The Fractured City by Kate Jenkins & Morgan Moreau

Author:Kate Jenkins & Morgan Moreau
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 4 Horsemen Publications
Published: 2023-12-10T08:17:20+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

Wrenn’s request to meet Zephraim for a drink arrived with no more surprise than the sun rising in the morning. No one could say Wrenn was an infallible man. He enjoyed the pleasurable parts of life with a little too much gusto and tended to the rest in what could charitably be called indifference. Zephraim recognized this in his friend, but he also thought him to be, inherently, a good person who liked to enjoy life.

Which was why Zephraim chuckled to himself as he pocketed enough gold to ensure a thrilling evening with his closest friend. The last time Zephraim had agreed to go drinking with Wrenn, the night had ended in a fist fight with locals. Admittedly, he had not been in the best of moods, thanks in part to Collette, but his sister’s way of squirming back into his good graces allowed him to view the evening with uncharacteristic optimism.

Zephraim met Wrenn in the grand dining hall on the first floor of the castle, and he was surprised to see Wrenn accompanied by Garibald Crobán. Zephraim was less thrilled. He was sure the sentiment showed on his face, because as soon as they were in ear shot, Crobán began speaking.

“Hope it’s not too much of a bother, Lord Villot. Wrenn asked me to join the two of you for a drink.”

Zephraim plastered a smile on his face. “No bother at all. I’m sure you’re just as capable of getting into a little mischief as the rest of us.”

If Crobán felt any insincerity, he didn’t show it. Instead, he clapped both Wrenn and Zephraim on their shoulders and grinned. “Wonderful. I’ll buy the first round.”

Barely an hour had passed when the trio found themselves seated at the same table Zephraim and Wrenn always shared at the Ivory Lady. The scowl on the barmaid’s ruddy face told Zephraim only their fine clothes protected them from a permanent ban.

“I wonder if she plans on forgiving us any time soon,” Zephraim remarked, nodding in her direction.

Crobán raised an eyebrow. “What’s the cause of her ire? She’s usually such a pleasant little thing.”

“Oh, she’s a bit put out with me,” Wrenn interjected. “I caused a bit of rowdiness the last time I was in here.”

“He threw a man into a table and broke it,” Zephraim clarified with a chuckle.

“He deserved it, the bastard.” Wrenn’s tankard had already been drained twice since arrival, but he held his alcohol well. “Have you ever known me to be aggressive when it was uncalled for?”

“Truthfully?” Zeph asked.

Crobán gave a hearty laugh. “There’s no doubt the two of you have been friends for so long. Those long-standing family connections often result in such friendships. I remember when you two were mere boys.”

Wrenn grinned. “So do I. We spent quite a bit of time avoiding our sisters, if memory serves me right.”

“My sister, you mean. Rhoslyn was never fond of playing outside with us like Collette.” Zeph gave his companions a wry smile.

“Oh, our dear queen is fond of nature, is she?” Crobán asked.

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