First Fist Book 2: Confluence of Fates by TJ Reynolds

Author:TJ Reynolds [Reynolds, TJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-02T00:00:00+00:00

28

INTRUSIVE AND ALARMING

“Even amongst outcasts, a social order is established. Sad and stupid but true.”

~Fergus Alden, the Sage of Wyndfall

That night, a celebratory dinner was held in Rowan’s house. Given that her domicile was warmer and generally more hospitable than his own, Luca was more than willing to accommodate her wishes to host the informal event. Luca received all sorts of gifts throughout the remainder of the day, much of it edible. He was but one man, and as much as he enjoyed sweets, he thought it appropriate to share the bounty with friends.

They ate venison, crisped pork belly, biscuits drowned in rich gravy, and an assortment of sweets prepared by the grateful Wylish. Among these were apple tarts, berry jams, cookies, and even a pie.

Arbin and Talia sat side by side, with Bodo positioned next to the siblings.

Rowan had mapped out the seating arrangement with tactical precision. Sitting tall and rigid as a plank of oak wood, Hagen was positioned opposite Talia. Rowan’s eyes twinkled as she eyed the awkward pair, yet to her dismay, the huge, stubborn knight had yet to glance in Talia’s direction even once.

Luca observed the man’s discomfort with a blend of compassion and delight. Hagen was a good man, and though soldiers tended to speak about anything and everything while in the field, Luca hadn’t heard a single rumor about Hagen’s love life. To keep such details private spoke much about the quality of a man’s character. It could also hint at a life of discipline, in which personal enjoyment was relinquished in favor of duty.

Wonder if the man has ever been in love, Luca thought idly. The poor fellow looks like he’s being tortured by a Forgeman. He’s either unaware of Talia’s admiration and is simply awkward, or, more likely, she’s caught his eye as well and he hasn’t a clue what to do about it.

Luca silenced his mind, feeling he was being rude. It’ll be my business if and when he mentions it, he decided, earning a wry comment from Leshra.

He ignored her derision as well. Focusing on the meal, Luca pushed a plate of venison toward Hagen. “Have more! There’s plenty to go around, and you’ve lost too much weight since coming to the island. Time to fatten up a little.”

To prove his sincerity, Luca ate till his belly hurt.

As the feasting slowed, Bodo took it upon himself to fill in much of the silence with far too many words. “You see, Amina may seem quiet, but I can see so much in her eyes,” he prattled on. “The lass is sharp as a butcher’s knife; I’d bet anything on it. The quiet ones are always clever. Least, that’s what I’ve noticed. Not that I know much of girls, but I’ve been friends with plenty.” Taking a quick breath, he added, “She’s not like other girls—I’ll tell you that much. She has what my mum used to call pomp and poise. Mum meant it in a bad way, but that’s not how I mean it.

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