Those ones with the beef and the onions and the
carrots…”
    “If you’ll excuse me,” Myranda said, looking
to the door with concern.
    She stood, leaving Ivy to continue to plan
out the rest of the menu.
    When Myranda stepped outside, Ether was still
walking along as a human, fist clenched tightly about the book.
    “Ether,” Myranda called, hurrying to her and
bearing down a bit against the sharp drop in temperature from
inside to out. “You are… shorter of temper than normal. And Eliza
is right, you do look exhausted. Is there something
wrong?”
    “ Is there …” the shapeshifter began
sharply. She paused to gather herself, then continued somewhat more
calmly. “How do you do this, human? The noise and commotion?