Cashing In (Luck's Voice Book 2)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “Doc,” Ayla said gently, “we’re with you.”

  Sophia nodded. “All change comes at a cost. I understand what this might lead to, but I will not waver.”

  “Thank you, ladies,” Doc said, before yawning. “Sonya, can you let the dwarves know that tonight is good, please?”

  “Of course, husband,” Sonya said, kissing his cheek. “Dinner, tonight. I’m glad Daf said she could. They’ll enjoy her cooking.”

  “I’ll go with her,” Fiala said. “Why don’t you go rest for a bit?” she suggested to Doc, giving him a kiss as she got to her feet.

  “Yeah,” Doc said, feeling the lack of any real rest. “That’s a good idea.”

  “We’ll get to work on the paperwork,” Ayla said. “I’ll follow up on the money.”

  “Thank you, Ayla.”

  “I’ll start on the paperwork for Rosa and prepare documents that might come in handy if they try to drag you in for other charges,” Sophia said.

  “Thank you, Sophia.”

  Both women gave him smiles as they left together.

  Alone in the room a few seconds later, Doc yawned again, wondering what the next obstacle would be.

  Chapter Forty-one

  Doc stirred when soft lips met his briefly. “Hmm?”

  “It’s time to wake if you want to meet the representatives,” Sonya said softly.

  “Okay,” Doc murmured and pushed the blankets off. With a tremendous yawn, Doc stretched. “Thank you.”

  “Of course, husband,” Sonya replied. “Fiala is making sure the dining room is set and ready.”

  “Just us three?” Doc asked as he swung his legs out of bed and sat up.

  “That was what we thought. This is just a meeting for them to meet the shaman of the clan. They’ve likely heard about you from the elders, already.”

  “Which clans? …Not that knowing their names will help me much.”

  Sonya handed him his clothing so he could begin dressing. “They’re from the three closest clans to us. The Ironbeard clan is in the capital of the territory. The Molteneyes clan is situated farther northwest of us. There’s a small town starting up there where gold and silver have been found. There’s also the Bronzehammer clan. They’re to the southeast, closer to the border of the first disputed boundary.”

  “Disputed boundary?” Doc asked as he dressed.

  “Where four territories come together,” Sonya said. “There are two of them in the country, and both touch this state— one to the southeast and the other southwest.”

  “I still need to learn a lot about this country and world, and what being a shaman means. I helped a few people with disputes, but there’s more to it than that, right?”

  “There is,” Sonya agreed. “I’ll do my best to help as soon as we have time to do so.”

  “I haven’t done badly, have I?”

  “No, you have done a lot of good. The clan is happy with all of your decisions, even if the first one was radical. The younger women all loved it. It gives us all a chance to look for what we want and not to be held back by old views.”

  “Good.”

  “The things you need to know for tonight are simple,” Sonya went on. “Ernst Bronzehammer is the representative. He’s the second son of the leading clan elder. For him to be here speaks of how much they want to verify what we’ve said about you.”

  “Okay.”

  “Karl Ironbeard is the representative of his clan. He’s a cousin to their three current elders and is purported to be brought in as the next elder for their clan. He’s shrewd and hard to read, from what I’ve heard.”

  “If they’re in the capital, he’d have to be,” Doc nodded.

  “The last of them is Svetlana Molteneyes,” Sonya said with puckered lips. “Her clan comes from the cold east. Their clan only came over to this country in the last generation, when one of them found the mine they’re running while out hunting. The clan is said to be pessimistic and dour, but Svetlana is apparently beautiful and easy to speak with.”

  “Dislike her?” Doc asked.

  “I have not spoken with her nor seen her. I haven’t heard much of anything good about her, though, either.”

  “Always give someone a chance to show you who they are,” Doc said. “After all, I’m sure the church will be slandering the hell out of me shortly.”

  Sonya nodded. “That’s fair. I will do my best to give her a chance.”

  Doc stood up, finally dressed. “And we can go.”

  Sonya stole a quick kiss. “Let’s go.”

  ~*~*~

  Heather gave Doc a grin as she finished up a song. “Busy tonight, Doc?”

  “Business dinner,” Doc told her. “Things are likely to be a bit chaotic for me, soon.”

  Heather’s smile fell away. “Already?”

  “Very likely.”

  “I understand. I’ll pray for you.”

  “Thank you, Heather. I can write up a couple of songs for you, if you’d like?”

  Heather’s smile came blazing back. “Please.”

  “I’ll make sure they’re different,” Doc told her before he and Sonya went into the back hall.

  “Doc, things are almost ready,” Posy said from the kitchen doorway.

  “Thank you, Posy,” Doc smiled. “Are you going to be our server tonight?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do your best,” Doc said.

  “I will,” Posy said as she vanished from view.

