Page 42 of The Orc and the Innkeeper

I’m halfway to the door when a familiar voice stops me in my tracks. “Just the male I wanted to see!”

I spin around to find Robert Kingsley coming down the stairs to the guest rooms, impeccably groomed even at this early hour.

“Good morning,” I say, wishing I could’ve had some coffee before this interaction. But it’s nice to see Robert in good spirits; the afterglow of Ecco’s performance seems to still be lingering.

Robert strides towards me purposefully, a broad smile lighting up his distinguished features. “I was going to come find you this morning. I’ve made a decision, Thorak. I’m going to invest in Orc’s Anvil and help you distribute your ales far and wide. I’ve been impressed by your business acumen and I believe in your vision.”

For a moment, I’m struck speechless.

“I...I don’t know what to say,” I stammer eventually, my voice thick with emotion. To have Robert’s backing, to finally bring a taste of Elderberry Falls’ magic to the rest of the world… “Thank you, Robert. You won’t regret this.”

“I’m sure I won’t.” He claps me on the shoulder, eyes twinkling. “Your brews are something special, Thorak. Let’s share them with those who need a little enchantment in their lives.”

I nod vigorously, a grin splitting my face. “Absolutely. I’ll have my lawyer Finn draw up the paperwork right away. We’ll toast to a bright future!”

We shake on it, Robert’s hand firm in my larger one, sealing our new partnership.

I head out into the morning feeling like I’m walking on air, each step buoyant. The quaint streets of Elderberry Falls take on an even more vibrant sheen—the colorful storefronts shining brighter, the scent of honeysuckle sweeter.

Arriving at the brewery, I pause to admire the rustic stone facade. Soon, the whole world will know this brewery. Then, I throw open the weathered oak doors and striding inside. The rich aroma of malted barley greets me like an old friend.

My team is already hard at work, measuring out fragrant hops with meticulous care, testing recipes to coax out bold new flavors. I move between them, offering words of encouragement that come easier than ever before.

Gruna’s in the back office, poring over invoices, her brow adorably furrowed in concentration. She glances up as I burst in, practically bouncing on my feet in excitement.

“You’ll never guess what just happened, Gru! Robert’s on board. He’s going to help us expand, get our ales out there in the human world!”

Gruna leaps from her chair and throws her arms around me. “Oh Thorak, that’s incredible! I’m so proud of you. You’ve worked so hard for this.”

We hold each other tightly, swaying back and forth as we laugh in pure elated relief. This business has not been easy for Gruna, either. Even though she’s closer to Ma and Da, or maybe especially because of their closeness, I know she’s always fretting about disappointing them by striking out on her own.

But now, our dream is finally within reach.

Once Gruna composes herself, dabbing at her eyes, she shoos me out of the office with a playful smirk.

“Well don’t just stand here grinning like a fool. We have a celebration to plan, and I bet there’s a certain lovely innkeeper who deserves to hear the good news.”

She’s right, of course. I practically skip to my own office, pulling out my phone. Mariah picks up on the first ring.

“Oh, so he lives,” she says, a playful tone in her voice. “I missed you this morning. I was hoping for a third go. Where did you run off to?”

I run a nervous hand through my hair. “I’m so sorry I left you like that. I had to get to Orc’s Anvil to get the tanks going and I didn’t want to wake you. But I have some exciting news that I’d much rather share in person. Can you come by the brewery this afternoon?”

“I should be able to slip away for a while,” she says. “See you in a couple of hours.”

I reluctantly end the call, wishing I could just keep Mariah’s voice in my ear all day. But there’s work to do and a celebration to prepare for.

The next couple hours fly by in a blur of activity. I oversee the latest batch of our signature ale, approve new label designs, and even manage to sneak in a quick grooming session for Snuffles,who’s been trotting around the brewery carrying a little barrel on his back, much to the delight of the staff.

I’m just putting the finishing touches on a special experimental brew I’ve been tinkering with, a rich stout infused with Mariah’s favorite dark chocolate and chili peppers, when I hear the front door chime. My heart leaps into my throat and I bound out to the tasting room, an eager grin on my face.

But the figure silhouetted in the doorway is not the petite, curvy frame I was expecting.

“Hello, Thorak. It’s been a while.”

Ygra steps into the brewery as if she owns it, her large figure imposing. Time has only enhanced her beauty, her angular features sharper and more striking than ever. She saunters towards me with confident grace.

“Ygra. What are you doing here?” I manage, my throat suddenly dry.

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