The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [31]
James takes a seat and the girls quickly move to sit on either side of him. Ceryn just smiles.
“Corbin, I’ve got a favor to ask of you.”
“What?” the master of the house replies, as he takes his place at the head of the table.
“James is injured and a stranger to these parts. I would consider it a personal favor if he could use your spare room to recuperate for a week or so. His leg is not well enough for traveling.”
The farmer turned a thoughtful look upon him.
“I would help out where I could,” James offers. “I could even pay if you would like.”
“I’m not one who usually allows strangers to stay in my home, Ceryn. But you’ve saved my skin on several occasions, so I suppose I could make an exception here.” Keeping his attention focused on James, Corbin says, “We’re not rich here, you’ll get just simple fare. If you wish, you can stay with us. Though should you give us any problems, you’ll be out the door and on your way. I’ll not have trouble in my house. Do we understand each other?”
“Yes sir, we do.”
“Fine.” Turning toward the kitchen he hollers, “How much longer till dinner, woman?”
“It’s coming now,” Mary says as she emerges carrying a platter loaded with roasted chicken and accompanying vegetables. She sets the platter in the center of the table then turns to Corbin, “If you holler like that at me again, Master Farmer, you can go out and eat with the hogs for all I care.” After fixing him with a stern glare, she returns to the kitchen. In spite of the bickering, James gets the feeling that they really care for each other.
About this time, Devin returns from taking care of the horses and Ceryn’s wagon. He takes his seat at the table, opposite James.
“Where are you from?” asks Elizabeth’s sister. “You sure have funny looking clothes.”
“Don’t bother the boy, Cyanna,” her father chides. “It’s not nice to ask questions like that.”
“That’s okay,” James assures him. Turning to Cyanna he says, “I’m from a small town like this one that’s far, far away.” He gestures to his clothes, “And this is what we wear where I come from.”
“Do you miss it?” she asks, then casts a quick glance at her father who doesn’t say anything about her questions since it doesn’t seem to be bothering James.
“A little. You always miss your home,” he replies wistfully.
As Mary places the last of the food on the table, she takes her seat and Corbin announces, “Enough questions, let’s eat.”
Baked chicken, some vegetable, and bread; simple as Corbin had said, but very good and filling.
While they ate, Corbin has Ceryn relate the tale of the outlaw attack. In difference to James, he glosses over the parts that magic played. He also toned down the gory details, respecting the sensibilities of the girls and Mary. Devin listened intently, asking many questions about the fighting.
During the tale, James is startled when his leg is unexpectedly thumped. The dogs had taken position beneath the table and James notices that Corbin and his family toss the bones and other scraps down to them. The dogs spend the meal happily, and noisily, gnawing away on the bones. James even caught Cyanna magnanimously sharing a few of her vegetables with them as well.
When dinner concludes, the men retire to the living room for a smoke and a cup of ale. Ceryn comes to James and takes his leave. “I’m heading down to the Squawking Goose. I promised to tell the story of the bandit attack. You’ll be fine here. Corbin’s a good man, if a bit grumpy at times.”
“I heard that!”
“Of course you did, I said it for your benefit.” Smiling, Ceryn continues, “If I don’t see you when I return afterward, take care.” With that he extends his hand and James shakes it.
“Goodbye, Ceryn. Thanks for all you have done for me.”
“I’d say we are even. I saved your life, and now you’ve saved mine.” Ceryn says goodbye to Corbin and his family and then heads out the door to the stables where he readies his horse for the ride into town.
Mary and the girls