Chapter Two

"Me?" Bev coughed to avoid a snort. "What do you mean me?"

Ida beamed. "I asked Hendry if I could have a co-chair this year, and we both agreed that you're the best person for the job."

Bev shook her head. "While I appreciate the vote of confidence, my answer's going to be no."

"If you're worried about being able to enter the breadmaking competition," Ida said, stepping forward hastily, "I checked the rules. As long as you aren't directly involved with the judges in any capacity, you're still allowed to compete. First place is yours this year!"

"If Staunton Bucko doesn't come," Bev said. "Ida, I don't have time."

"Of course you do!" Ida exclaimed. "You're always getting into something. Didn't Petula make you an impromptu election monitor?"

"Well, yes, but—"

"Then you've got all the experience you need," Ida said. "It really isn't much. A few meetings, some paperwork to sort though, working with folks around town to make sure there's a place to host all the events."

"All of which sounds like a job for our wonderful, reelected mayor," Bev said gently.

"Bev, please?" Ida took her hand. "You have such a way of keeping everyone straight. Not just with all the nonsense that goes on in town, but with your guests. Even Etheldra listens to you!" She squeezed. "Please? For me? Because I'm your best friend?"

"Shouldn't your wife be your best friend?" Bev sighed. "And why aren't you asking her?"

"She's got to tend to the shop while I do…" She gestured. "And don't worry, I've already gotten some help for the week of the Harvest Festival. Not making that mistake twice." She cleared her throat. "Hans Silver said he wasn't doing anything and would be happy to help cover the shop."

Bev smiled but didn't quite feel it. "And how are the Silvers? Freddie, specifically. Still upset about the mayoral race?"

"Surprisingly, he's doing just fine," Ida said. "Perhaps his heart really wasn't in it, after all."

Bev made a small noise. There were only a handful of people who knew the truth about what had really happened during the mayoral election—including Bev, Wilda Murtagh, Mayor Hendry, Freddie, and Gore. When Freddie realized Gore hadn't only sent letters, but had requested the presence of dangerous magic-hunter Dag Flanigan to investigate all the candidates, Freddie had dropped out, leaving the race between Wilda and Hendry.

"Well, who knows with these things? He could've been like Pip and decided the work was too much," Bev said.

"I think Gore did something, if you ask me," Ida replied. "The two were thick as thieves during the election, and now they won't even talk with each other. It's about as bad as Trent and Herman."

"Yeah, they're already getting into it," Bev said. "I caught them arguing when I was headed to the market. Managed to break it up, but—"

"See? That's why I need you to help, Bev!" Ida exclaimed. "No one else in town could've gotten Herman and Trent to stop arguing."

Bev pursed her lips. Ida really did seem to need help, and Bev did have good luck with the personalities in town. It also wouldn't be terrible to have a distraction from the worry about what might be coming down the path.

She sighed. "What do you need?"

Ida squealed. "Oh, Bev, you don't know how happy this makes me! It really isn't that much of an ask, you know. We've got one big meeting tomorrow afternoon to go over everything we need to do between now and then. After that, we meet every three days until two weeks before the Harvest Festival, then we meet every two days for one week, then the week before, every day, until—"

Bev was already having regrets. "How about this? When we have a meeting, you can come over and get me. I'm sure I'll be able to put down whatever I'm doing and come."

Ida beamed. "Bev, really, this means a lot to me. So much." She clapped her hands. "Now I've got to go find two more people to be on the committee so we'll have a full quorum. Any ideas?"

"Etheldra would probably have opinions," Bev said.

Ida made a face. "Let's not. But Earl, maybe? He might be able to step in. He's all done repairing the town hall."

Bev nodded. "He is busy, though. Lots of folks have been asking him to help before things get too cold again."

"Oh, we're months off from colder weather," Ida said with a wave of her hand. "I'm sure he can spare some time."

Bev didn't want to speak for the carpenter, but she didn't want to argue with Ida either, so she nodded. "Maybe Lillie could help, too? She's not entering the competition. And things at the bakery have finally slacked off a bit. I'm sure she'd be happy to help."

"That's a wonderful idea," Ida said. "I do like her. Is she still living at Wilda's?"

Bev nodded. "I think she's gone for the day, though. That's what Allen told me this morning."

Lillie had, in fact, finally mustered up enough courage to face Merv, her and Bev's mutual friend, who also happened to be a six-foot moleman. Prior to moving to Pigsend, Lillie had lived beyond Merv's door in a safe haven for magical creatures persecuted by Queen Meandra. Pobyds were bakers by nature, and Lillie had chafed at not being able to access wheat flour and fresh fruits for her confections. So she'd stolen the talisman that protected the town, with the intent of breaking the spell keeping her contained. Although she'd come to her senses before causing any real damage, she'd been kicked out of Lower Pigsend for good.

Bev had taken pity on her and helped her restart her life in Pigsend, and to her credit, Lillie had been nothing but helpful and gracious since, even bringing weekly gifts of gold, fruit, and baked goods to Merv's door. The only thing she hadn't done was actually speak with the moleman and apologize in person—until today.

