by Scott Baron
“Nonsense,” Leila said. “I only provided the raw ingredients. You made them into this delightful spread.”
Bawb and Hunze shared a glance, silently watching the exchange with amusement as they tucked into the feast. They were happy for the food, whatever its source, but when Charlie placed a bottle of wine on the table, their silence abruptly ended.
“Oh, and what have we here?” Bawb asked.
“Just a little something from our friend’s vineyards I’d been saving for a special occasion.”
“Charlie, we saw him only a few weeks ago,” Bawb said.
“Well, yeah. But do you know how hard it was to not open this? I mean, it’s good. Even in my time.”
“Careful,” Bawb warned, quietly. “Eyes and ears.”
Charlie looked around, but the serving staff was clear of the room. Still, Bawb was right. He needed to be careful. While dragons and maybe even a little magic might fly, time travel would likely get the new king and his friends burned at the stake.
“Right. Sorry,” he said, pulling the cork and pouring liberally for his friends.
“Oh, that’s delightful,” Leila cooed at her first sip. She poured a little on a saucer and placed it on the floor for Baloo, who merrily lapped up the treat.
“Hey! Wasting wine on the hound?”
“It’s not a waste, it’s Baloo!” she shot back. “And he’s not a hound. I’ve finally learned what a hound is, and Baloo is most definitely not one.”
Charlie grinned. “Fine. But at least give him the regular table wine. We don’t have too much of this. Get the pup drunk on the cheap stuff,” he joked.
Leila rolled her eyes, amused. “My baby deserves the best.”
“But as big as he’s gotten, he’ll drink us out of house and home in a week!”
“Now kids, play nice,” Bawb said.
The friends broke bread and made quick work of the first course before settling in to a more leisurely repast.
“So, Charlie. I rode out to the northern farms today,” Leila mentioned. “They’ve turned things around, and their crops are looking pretty bountiful, all things considered.”
“Obviously,” he replied, gesturing to the meal in front of them.
“Such kind people. In fact, as it got late, one even offered me and all of the men lodging if we did not wish to make the long ride back. He even offered me his own chambers.”
“Well, you are the queen,” Bawb said.
“Obviously. But still, it’s just nice, is my point.”
“Nevertheless, it is best if you return to the safety of the castle’s walls come nightfall. While things may have quieted down somewhat, there is still a potential threat brewing just across our borders.”
“Yeah, about that,” Charlie interjected. “I was thinking. Maybe we head over there with Ara. Give them a little show of force, courtesy of our kickass dragon. That, and maybe a well-placed spell or two from one of our slaaps might be enough to convince them we are not an easy target.”
“I do not think that would be a wise idea. If we give them the excuse of what could be perceived as an aggressive act, they could use that to perhaps try to rally other kingdoms to their aid against us.”
“Even though they’re the ones acting aggressively?”
“Yes. They haven’t invaded.”
“Not yet, anyway.”
“That is true. Not yet. But until they do, these little skirmish parties can be written off as rogue men, and not enough to justify a military response. This world, backwards as it is at times, does have a fairly well-defined code of conduct for these situations.”
“Until they’re ignored,” Charlie added.
“Well, obviously.”
“Right. Then we all just need to be extra careful out there when we leave the castle. That goes for all of us,” he reluctantly agreed.
“I have Baloo, Charlie,” Leila said. “I’ll be fine.”
“I am the Geist,” Bawb said with a rare, cocky grin.
“Yes, yes. We all know who you are, Bob. And I have Ara,” Charlie said. “We’re all badasses, okay?”
“I am not,” Hunze quietly said. “I possess no skill in fighting. I’ve tried to learn, but it just does not come naturally to me.”
“Perhaps not. But you have me,” Bawb said, a fiercely protective look in his eye.
Charlie had seen the man in action. In real action. Heaven help anyone foolish enough to lay a finger on his golden-haired friend.
