Page 14 of The Orc and the Innkeeper

“Mariah, you made it!” Thorak’s deep voice echoes across the room as he strides towards me, a broad grin splitting his tusked face. His eyes are alight with what looks like genuine delight.

I’m once again struck by the dissonance between this passionate brewer and the bully from my past.

I force a smile. It doesn’t matter. Whoever he’s become, he’s just a means to an end for me.

“Morning, Thorak. Quite the setup you’ve got here,” I remark, gesturing at the rustic yet refined decor.

“Thanks, I’ve poured my heart into this place. Let me give you the grand tour!” He places a large, warm hand on the small of my back, guiding me towards the gleaming copper brew kettles.

Something deep inside of me warms at his touch. He’s so much bigger than me that it feels like he could wrap one hand around my whole waist. I wonder if he could pick me up one-handed. Maybe use that strength to easily toss me on a bed?—

Gods.

It has clearly been too long since I’ve gotten laid if I’m having these sorts of thoughts about Thorak Ironfist. I viciously shove my inappropriate thoughts away.

We wind our way out of the taproom, through the brewery proper, and Thorak animatedly explains each step of the brewing process. His passion is palpable as he describes the locally sourced ingredients and unique techniques he employs.

“So, what’s your annual production capacity?” I ask, gathering intel for our ruse. “And how are you handling distribution currently?”

“We’re cranking out about five thousand barrels a year right now,” Thorak replies, pride evident in his voice. “As for distribution, we’ve got a solid network of local pubs and restaurants, as well as specialty markets in the magical realm. But I haven’t been able to break through to the human lands, and that’s where Robert’s investment comes in.”

I nod thoughtfully. “And what about future plans? Any new brews or collaborations on the horizon?”

Thorak’s face lights up with excitement. “Oh, I’ve got some ideas brewing, pun intended. Been experimenting with a new honey mead using nectar from the enchanted wildflowers in theforest. Plus, I’m in talks with the centaurs about a potential collab using their heirloom grains.”

His enthusiasm is contagious, and for a moment, I forget why I’m here. I can’t ignore the ember of respect kindling inside me. This is a Thorak I never knew existed.

As he speaks, Thorak’s hand drifts from my back to my arm, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I mentally chastise myself for reacting to him this way again.

Stay focused, Mariah. This is all just for show.

We wrap up the tour and Thorak leads me back to the taproom.

“So, what do you think?” he asks, looking at me expectantly.

I look away, trying to collect my thoughts. “I have to admit, I’m impressed.” It pains me to compliment him, but credit where credit is due. “You’ve built something really special here, Thorak. It’s clear how much work you’ve poured into this place.”

A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “That means a lot, coming from you.”

For a moment, we simply stand there, eyes locked. The air between us is charged with something I can’t quite name. But then, the moment passes, and I’m left wondering if I imagined the whole thing.

“Well, I should probably head back to the inn,” I say, breaking the silence. “Ecco’s got a big performance tonight, and I promised I’d help her set up.”

Thorak nods, his expression unreadable. “Of course. Thanks for coming by, Mariah. It means a lot to have your support in this.”

Support. Right. Because that’s all this is—a business arrangement, a means to an end. Nothing more. Thorak’s paid the first half of the Mystic Pest bill, but there’s another ten thousand dollars on the line still. The sooner we can convince Kingsley and end this charade, the better.

With a final nod, I turn and head for the door, my mind reeling with conflicting emotions.

Back at the Moonflower Inn,I find Ecco in the lounge, setting up for her performance. She looks every inch the siren, with her shimmering blue hair cascading down her back and her violet eyes dancing with mischief.

“Well, well, look what the cat dragged in,” she teases as I approach. “How was your little brewery tour with tall, green, and handsome? He still a monster in every sense of the word?”

This morning, before I headed to Orc’s Anvil, I was overcome by uncharacteristic nerves. Even though I proposed this idea to Thorak, there is a huge part of me waiting for the rug to be pulled out underneath me.

He literally did that to me one time. So the wariness is appropriate.

But instead of letting myself spiral about it, I called Ecco and ended up coming clean to her about the whole arrangement. I needed the moral support. She was understanding about why I needed the money, although shocked about my methods. She talked my confidence back up and assured me she’d be the first person carrying a pitchfork if he crossed me again.

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