"Okay, when you see her next," Ida said. "Allen might also be a contender, but I don't want to ask them both. Someone's got to watch the shops, after all."

"Yes, someone does," Bev said, thinking of all the times she'd be leaving the inn unattended to help Ida. But she did leave the inn unattended a lot, and Biscuit kept an eye on things.

"Best be off," Ida chirped. "Lots to do today!"

~

Bev unloaded the wagon, got Sin back into the stable, and returned to finish the laundry that had been soaking. The stains hadn't quite come out yet, but a few hours in the sun would finish the job. With the sheets blowing in the wind gently, she walked into the kitchen, eager to get back to her favorite part of the day.

Cooler temperatures didn't just mean more pleasant outdoor tasks, but they also meant her bread was back to taking a reasonable amount of time to proof. Per Lillie's suggestion, Bev had been making it the night before then stashing it in the root cellar to proof overnight. When the weather was sweltering, Bev had to pull, shape, and bake it hours before it would be served. But now, she could take the almost-done bread dough from the cellar and let it leisurely continue growing and fermenting until mid-afternoon.

She checked the top of the dough, inhaling the scent of the flour, yeast, and rosemary, and poked it a few times. All this talk of the Harvest Festival reminded Bev that she'd almost won first prize in the breadmaking contest the year before. In fact, judge Petula Banks had said she'd only awarded first place to Middleburg's Staunton Bucko because she'd worried it would give the appearance of impropriety to award it to the woman who'd saved the Harvest Festival.

Still, the blue ribbon was the first thing Bev had ever won (as far as she remembered), and she'd hung it with great pride above the mantel. Now, though, she was itching to get another to hang next to it. First place, if she had her way. Everyone said her rosemary bread—already absolutely delightful—had been taken to a new level by her overnight antics. And the weather would be even cooler during the Harvest Festival, which meant Bev would have even longer to let it ferment and develop the flavors.

"First place, for sure," Bev muttered before Wim's warnings about entering contests and becoming too proud floated through her mind.

Her old boss had about as many opinions as Etheldra, and had taken great pains to fill Bev's empty mind with what he'd wanted her to know. Bread was made this way. The inn was kept so. And six years after arriving, she'd dutifully done most everything he'd said—with the exception of the Harvest Festival entry the year before.

"Well, we'll see what happens."

Around two in the afternoon, the front door opened, and the first guest of the night came walking through. When Bev came out to greet him, she smiled brightly.

"Doc Howser!" she exclaimed. "Goodness me, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

The local doctor ministered to a rather large geographic area, and as such, spent very little time in Pigsend. In fact, the last time Bev had seen him was when Vicky Hamblin had been trapped inside a collapsed house. He'd come two days later to check her out then was on his way again as quickly.

"Too long, Bev." He approached the counter. "Do you have room for an old doctor for the evening?"

"Of course," Bev said. "You don't usually stay in town, though, do you?"

He shook his head. "My home's in Middleburg. Quite central to where I need to go, usually. But Bernard and I are going to be working on some new tinctures this afternoon, so I thought I'd spend the night and head out in the morning. As well as have a slice of that delectable rosemary bread." He beamed. "Tell me you're still making it."

"I've already put it in the oven," she said, looking at her book. No one else had come through yet, so Bev wrote Howser's name on the first line. "Room one. Here's your key. Dinner's at six, but if you're going to be later than that, I can save you a plate."

"You're a gem, Bev." He smiled, his entire face lighting up. "You know, Wim would be very proud of how you've managed this place since his passing. Been four years now, hasn't it?

Bev nodded. "I still can't thank you enough for all you did during that season."

"Dragon pox is nasty business," he said, shaking his head. "The folks down in Litaville just got done with an awful round of it. I was there for three months tending to everyone. Luckily, it wasn't as bad as what hit Pigsend that winter, but we still lost more than we should've." He nodded to the bag he held. "That's why I'm here, actually. Bernard is my favorite apothecary in the area, and I've gotten some new tips on ointments and tinctures that might ease some of the symptoms. Maybe even speed recovery."

"That's wonderful," Bev said. "I know we've all been hoping for a cure."

"If there's anyone to figure it out, it's Bernard." He tapped his forehead. "I'm sure we'll have lots to talk about."

~

Six o'clock arrived, and with it, the usual suspects of hungry diners. Besides three more travelers who'd come through the Weary Dragon's doors to stay the night, there were Etheldra and Earl, Bardoff Boyd, the schoolteacher, and Max Sterling, the librarian. Doc Howser and Bernard Rickshaw showed up on time, still animatedly talking about options and combinations. It quickly became the focus of conversation across the entire dining room, and even Bev found herself listening closely, especially when Etheldra offered her opinion.

"Well, I daresay that's a dreadful idea," the tea shop owner, who'd confessed to having a semi-magical ability with plants, said to Bernard's idea of mixing undine extract with king's broadleaf, whatever that was. "The two will counteract each other. Better to give the patient water."

