The next morning, Titania served up fried eggs, beans, toasted bread, freshly picked tomatoes, and one of my favorites, blood pudding.
“I’d eat breakfast every day if it was like this,” I declared to anyone at the table who cared to listen.
“You could have it if you joined a guild,” said Orlando.
“What?”
“Most guilds have in-house chefs.” He gave me an innocent look. “I thought you knew that. Why, I eat this well every day.”
“First of all, fuck you, Lando. Second, I couldn’t join a guild because I’m not a mage.”
Orlando rolled his eyes. “This again? Rosalind Featherstone, the only thing you are lacking is an official degree from an academy, and I’m certain you could obtain one with minimal effort. I’d imagine some guilds would be so eager to have you as a member, they’d even exempt you from the degree requirement.”
“I haven’t drawn a sigil in fifteen years.”
“There are mages in nearly every grimoric guild in Drusiel who haven’t drawn a sigil in twice that length of time.”
“Because they’re ancient and their hands shake so badly they couldn’t even write their own name.”
“All I’m saying is that simply because you focus on research and analysis rather than practical sigil-work does not make you any less of a mage.”
“The fact that I don’t practice magic is precisely what makes me different from a mage,” I said. “I’m an arcanist. End of story.”
Titania chuckled. “You two bicker like an old married couple.”
“You should see them when they’re actually a couple,” said Lysander. “Every meal is like a theatrical.”
“You’ll get all the drama you could ever want when I shove my flaming fist up your ass,” I told him.
Titania laughed again, then sighed. “It’s good you all still have each other. I hope you appreciate it for as long as it lasts.” She stared down into her steaming mug. “The worst part of a dangerous profession ain’t dying—it’s living after everyone else you know is dead. To be honest, I sometimes even miss old enemies.”
We all sat there for a few moments, none of us sure what to say. Then, thankfully, Claud came in through the front door.
“Hey, Claud.” I waved my fork at him. “How are the horses?”
He stopped and gave me a very earnest look. “Well, ma’am, they are in good health and well rested, but I reckon no amount of health or rest is going to improve the temper on that mare of yours. Sometimes you’ve just got to let them be who they are.”
I chuckled. “You said it, brother.”
“You’ll be heading out today, then?” asked Titania.
“Yeah, can’t leave Crowley waiting. Might think we don’t care, you know?”
“You watch yourself on the way to Hergotis,” she said. “This time of year, there’s liable to be bandits or even bears hungry enough to brave a small party like yours.”
Lysander’s eyes widened. “Bears, huh? I sure wouldn’t mind bringing a bear rug home to Portia….”
“Don’t get sidetracked,” I told him.
Titania ruefully shook her head. “I shoulda known you all wouldn’t blink twice at such things. All right, I won’t worry. But I better see you all again.”
“Can you tell us anything about Hergotis itself?” asked Orlando. “It’s been some time since I was there.”
“Not much to say,” said Titania. “Still claims to be the biggest mining town in Penador, although it might not be the richest anymore.”
“Mines starting to run dry?” I asked.
“They’re looking for new deposits, but I hear it’s been pretty lean times up there. Don’t be too surprised if people ain’t real friendly. I’m sure it doesn’t help none that the town itself is dry now too.”
I froze. “Sorry, what did you say?”
“Mayor of Hergotis declared alcohol illegal a little while back after a drunken brawl turned into a riot. Out-of-work miners like to drink, and drunk out-of-work miners like to fight.”
“Well now, Rosalind.” Orlando’s gaze was merciless, bordering on cruel. “This should present quite a challenge for you.”
I scowled at him, then turned back to Titania and gave her my sweetest smile. “Say Tania, I don’t suppose you’d let me buy one of those jugs of home-brewed gin off you, huh? The biggest one you got.”