The Breach (Stonecrusher Legacy Book 5) by David K. MacDowell

Author:David K. MacDowell [MacDowell, David K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2024-05-08T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Waldorf

My heart skips a beat, and my gut tightens when I hear her voice. “Temp,” I shout into the sending stone. “It’s great to hear your voice. Are you okay? I’m still trying to find a way to save you.”

Lathrop and Maybel focus on the task before them—disassembling the portal, giving me a level of privacy to talk to Tempress, still kidnapped on another plane.

Her voice is so soothing. “It’s wonderful to hear yours, as well. All of us are okay for now. I’m contacting you because one of my new friends has some information that might help you. She told me that Aenor really likes a special kind of peach. It sounds like an obsession.”

How is fruit going to help? “That’s great, Temp, but I’m not sure how that will help me get to you.”

Temp’s huff of annoyance comes through loud and clear. I miss that huff. Maybel giggles when she hears it. “It’s a fruit I’ve never heard of, which makes it a point of interest. Willow says it’s the most delicious peach she’s eaten, with a delightful and intense flavor. Most importantly, Aenor picks it himself.”

I’m glad she can’t see me roll my eyes. “I’m not getting the connection, Temp. How is a tasty peach supposed to help me find you?”

“Aenor became obsessed with it and made a deal with someone he considers ‘revolting’—”

I snort. “Well, that’s everyone.”

Her giggle sounds cute. “That’s what I said. Let me finish. This revolting guy needed Aenor’s help. He agreed, but only if Mister Revolting gave Aenor his peach orchard in return. They struck a deal, and now Aenor picks his own peaches at his private orchard. If we can track down this elusive and rare enstalkt peach⁠—”

“Oh!” Maybel exclaims.

“Who’s that?” Temp asks.

“That’s Maybel, Lathrop’s wife. She’s here with us. Long story. Are you okay, Maybel?”

She wipes her hands on her pants as she turns. “I am indeed, Chief, and I can be of assistance once again. As you know, I work in chemistry and alchemy, mixing things to make something better.”

“Yes, I’m aware.” I try not to sound impatient.

“Well, that peach is unique because my team and I created it. I’m sure it’s altered since my rendition, but we made the first one.”

“You made a fruit?” I ask skeptically.

“We spliced several fruits together to create the first unique tree for Trovi when the Koorgats began their occupation of the Konnel province. They ‘assumed control’ of our klatch, claiming our klatch leadership was weak. We’re not a fighting klatch, so we gave it to him as a peace offering, trying to curry favor.”

“Did it work?”

“I doubt it. After the presentation ceremony, Trovi ‘invited’ Lathrop and me to Suwannapoom to develop items to further his war effort. What he did with the tree after the presentation ceremony is beyond me.”

“Here we go! We’ve got a lead,” I cheer.

“The most interesting thing is that Aenor picks peaches for himself, which he mentioned to Willow.”

“That is interesting,” I reply enthusiastically. “This peach business could be exactly what we’re looking for.

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