Page 23 of The Poison of the Earth
“Allie, dear,” Cook says, eyeing the slant of light coming in the windows, “the bread.”
I grab the gloves and turn and pull out the huge tray with five loaves. They are perfectly golden and round.
I chuckle, “I’ll never have the sense of time you do, Cook.”
Caspian looks at me. “Ah, little maid, glad to see you alive. And looking much rested. Cook’s been at it for three thousand some odd years, so no need to beat yourse—” He cuts off with a yelp. He manages to snag the apple Cook threw at him as it bounces off his head.
“I’m four hundred and twenty seven years young, ya wretched bird.” She glares as Caspian and I laugh.
“Now, you’re no longer welcome in my kitchen unless you’re helping.” Cook glares but I can see the teasing edge to it. Cas holds up his hands and stands, going to grab an apron. He quickly ties it on his slender body. He sees me watching and throws me a wink.
I look away quickly, hoping I’m blushing a bit.Gotta play the part.
“Direct away, dear Cook.”
She points, “Divide and feed the sourdough.”
He nods and sets to work. He needs no further direction, so he must be at least somewhat of a regular here.
I go back to what I was working on, catching Caspian humming softly now and then. We settle into a comfortable silence. I am just starting on the loaves for tomorrow’s bread, albeit earlier than I normally do, since I already cleared my evening off with Cook, when the kitchen door swings open.
“There you are!” Tazi chirps, long blue hair braided and draping down to the bottom of her back.
“Me?” Cas asks, eyebrow raised, as he stirs cake batter.
“‘Course not,” she says, grinning, “You!” She nods to me.
“Me?” I question. I haven’t interacted much with Tazi before, just passing hellos.
“Yes. I’ve decided we’re friends. You’re Lu’s friend, Lu’s my friend, so you’re mine by association.” She grins, revealing dimples. She’s absolutely adorable. Maybe because she’s small. I’ve never met a Fae as small as her. She doesn’t come up past my chest, and I’m on the shorter end for Fae women, given my human blood.
“Cook,” Tazi says, not pausing to breath, “Keep Cas to do Allie’s work, I’m stealing her.”
“What?” Cas sputters.
“Shut up,” Tazi spits in a sweet manner before taking my arm and leaving me towards the door. She tosses over her shoulder, “I’ll have her back in a couple hours.”
“Wait, wait,” I laugh, “Let me get my apron off and wash my hands!”
She huffs adorably and I catch Cook’s indulgent look. I quickly get ready as Tazi waits impatiently at the door.
She grabs my arm again and leads me out of the kitchen, out of the keep and into the village.
“So,” Tazi chirps, “What are you wearing for the Mabon Festival?”
“Oh, um,” I start. “That’s in a couple weeks? I heard Cook and Lu talking about it a bit.”
“Yup! And you need a good outfit.” She smiles winningly as she leads us through town.
“Here we are!” She grins.
I look at the broad wooden building. A wooden sign hangs over the door: a painted fiddle with a sad face.
Tazi continues, “The Disappointing Fiddle!”
I chuckle, “Quite the name.”
“Only tavern in town. The beer is alright, the food is great.” She pulls open the heavy wooden door and gestures for me to go in.