  “You like her, don’t you?” Sonya asked.

  “Yeah. She’s a good girl.”

  “Do you hope our daughter will be like her?” Sonya asked, watching him from the corner of her eye.

  “Yes. Not sure we’ll be good for kids for some time, but when we do, yeah.”

  “Good. I’ll do my best to give you many children.”

  “Knowing how determined you can be about things, I have no doubt you’ll manage to make it happen.”

  “Everything is set,” Fiala said when they entered the room. “Just our guests and the food left.”

  Doc looked at the table setting and whistled softly. “Didn’t know Lia had silver settings.”

  “She doesn’t,” Sonya said. “I borrowed these from the clan, along with the glasses and plates.”

  “Head out front and wait?” Doc asked.

  “I will do so,” Sonya said. “For a formal dinner, it’s best if the wife welcomes them first. You and Fiala can wait here.”

  “Okay,” Doc said.

  “I’ll be back with them as soon as they show.”

  Sonya left the room, leaving Doc and Fiala alone.

  “Did you sleep well?” Fiala asked.

  “I did. I’m sorry for worrying you.”

  Fiala went over to him and slid into his open arms. “It’s alright. I know that these things will happen... I’ll deal with them, and do my best to help you.”

  “Is everything okay with you and Sonya?”

  “Yes,” Fiala murmured into his chest. “She hasn’t once argued with me. I’m surprised at how well our relationship is going. I’d expected to butt heads with her at least once by now. Even when we disagree, she explains and then leaves the decision up to me. It’s a little nerve-wracking at times, but it also makes me happy that we don’t fight.”

  “It’s been nice,” Doc agreed. “It makes me smile seeing you two get along.”

  “We’ll do our best to never fight,” Fiala said, leaning back slightly. “May I have a kiss?”

  “Gladly,” Doc smiled, kissing her softly.

  ~*~*~

  Doc didn’t know how long they’d waited, but when they knocked, he was ready. He was on his feet when Sonya led the representatives into the room. Doc greeted each of them as they were introduced, shaking hands with the men, and kissing the air over the back of Svetlana’s hand.

  Ernst Bronzehammer was dusty-skinned with coal-black hair and eyes. He was also one of the broadest dwarves Doc had seen so far. His muscled arms were thicker than Doc’s th
ighs, and his handshake was near crushing.

  Karl Ironbeard was much lighter in complexion, with brown hair and ocean-blue eyes. His handshake was the firm, polite handshake of the business world. Ironbeard’s tone was polished and smooth, and his eyes gave no sign of what he was thinking.

  Svetlana Molteneyes was fair-skinned with icy-blonde hair, but her eyes caught his attention— they were a strange red-black color. She wore a dress that was demure in cut, though it clung to her figure. Her makeup was minimal, besides her ruby-red lips, which focused the attention on her mouth.

  “Such a gentleman,” Svetlana smiled, her accent more Russian than German. “Would that more men were as gallant.”

  “He’s a gentleman,” Fiala said, greeting Svetlana as she had the two men. “Both Sonya and I are lucky to call him husband.”

  Svetlana’s eyebrow rose for a second. “A man who can handle two wives? How interesting.”

  “Let’s sit,” Doc said, seating his wives while Ernst did the same for Svetlana. “I’d also suggest we hold conversation until after dinner. Daf is a fabulous cook, and her meals are best when served piping hot.”

  ~*~*~

  Daf turned dinner into a three-course affair, which Doc hadn’t expected. The soup was a thick, potato cream chowder with bacon and cheese. Steak was served alongside steamed vegetables as the main course, and Doc was happy that the dwarves seemed to enjoy it. For dessert, they were served simple apple pastries that had everyone smiling by the time they finished.

  “That was different,” Ernst said. “Besides the occasional clan feast, dinner is normally a single plate for us.”

  “For us, too, but considering you all, I thought something memorable might be better,” Doc replied.

  “It was all very good,” Svetlana smiled. “She is not thinking of leaving, is she?”

  Fiala laughed lightly. “No. She’ll never leave the Lily.”

  “A pity,” Svetlana sighed.

  “It was good,” Karl said. “Now that dinner is done, there’s time to finally speak.”

  “Of course,” Doc said. “I had been told you’d all wanted to meet me. What can I do for you?”

  “I wanted to see you with my own eyes and take stock of you,” Karl said simply. “A lot of praise has come from the elders of your clan concerning your actions.”

  “Oh, there has?” Doc asked. “I didn’t know that.”

  “There’s also the matter of your mine,” Karl went on. “Mythrium and soul stone, I’ve been told. I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

  “Rangvald will be the one to show you the mine,” Doc said. “He’s the foreman and in charge of the entire site. If you have questions about it, he’d be your best source for information.”

  Karl stared at Doc, nodding. “I will talk with him.”

