Page 112 of The Kingdom's Reckoning
As they headed deeper into the house, Kallie looked over her shoulder. Menz stopped beside the table, frame in hand. He swiped a finger across the painting. Longing spread acrosshis countenance. When Graeson entered, he stopped beside the farmer.
Kallie turned around, giving them some privacy. Menz’ wife had passed years ago, and this farm was all he had left of her. Perhaps they were asking too much of him.
"You’re in luck,"Menz said, carrying a steaming pot into the dining room. "I already had a stew brewing because of the cold weather coming in. Go sit, and I’ll bring everything out."
"That’s really unnecessary, Menz. We do not want to intrude," Graeson said. "We only came to ask?—"
"Food first. Then we can talk," Menz interrupted, setting the pot in the middle of the table.
Kallie’s stomach rumbled loudly, and she pressed a hand against it. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until the aroma of garlic and broth hit her nose.
"Don’t bother arguing with me about it, either. I would bet good money on the fact that you all haven’t had a good meal in a while." Menz winked at Kallie, and she grinned.
"It smells delicious," she said. She sank into a seat, and her thighs all but thanked her for the relief. The journey to Menz' house, while short in the grand scheme of things, was longer than her body would have liked. Although she had ridden on Nyrri’s back most of the way after protesting, her leg still ached. As much as Kallie wanted to get back out there and finally put an end to the budding war, they all needed the rest. She could almost hear the relief from Ellie sitting across from her, too. Even Graeson seemed to be relieved for the temporary haven.
Menz motioned for her bowl, and Kallie raised it as he dropped two generous scoops of steaming stew into it. "Eat as much as you’d like."
Kallie blew on the soup and took a bite. The flavors instantly transported her to the last time she was there with her brothers and Dani. But as she looked around the table and those sitting with her, a lump formed in her throat. She wondered how Terin and Dani were faring in Pontia and if they had made any headway in gathering troops for the war. She had yet to hear from Terin since he had first contacted her. If she didn’t hear from him soon, they would need to get word to Pontia that while Kallie had been successful, she had failed at ending the war. They should have known that stopping a war would not have been as simple as cutting off the head of the snake.
As if reading her mind, Graeson asked, "Do you still have that messenger bird?"
Menz nodded as he sat.
Beneath the table, Graeson squeezed her thigh. "Do you mind if we send a letter to Pontia?"
"Of course not," Menz said, slurping down a spoonful of stew. "First, do you care to tell me what in the god’s breath is going on and why you’re hanging out with him?"
Moris glanced up from his bowl, his eyes wide and brown cheeks flushed pink. He sat at the head of the table with his chair spun around to make room for his wings.
Graeson took a deep breath. "It’s a long story."
Menz arched a brow. "Good thing we have plenty of stew."
The pot wasbone-dry by the time they finished relaying the events of the last few weeks. It was hard to believe that not evena month had passed since Domitius had declared war, yet it felt like a lifetime had gone by.
"I’ll go grab those medical supplies and gather the bedding," Menz said, standing from the table.
"I’ll help you," Graeson said.
Menz waved him off. "You’re a guest."
"A guest who is likely asking far too much," Graeson countered.
A small grin appeared on Menz’ face. "Come on then. I’m sure you’re all tired."
The two men left the room, and inaudible whispers trailed them as they disappeared into the hallway.
Kallie spun her half-empty mug of tea between her hands. The drink was lukewarm now, but she couldn’t stomach any more of it. Myra had always said tea was supposed to soothe her, but now it only made her anxious.
Moris rested his head in his left palm and tapped his fingers on the table with the other. "Well, he seems nice."
Kallie blinked. "He is…"
Moris looked at Ellie, a question on his face.
The warrior sighed and threw her hair over her shoulder before resting her head on her hand. "So, am I going to have to room with flyboy over here or not?"
"Huh?" Kallie asked, confused.