“Bob will keep you safe, Hunze. But I think until we get things sorted with our aggressive neighbor to the west, perhaps it’d be best if you stayed in the castle walls. No sense tempting fate, after all.”
“A regrettable, but wise suggestion,” Bawb said.
They sat quietly a moment, each of them in thought at what might happen if such circumstances actually did arise.
“I’ll be back in a moment,” Hunze said, scurrying off.
“Is she okay?” Leila asked. “I hope we didn’t scare her with all of that.”
“I’m sure she’s fine,” Bawb said. “She is a gentle spirit. Our more violent tendencies sometimes unsettle her, is all.”
“But she’s good?”
“Yes, Charlie. She’s good. Remember, it’s not only this world that is new to her. Freedom is something she’d never had before we found her.”
“Before you did, you mean. You saved her, dude. That’s pretty huge.”
The Wampeh blushed slightly. For a man so entirely in control of himself, it was telling.
Before the deadly assassin could be properly ribbed about his reaction, Thomas stepped into the room carrying a festive cake, Hunze following close behind.
“What’s this?” Charlie asked. “What’s the occasion?”
“The occasion is a celebration of your friendship, Sire,” he replied. “A sweet reminder of the bond between you all.”
“Wow. That’s a really beautiful gesture,” Leila said.
Baloo’s nose twitched, his curious eyes coming to rest on the treat.
“Okay, Baloo. You get a piece too.”
“There’s no chocolate in that, is there?” Charlie asked.
“What is ‘chocolate,’ Sire?”
“Right. Too soon for that to be here.”
Thomas sliced the cake, plating a generous piece for each of the diners, as well as one for their furry companion.
“Here’s to us, then,” Charlie said, taking a big bite. “Oh, this is fantastic!”
“Yes, a most wonderful treat,” Bawb added. “My compliments to the chef.”
Thomas grinned broadly, but his eyes were fixed on Hunze. The others turned to look at her. The golden-haired woman’s smile was radiant.
“Uh, should we know something?” Charlie asked.
“Aye, Sire. I did not bake this cake. It was made by your friend, here. Hunze made it all, from start to finish.”
“With your help, Thomas,” Hunze said, gratefully.
“I only watched. You did all of the work.”
Bawb seemed to glow with pride. “You made this?”
“Yes.”
“Hunze, this is marvelous!”
“Really?”
“Yes. On my honor, it is truly delicious!” Bawb said, almost glowing with pride.
“Thomas, thank you for helping our friend,” Leila said.
“It was my pleasure.”
“You must sit with us and have a slice,” Charlie said.
Bawb flashed him the quickest of looks.
“Oh, thank you, Sire. An honor indeed. But perhaps I should just take my piece back to the kitchen.”
“Uh, of course. And take some for the rest of the staff. I’d love for everyone to see what a talented baker Hunze has become.”
“I’ll bring a taste to the others, then. Thank you, Sire. Most generous.”
Thomas carried his portion to share with the kitchen workers, leaving the friends to wind down their evening with laughter, banter, and the warm embrace of g
ood company.
They all felt good, having come so far and surviving so much. And now, finally, after months and months on this strange world in this unlikeliest of time, they had finally made this place home.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The friends had stayed late in the dining hall, sharing laughter and wine. Even Hunze, who was normally a bit reserved and unsure of herself, seemed to come out of her shell. By the time they all said their goodnights and left for the staff to finish cleaning the room, their spirits were quite high.
“Oh, I met someone you know earlier,” Leila said as they walked to the royal chambers.
“You’ll have to be more specific. I know a lot of people these days, it seems.”
“Braggart,” she said, slapping his arm playfully. “This one stands out. Huge man, works out in the fields over by––“
“Ah, the tax collector’s assistant. Yeah, you’re right. He does stand out. Massive guy, that one. You didn’t have any trouble with him, did you? He seemed to be on a good––“
“No, nothing like that. He actually asked me to thank you for what you did.”
