Dragons of the Valley - Donita K. Paul [52]
She spoke to the lady proprietor in an undertone. “Your son said business is slow.”
The proprietress sniffed. “Slow on the river. These farmers are hanging around, waiting for seed and other supplies to be delivered.”
The tumanhofers carried Tipper over to an empty chair and helped her get settled.
Librettowit turned to the woman and bowed. “I am Trevithick Librettowit, librarian.”
The woman preened under his courtly attention. Her face cracked with a miniscule smile, and she actually batted her eyelashes.
Tipper watched with fascination. She’d never thought of the wizard’s librarian as a ladies’ man. But the owner of the boat stop positively glowed at his attention. Librettowit showed no signs of being embarrassed by the woman’s sudden coquettish stance. In fact, he looked like he didn’t notice.
“My name’s Edrina Posh.”
Librettowit smiled, and Tipper decided that he did know the woman displayed an interest in a flirtation. His monstrous teeth did not show in this restrained smile, but definite approval shone from his eyes. He nodded slightly. Tipper wondered if she could reach him with her good foot and give him a kick.
“You’ll be staying the night, won’t you?” asked the predatory female.
Tipper didn’t like her, and the men sitting so casually around the room seemed to be listening while trying to look like they were not.
“Of course,” said Librettowit. “We will require two rooms.”
“Right,” said Edrina Posh. “I’ll have the boys carry up your luggage.”
Librettowit shook his head, looking sorry to disappoint her. “We have none.”
Mistress Posh’s eyebrows drew together. “It’s not safe to leave valuables on your river craft. There are thieves in the vicinity.”
“We have nothing of value to steal.”
Her eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second, and then the smiling welcome returned to her face. “I assume you can pay.”
Librettowit nodded.
She took his arm and guided him toward the desk. “Just sign your names in the book.” She patted his thick arm. “We’ll make you comfortable. It’s our specialty.”
20
In the Night
Bealomondore shifted the tray to one hand and tapped on the door to Tipper’s room with the other. Taeda Bel opened the door.
“Is she awake?” he asked.
Taeda Bel nodded and opened the door wider. Tipper sat in a cushioned chair beside a large open window. Beyond, the river flowed quietly by. The setting sun reflected off the smooth surface, tingeing the water an unreasonable pink. Tree frogs chorused, welcoming the evening.
Bealomondore stood for a moment, capturing the vision in his mind. Tipper, framed by the window, composed an almost perfect painting. She stroked the small green dragon, who had curled himself comfortably in her lap. The contrasting colors made his fingers itch to pick up a brush. Wistfully, he gave up the longing to capture this moment on canvas.
He sighed. “I brought dinner for you and Taeda Bel.”
Taeda Bel wrinkled her nose. “It smells like travelers’ stew.”
“It is travelers’ stew.”
“Will you keep Princess Tipper company?” Taeda Bel opened the door to leave. “I think Maxon and I will go out to eat.”
Bealomondore nearly laughed out loud at the wide-eyed stare Tipper cast upon the little kimen.
“Out? Out where?” she asked.
“The fields.” Taeda Bel spun in the doorway to face them. “There are enough vegetables in the wild foliage behind the boat stop to feed a whole kimen village. Want to come with us?”
“Not me,” said Bealomondore. “I like travelers’ stew.”
“I like it too.” Tipper wagged a finger at her kimen guard. “You be careful out there. Remember all those hideous snakes.”
Rayn raised his head, stretched his neck toward the offering Bealomondore had brought, took a deep sniff, and sneezed. He flew to the kimen about to leave and landed by her feet. Taeda Bel tossed Tipper a cheeky grin and shut the door. Rayn had deserted her.
The tumanhofer put the tray on a round table and scooted it close to Tipper’s hand. He then reopened the door for propriety’s sake.
“Will you sit with me and eat?” asked Tipper.
“Yes, but I must confess