Page 67 of The Call of Crimson
“No,” I say automatically. I had never come across another soul with his Gift.
“Exactly,” he says grimly. “I’m the only known blood wielder in all four kingdoms. I’ve checked.”
I swallow hard. “So whoever your mother is…”
“She’s either dead,” he says bluntly, “or not from the four kingdoms.”
Knowing that she had abandoned her son, I’m not sure which option I wish for more.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
OPHELIA
“We should start at Luella’s,” I suggest, threading my fingers with Elijah’s as we stroll out the castle gates. Guards flank us on either side, something I’m still getting used to. Growing up in the castle, I was accustomed to their presence, but being followed by them day and night was new—and irritating.
“I think that is an excellent idea.” Elijah squeezes my hand, leading me toward her tavern. “She always has a good gauge on the general attitudes and outlooks of the people.”
It had been a heavy burden adjusting to running a kingdom over the last several weeks. Burnt out and exhausted, we had decided last night that a break was needed. I had suggested a visit to the town might be a nice change from the castle walls, and Elijah had quickly agreed. This would allow us to connect with the people and get a more accurate feel for the state of Ciyoria.
Luella’s tavern boasts its normal orderly and welcoming facade, complete with red painted shutters and the savory aromawafting out of the open windows. We walk through the sturdy oak door of the tavern, the hinges creaking slightly as it closes.
The guards occupy a spot in the back corner, and I mumble, “How did Breyla deal with the constant companions?”
“She didn’t,” Elijah chuckles. “We were masters at evading our guards by the time we were fifteen. Once Raynor deemed us capable with a sword, Genevieve stopped fretting so much.”
“They must have trusted their people greatly to keep their heir safe.”
“I don’t think it was so much trust in their people as it was exhaustion from fighting Breyla on the matter,” Elijah explains, pulling out a stool at the bar for me. “Once she was appointed general, there was a condition that guards were required, but she was allowed to select them herself.”
“Zion and Ryder?” I guess.
“Exactly,” he says, sliding into the chair next to mine. “They trained with us, and outside of the twins, they were the only ones worth a damn. Plus, she actually liked them.”
“Makes sense.”
It’s relatively quiet considering the time. I would have expected it to be packed with lunch patrons, but there are maybe half a dozen people in the establishment.
Luella turns the corner, appearing from the backroom. “What can I do you for, Lord Elijah?” Her curly brown hair is tied up in a knot atop her head, loose tendrils framing her almond-shaped eyes.
“Two of whatever your special is for the day, please.” Elijah smiles, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “How are you Luella?”
“I wish I could say better, but we’re surviving,” Luella answers, as she slides two mugs of mead to us. “The special isn’t anything particularly interesting today, by the way.”
Elijah’s brow furrows. “What do you mean by that?”
“It’s just lamb stew, I’ve had to make a few substitutions for my normal?—”
“No, I mean the part about you ‘surviving.’ What’s going on?
“It’s been slow. I’m having trouble getting in my normal products,” she sighs, her shoulders sagging. “It comes in delayed or with significantly less than I ordered. I’m not sure what’s going on with my suppliers, but all of them seem to be having issues.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” My lips turn downward, mind racing to come up with a solution. “Is there anyone locally who can provide the same items?”
“Some of them, yes.” She disappears around the corner, coming back with two steaming bowls in hand. “But not at the quantity or price that I’m accustomed to.”
Once Elijah has begun eating, I spoon the hot broth into my mouth, only slightly flinching at the scalding liquid. I’m not sure what substitutions were made, but what I taste is delicious.
“I’m sorry, Luella,” Elijah says sincerely. “That’s a tricky situation. Please let me know if there’s anything we can do.”