“Oh? Well that’s surprising. Then, I guess he’s doing okay over there? I’ve been meaning to check in on him.”
“Better than okay, from what he says. He was lending his muscle to a neighboring farmer when I met him. He seemed so at peace. So happy with what he was doing.”
Charlie looked quite pleased with that bit of news. “You know, I was hoping he would take to the new job. I mean, it was a punishment, obviously, and his former boss was a lost cause.”
“The one you have working with Gwen, cleaning the castle?”
“That’s the one. Nasty temperament, that man. He actually enjoyed being the tax collector. But the other one––“
“Clay.”
“Yeah. Clay. He seemed like more of a victim of circumstances, you know? Just because he was the biggest guy around, he sort of got pulled into a job without having a say in it. I mean, a man that size? It’s only natural he’d be snatched up for hired muscle.”
“And now he’s farming, and quite happy about it.”
“I’m thrilled. People should be given the opportunity to improve their situations, even if it’s not in a way they originally thought of themselves. So, it seems Clay’s doing well and flourishing. Our tax collector, on the other hand, seems as miserable as ever.”
Leila laughed and threaded her arm through his as they walked. “Well, he was rather dour when he started here, and not much has changed, so I’d say that’s an accurate assessment. But Clay, he says you gave him a new lease on life.”
“I’m glad it all seems to have worked out for him.”
“And I wanted to thank you, too.”
“What for? I haven’t forced you into hard labor in the fields. At least, not yet,” he said with a laugh.
“No,” she replied with an amused grin, “but my garden is growing in nicely, thanks to you. Moving that pesky stump really allowed me to get in there and do what I envisioned. Having my own little plot to work on, it was, I don’t know. Freeing, having something of my own, you know? And now it’s starting to grow.”
“It is looking quite nice, I agree.”
“Well, thank you.”
“Happy to help,” he replied.
“I mean it. It’s been a tough road, Charlie, but you’ve really done all you can to make this life as good for all of us as you’re able.”
“Just trying to smooth the transition for you,” he said. “I know it must have been incredibly hard leaving all you know like you did. I mean, we were being chased by Visla Maktan, and then Malalia showed up as well, along with those Council of Twenty ships. But I never meant to throw you into another galaxy. I hope you can forgive me for that.”
“Charlie. It wasn’t your doing. We arrived here by accident. And while you’re right, it was hard leaving my home, my galaxy behind, you’ve made the transition as painless as anyone could hope.”
“Good. It puts my mind at ease hearing that. I do still worry about you sometimes, you know. The culture shock, all of this,” he said, gesturing to the stone walls around them. “It could be overwhelming if you let it.”
They walked silently a moment until they finally reached their chambers’ thick door. Charlie unbolted it and held it open for his queen.
“Why, thank you.”
“My pleasure,” he said, following her in, then bolting the door behind them. “You know, Leila. I want to thank you as well.”
“What for?”
“For being my friend. For going along with all of this crazy royalty stuff even though you didn’t want to. You’ve been a rockstar, and I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
“You’re exaggerating,” she said, laying her overcloak on its rack.
“No, I’m not. I was so caught up in the escape from Maktan and the Council that I didn’t have time to process. But now, here––well, it’s all been such a tumultuous experience. I mean, I’m home, Leila. But I’m not home, if that makes sense. To be back where I had been trying to go, only to arrive a few thousand years before my friends and family were even born––it’s a bit of a mindfuck at times.”
“I suppose it’s only natural.”
“Yeah, but you’ve been a touchstone for me. You’ve helped steady my ship when things were tough. Honestly, without you here, I’d have been lost, Leila, and it means the world to me.”
She felt a tear form in her eye as she watched him walk to his room. She felt something else as well. Something new, and warm and welcome.
“Charlie?” she said, hesitant.
“Yeah?” he asked from the doorway to his chamber.