"Oh, right, I forgot about that," Bernard said, tapping his chin. "Good looking out, Ms. Etheldra."

They continued throwing around ideas, naming plants Bev hadn't ever heard of before. Even Max, who was one of the smartest men Bev knew, seemed out of his depth.

Midway through the meal, Earl rose and brought his empty plate to Bev. "So, erm, did you get conscripted today?"

"I did, apparently," Bev said with a chuckle. "You, too?"

"Twisted my arm. Hurt, too. You know how strong she is." Earl sighed, looking at Etheldra, who was still interjecting her opinions into the doctor and apothecary's conversation. "But she told me if I wouldn't do it, she'd ask Etheldra. And I can't inflict that on the Harvest Festival."

Bev snorted. Earl and Etheldra were newly married, and while it might've seemed odd that the gentle carpenter would marry such a strong-willed, opinionated woman, they really were quite in love, and Bev was happy they continued to be content in their lives.

"So it's you and me, Ida, and Hendry?" Bev said. "Maybe Lillie."

"Oh, good. I do like her, you know. She's such a dear. And so knowledgeable about baking, too. I'm sure she'll be an asset to all the competitions."

"Just hope Wilda doesn't get any funny ideas," Bev said. She'd hinted quite heavily that she was hoping to utilize her roommate's magical abilities to help her in the pie-making contest. Bev didn't know how she'd react to her roommate being involved in the festival planning. "But at least the election's over, hm?"

"Yeah." His face darkened. "Really wish Pip hadn't dropped out, though. And Freddie! But I guess you never know what people are going through. Pip says he's fine with it. Even complimented Hendry yesterday on stopping by to check on his business without any ulterior motive."

"That's a first," Bev said. The only time the mayor ever saw anyone else willingly seemed to be when she wanted something. "But maybe the election scared her. Made her realize she's got to actually do the work."

"Maybe so." Earl sighed as Etheldra started to get into it with Bernard. "Well, time to get my bride and go, it seems. Bernard makes the tinctures to ease my aching back, so I need him to be willing to sell to me."

Bev laughed as he quickly crossed the room to lead Etheldra from it.

Howser laughed as he rose and brought Bev his plate. "Some people never change. You know, I went to school with Etheldra and Earl once upon a time. Happy they finally came to their senses. He always had a crush on her but never had the courage to say anything."

Bev smiled, taking his plate as Bernard joined him. "Have you two had a fruitful afternoon?"

"Yes, indeed," Bernard said. "Always nice to have Doc Howser in town, isn't it?"

"I feel like everyone can get sick now," Bev said then quickly added, "Except don't, because no one likes being sick."

Howser and Bernard laughed. "I get it. Feels much nicer when there's a doctor nearby," Howser said. "But really, you've got a great apothecary in Bernard. He's practically a second doctor, too."

"Not quite. I don't believe I'm going to be doing any surgery," Bernard said. "Or bandaging wounds. Don't like the sight of blood." He shivered.

"Well, shall we call it a night or get back to it?" Howser asked.

"I've got a few more hours in me if you do," Bernard said. "I…er…just wanted to ask Bev a quick question."

"Sure thing." Howser tipped his hat and headed to the door.

"What can I do for you?" Bev asked Bernard.

"It's been a while since you've come to see me," he said.

Bev nodded. She really didn't have much use for the apothecary.

"The last time we spoke, you mentioned you'd seen my brother recently."

"Right." Bev shifted uncomfortably. Bernard's brother Gerry was another citizen of Lower Pigsend and had been Lillie's accomplice in the almost-breaking of the spell. His punishment, however, had been to return to the enclave. Perhaps a blessing for him, as he was half-man, half-chicken from a potion gone wrong.

"Have you…heard from him lately?" Bernard asked, a little hopefully.

"Not lately, no," Bev said.

"When you saw him, he was still…feathered, right?"

Bev nodded.

"Suppose the queen's people found him acceptable, then, if he's still causing trouble," Bernard said with a shake of his head.

Bev nodded, not wanting to tell Bernard about Lower Pigsend.

"In any case, I think I've finally managed to make an undoing potion. Something that could turn him human again, you know? I was hoping you might've seen him or know where he's living now."

"I may be able to get a message to him," Bev said. "If you like."

Bernard shook his head quickly. "Now that I think about it, probably not. Best to let sleeping chickens lie, you know? Especially if they're angry brothers who might seek revenge." He took a step back. "Thanks, Bev. For the meal and for…well…"

"Have a good night, Bernard."

Bev watched him go, feeling a little sorry for the apothecary. Gerry had made it clear he still resented his brother, but that resentment might disappear should the other man get the antidote to his own feathering. Bev hadn't really spoken to Gerry since the night Lillie had been kicked out, and she wasn't eager to restart the conversation, either.

Still, the next time she visited Merv, she might as well pass along the message to Gerry, in case he was interested in losing the feathers.