Page 115 of The Orc Chief's Baker
“Perhaps this?”
She went over to where Brovdir was standing next to the countertop. On top was a cookbook that looked as old as the Fades themselves. Its pages were tattered and worn. Some were almost translucent from age. Had magic not been at play it would have disintegrated.
And next to it was a much newer volume with the recipes from the older book copied on one side and anewversion on the other. The new version outlined different flavor combinations, various methods of preparation, and alternative cooking options.
“This is so detailed,” she said, flipping to the front of the newer book. “It puts my family’s recipe book to shame. The cooks must have been working on this for years.”
“Cook,” Brovdir corrected. “Only Gegvi’s scent is on this book.”
She blinked up at him in shock. “Are you serious? But there arehundredsof recipes copied down already. This is so much work!”
Brovdir flipped through page by page of both volumes. “Looks like he’s going one at a time.”
“It’s... incredible. He’s so dedicated.” She spotted a smaller scroll near the wall and unrolled it. She read, “‘Fish and lavender soup notes. This one is going to be disgusting if I don’t fix it. Going to be hard without the elite conjuror’s magic, but I’m certain I can get it done.’” She glanced up at Brovdir, “Why can’t he use magic? I thought all the conjurors could.”
“They can. To varying degrees. But Sythcol’s elite are more advanced. Most Rove orcs use the elite tinctures and magic imbued objects for basic tasks like cleaning and lighting fires. Can’t now. The elite are busy holding back the sinkholes.”
“I see.” She turned back to the book and skimmed over the list of variations on the recipe Gegvi had attempted. She had to flip the page twice. “Incredible, he’s gone through at least a dozen different methods trying to fix this soup.”
“Fuck.”
Trinia jerked to attention. “What? What’s wrong?”
Brovdir’s expression twisted with remorse. “Shouldn’t have let Sythcol demote him.”
“Sythcol got rid of him? Why?”
“Thought his cooking was bad. Ithasbeen bad.” Brovdir heaved a heavy sigh. “But only because he’s beentrying.” He waved at the notes.
“You couldn’t have known that, Brovdir. Gegvi didn’t tell you.”
“But I amchief.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut as if he were trying to hold back a headache. “I should have looked further. I should not have allowed Gegvi to be dismissed.”
She pulled his hand away. “Brovdir, this isn’t your fault.”
He shot her an incredulous look and her stomach twisted with guilt.
“Notentirelyyour fault. I know I’ve been pushing you, but that was only to get you to see how leaving everything to Sythcol was causing strife.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “You’ve realized that now. You’re making amends. You’re fixing things.”
His expression shifted to one of exhaustion, and she knew in an instant what he was thinking.
If he had realized this sooner, he would have far less to fix.
“Oh, Brovdir.” She reached up to stroke his forehead, brushing his soft, shaggy hair away from his eyes. He was so tall she could hardly reach, but he leaned down into her touch. “I have many things in my life I wish I could change too. Manymistakes and regrets. Everyone does. What’s most important is tomove forward. To learn from our mistakes and keep going.”
His brows pinched together in confusion.
“I understand. It’s hard to know where to go when the destination isn’t clear. You and Sythcol are still trying to figure out how to work together. Having two chiefs is a completely new thing for both of youandthe clan.”
He looked deep into her eyes, hanging on her every word. Her chest swelled with warmth.
“I had to figure out the same when my mother passed away. I had to find my place managing her bakery all on my own.” She stroked his hair again, and he melted into her touch. “I made so many mistakes, but if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be half the baker I am today. I’d never have been able to manage my mother’s bakery on my own for as long as I have. It’s overcoming adversity that makes usstrong.If everything was easy, we’d never learn any lessons.”
She looked him right in the eyes. “You are going to dogreat, Brovdir. I can feel it. I’ll help you whenever you need it, but I’ve seen you... talking to Iytier, to Elder Plog, I know you have it in you to be a good leader. You just need more practice and tostopworrying about making mistakes. You’re going to make them, accept them, learn from them, and keep moving forward.”
He closed his eyes then and exhaled hard, and it seemed to expel all his anxiety with it. When he opened them again, he looked steadfast. Strong. Determined. It made her breath catch in her throat and her heart quiver with longing.
“Thank you, Trinia.” The words were tinged with warmth and sweetness andgratitude. She felt her knees buckle from the weight of it.