“Come sit with me a while longer.”
He placed his coat on the couch in his room and went to her side.
Come morning, his little makeshift couch bed remained unslept in.
Chapter Thirty
Morning broke, and the skies across the kingdom were crisp and clear, with not a hint of ill will or sound of strife. The denizens of the realm had risen with the sun, the animals shuffling out to forage their breakfast, while the farmers set to work in their fields as the glowing orb in the sky warmed their skin.
Royal staff scurried about their duties, readying the dining hall for the king’s breaking of his fast. In the kitchen, Thomas and his assistants prepared a traditional and hearty repast, albeit with a few modifications to fit the king’s preferences.
Both Charlie and Leila had been a little late arriving at breakfast, though when they took their places at the table, nothing seemed amiss. Well, not amiss, exactly, but for those with sharp eyes, there was quite a lot to see, in fact.
Bawb looked at Hunze across the breakfast table with a knowing gaze. She looked back, an amused crinkling in her eyes. They both turned and watched Charlie and Leila trying to act casual as they ate their hearty bowls of oats accompanied by some eggs, fresh baked bread, and jam.
It was painfully obvious, but the assassin and his friend said nothing.
As for Charlie and his queen, the two may have been going through the motions of their daily routine with expert skill, but there was no hiding the almost clichéd glow about them.
The king had a spring in his step, and he wasn’t even standing. And the queen? You could illuminate the dungeon with her radiance. At least it wasn’t a glow of magic origin. That would have been hard to explain to the staff. But things between the two had changed, and it was not nearly as subtle as they tried to make it.
Charlie’s eyes drifted to Leila, meeting her gaze. Sparks flew a moment, then they broke contact looking intently at their food.
The pale man across the table smirked and raised a lone eyebrow, eliciting a titter of laughter from the golden-haired Ootaki.
“Something funny I don’t know about?” Charlie asked, causing Hunze to lose her composure and chuckle-snort. “Seriously, what’s up?”
“It’s nothing,” Bawb replied. “S
o, are you two enjoying your breakfast this fine morning?”
“Yeah. It’s really good. I’m absolutely famished,” Leila said.
“I’m sure you are,” he replied with a knowing grin.
It took a moment for the statement’s true meaning to register before her cheeks flushed red despite her complexion.
“Bawb, be nice,” Hunze chided, glancing at her embarrassed friend.
“Of course. I was just making small talk over breakfast.”
“You never make small talk, Bob,” the king noted.
“Why Charlie, what ever are you implying?” he replied with a mischievous, pointy-toothed grin.
Charlie sighed. “You’re ridiculous, Bob. You know that?”
“As I believe your saying goes, ‘Sticks and stones’.
“I should never have taught you that.”
“All the better to fit in, you said.”
“Yeah, on my Earth. Not this prehistoric version of it.”
“Well, to be pedantic, this isn’t exactly prehistoric.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I do. But you seem in such a good mood, I doubt anything I say could darken your spirits much.”
“But you’re going to keep trying, aren’t you?”
“Me? Of course not. And I’m happy for you. For you both.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Bob,” Charlie said, defending his lady’s honor, though half-assedly at best.
“I do,” an amused voice said in his head.
“Hey, you weren’t eavesdropping through my ears last ni––“
“Nothing of the sort. And I’m happy for you, too.”
“You know, you really do need to work on your––how do you call it?––‘Poker face?’” Bawb said, looking as though he was perfectly content to keep ribbing Charlie all breakfast.
“Boys, are you going to keep this up all breakfast? Because if you are, I may just take this to go and eat on my horse,” Leila said, her cheeks slowly returning to their normal olive tone.
“Going for a ride?” Hunze asked.
“Yes. It should be a fairly busy day, actually. One of the farmers sent word last night that they were having some problems with their flock of sheep. I’ve helped them get the troublemakers under control in the past, so they requested my assistance once more.”
