Page 11 of The Last Gargoyle's Christmas Wish
Grady’s smile widened. Then he gestured differently. Uzoth recognised it as a beckoning gesture. Uzoth’s hand remained motionless in the air.
Did Grady wish for him to come down? Truly?
Slowly, Uzoth rose from his squatted position. He stretched his wings. He flew down, landing before Grady.
“Good evening,” Uzoth said, feeling uncertain.
“Hello, Uzoth. You were gone when I left this morning, and I wanted to say thank you again for saving me.” Grady placed his hands on his waist. “If you hadn’t come along, those guys would have taken the earnings from the Christmas markets yesterday. I would have been completely fucked if they’d managed that. So thanks.”
“I am glad I was of assistance.” Uzoth bowed. “And how do you fare today?”
“Better.” Grady rubbed his shoulder. “My shoulders are still a bitch. And my ribs and stomach ache, but it’s not too bad. I’ll be fine in no time. It would have been a lot worse if you hadn’t come along.”
The human did look better. He stood straight and did not appear too badly injured. And unlike last night, he spoke faster and clearer. Dark smudges still marked the skin beneath his eyes, but he did not waver on his feet.
“It’s pretty cold out here, you want to come up?” Grady asked.
“I am used to the cold.” Uzoth had gotten used to so many things over the years. With his brethren gone, he had been alone for so many years. He had gotten used to that aching loneliness. But now here he was, speaking to Grady, a human witch.
“Well, do you want to come in anyway?” Grady asked. “I’m fucking wrecked. but I still need to eat something before I drop into bed. I could make us a hot cup of tea and scrounge up some food. It’s not much, but it’s a bit of a thank-you for saving me.”
“I do not require food or drink for sustenance,” Uzoth said. “The magic that created me sustains me still.”
“I see,” Grady said slowly.
“But I will accept the invitation to come into your home.” The thought of being with Grady in that warm room appealed. “Thank you.”
CHAPTER 7
Grady felt dead on his feet. He wanted to shovel some food into his mouth and collapse into bed. Still, Grady was glad he’d invited Uzoth into his apartment. He’d wanted to thank him properly. He pushed the door open and moved aside, allowing Uzoth to enter.
Uzoth took two steps in, stopped, and gazed around the space.
Grady closed the door and took off his coat and heavy boots. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Uzoth looked at him. “I am well at ease.”
Grady’s lips tugged up into a smile. “Take a seat, then.”
Uzoth stared at the chairs for several moments, as if not sure what to make of them. He walked towards a backless chair by the fire and sat. Uzoth did not look particularly comfortable; he leaned forward, clawed hands braced on his knees as if he’d spring forward into action at a moment’s notice.
“I’ll put on some tea.”
The fire had almost died out now that Grady’s siblings had gone to bed. He brought it back to life with a couple of logs. He heated water in the cauldron and added valerian root and dried chamomile, which would assist with relaxation and sleep.Although, Grady assumed he’d be out in a split second when he finally lay down.
Then he went to the sideboard and collected two cups and a plate. He piled on some different pastries and a couple of pies, leftovers from the bakery that day.
He brought them over and placed them on the tea-table in front of the chairs. Then he strained their tea into the cups.
“I know you said you don’t drink or eat. But I’d be a rude host not to at least provide you with something. After all, I am a hearth and kitchen witch. My parents would have scolded me if I were a bad host.” Grady gestured to the tea and food. “So help yourself to some tea, pastries, or pie. But no harm if you don’t.”
Then Grady collapsed onto the chair and let out a relieved moan to finally be off his feet. He cradled the warm cup of tea in his hand. Lifting the mug, he inhaled the fragrant brew and took a sip of the soothing blend. He let out a deep sigh.
Uzoth stared at the cup of tea on the table. Then he reached out and lifted it in his massive hand. He peered into the liquid surface and then took a sip.
“How is it?” Grady asked.
“Hot.” Uzoth paused as if considering. “Pleasant.” He took another sip. “I have not drunk in many years. The last time I drank was at the command of the Great Sorceress Rassala to drink from the enchanted waters of the Fountain of Life in order to obtain immortality.”