  “I’m very interested in the mine,” Ernst said with a grin. “You were the one who found the site and placed the claims, I’ve heard. I’m curious, though— from the bit of rumor I’ve heard, even you didn’t know how rich it was.”

  “Honestly, I knew it would be good, but I had no idea it was going to be so rich.”

  “And you are purported to be able to heal,” Ernst went on. “You healed Oresmelter after he was shot three times?”

  “I did.”

  “It has been a long time since we have had a shaman,” Svetlana cut in. “I wonder if you might demonstrate your ability for us?”

  Doc gave her a smile. “Is one of you injured?”

  “I’m sure one of us will be, if you agree,” Svetlana laughed lightly.

  “Okay. Who wants to bleed?” Doc asked.

  “I will,” Ernst volunteered, extending his arm to Doc.

  Doc picked up an unused knife left from dinner. “Very well.”

  Reaching out, Doc made a small gash into Ernst’s forearm. Blood welled up and began to leak from the wound, but Ernst just grunted and watched Doc.

  “Lady, please heal this man. Let your power be shown,” Doc said as he triggered healing hands. Doc touched Ernst’s arm and, as he healed the small wound, also found a knot in Ernst’s back. The muscles there were tighter than they should be, so he eased those, too. “There you go.”

  Ernst blinked as he wiped the residual blood from his arm and table with a cloth. “My back. You removed the knot?”

  “Since I was healing you, I thought getting everything would be good.”

  Ernst laughed and slapped the table, which made Fiala wince. “You have the power of a shaman!”

  “For the small stuff, at the very least,” Karl agreed. “Will you be visiting the capital in the future?”

  “It’s likely, but probably not for a little while. I have things to settle in town, first.”

  “Yes. You have enemies that wish to pull you down,” Karl nodded. “I’ll be keeping apprised of the situation. Thank you for dinner, but I should retire early.” Standing up, he gave the women nods and Doc a firm handshake. “Until we meet again.”

  “Good evening,” Doc said.

  “Ah, spoilsport, he is,” Ernst snorted. “I wanted to check out this new type of poker, if you don’t mind?”

  “It’s fine,” Doc said, standing to shake hands with the powerful dwarf. “I wish you luck at the tables.”

  “Which is funny, considering who you follow,” Ernst laughed as he headed out.

  Svetlana was still seated and she shifted in her seat slightly. “Tell me: do you think you will go west?”

  “It’s possible,” Doc told her. “As I told Karl, I have things to finish here, first.”

  “Of course,” Svetlana said. She stood up and gave him a smile. “If you come west, please do call on me. I am sure my clan will welcome you warmly.” Her wink was subtle, and Doc almost missed it.

  “I’ll keep it in mind,” Doc replied as he walked Svetlana to the dining-room door. “Did you need an escort?”

  “No. I will be joining Ernst at the tables. I, too, am interested in what games you might play.”

  “I wish you the best of luck,” Doc replied.

  “Yes. I enjoy being… lucky,” Svetlana replied as she walked slowly away.

  Doc held back the smirk when he saw the sway she put into her walk. Stepping back into the room, he gave his wives a shrug. “Shall we retire for the evening?”

  “Yes,” Fiala said.

  “I’d like that,” Sonya said. “Did you find her attractive?”

  Doc wasn’t expecting the blunt question, but he shrugged. “She was attractive, especially her eyes. Those are unique. I’m not sure I care for her personality, though. I doubt she’d be as open to trying a large relationship.”

  “Agreed,” Fiala nodded. “Luckily, you already have three women who are.”

  “Lucky, indeed,” Doc grinned.

  Chapter Forty-two

  Doc was about to leave the dining room when Posy came bounding in. “Doc, there are some people asking to see you.”

  “Who?” Doc asked.

  “They say they need healing.”

  “Ah, word’s getting around quickly. Send the first one in.”

  “Also,” Posy said, “the main room is a little slow this morning. Some of the regulars said that the church is telling people that this isn’t a place that is good for them.”

  “Not surprising,” Doc replied. “Let’s deal with what is in front of us, first.”

  “Yes, sir,” Posy said, bouncing out of the room.

  It didn’t take long for the first person to be escorted in by Posy. The bestial woman came into the room with a bit of hesitation. Her white-rimmed, black ears and her striped tail spoke of her raccoon heritage.

  “Good morning, miss,” Doc greeted her. “How can I help you?”

  “I, uh… I was told that… um… you could heal people?”

  “The goddess heals people,” Doc said softly, “I’m just her means of doing so. Did you need healing?”

  She looked at the door, then nodded. “If you can.”

  “Please, si
t,” Doc said, motioning her toward the table as he moved to the other side.

  Taking a seat, she licked her lips. “I’m worried about the cost involved. I don’t have a lot of money, and—”