Page 31 of Bloody Business

Barbecue and fireworks

General Yal's barbecuewas an informal event, so Julep felt quite relaxed, which was a plus when meeting new people.

The gates of his house were guarded by stone screaming eagles, his family mascot, and the walls were thick, which was to be expected from a general.

The house was a tall stone edifice built into the side of the hill.The stables and barracks were in the front, along with a garden.Goblins didn't hide such things behind houses.The important things were right out front, and everything was military neat.

General Yal was huge and forbidding, with a massive jaw, orange eyes and gray skin.He treated Artur like a valuable business partner, and welcomed Julep into his home.

His wife Ashi couldn't have been more different.Julep heard that she was actually a foreign princess, and she wasn't surprised.Ashi was classically pretty and refined, with a warm gentle manner.Her hair was nearly white like the northern tribes, and her eyes were pale blue.

She didn't appear to be full of herself, but she was so ladylike, Julep wasn't quite sure how to respond.There weren't a lot of fancy people in her background.

Ashi’s circle of friends included a number of powerful matrons, too.It wasn't really Julep's crowd, and she began to feel a little out of place.

“How did a bandit like you get such a pretty lady to marry you?”someone said.Green skinned with a medium build, the goblin had a big jaw and a large nose.His thick hair was cut short, and he had a red scar on his chin.

“Slaughter!”Artur said happily.The men gripped forearms and exchanged manly backslaps.“This is my wife, Julep.”

“Nice to meet you,” Slaughter said agreeably.“This is my wife, In’shi.”

In’shi was black-haired with dark, sun defying skin.She was plain by human standards, her features too large, her smile cautious.“H-hello.”

Julep liked her immediately.“Hi!Have you eaten yet?We were heading to the buffet.Want to join us?”

The tables were loaded with barbecued meats of all kinds, sauces and sides.Julep's mouth watered.

“You want hot cider, Julep?How about you, In’shi?”Artur asked, studying the drink table.There were casks and pitchers galore, some of them steaming.

“B-beer, please.”

With loaded plates, they headed for a large stone fireplace on the patio.Outdoor couches sat around it, with baskets of blankets for anyone who got chilled and small tables for the food.

Julep hesitated.The couches looked nice, and the barbecue might be messy.

“L-let's sit there,” her new friend said, and quickly claimed a spot.

In'shi's husband brought her a blanket without being asked, handing Julep another.He held their plates as they got settled.

“Thank you,” Julep said, surprised.

“No problem,” he said, glancing over their heads to a knot of men discussing manly things.

His wife waved him off.“H-have fun.”

He smiled and wandered off to the buffet first.

Artur delivered the drinks and looked at Julep inquiringly.“Do you want anything else?”

“I'm good, thank you.Feel free to catch up with your friends.”She tried the ribs and hummed in approval.“These are great!So tender.”The bark on top was perfect, a hint of crunch with a sweet hot sauce.

“Good to know.I think I'll get some.”Artur headed for the food.

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