After what felt like only a moment of total darkness, I blinked awake. The soft light that filtered through the curtains cast gentle patterns on the ceiling. Seraphina stirred beside me. At some point, we had snuggled under the blanket, and it was too warm to consider getting out of bed. I closed my eyes again, thankful to be safe in my own room with Seraphina.

I drifted off again and might have fallen asleep. Visions of flying over the land of Mythralon carried me away. I wondered what Frostfire was up to at this very moment. My eyes shot open, and I practically fell out of bed.

“Well, shit,” I muttered.

Seraphina's eyes fluttered open.

"How long did we sleep?" she murmured.

I sat up, glancing toward the window. The sun hung low, painting the sky with hues of amber. "It's late afternoon, at least," I said, rubbing my face. "We overslept. Dammit. I have so much to do today. Why didn't Lady Churl or one of my other employees wake me?”

Seraphina stretched, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Maybe you should put off the big event until tomorrow. Stay in bed with me a little longer.”

That was the kind of offer I found hard to pass up, and I considered it for a long moment. “I’d like nothing better, my love, but I've committed too many resources. Local brewers are most likely in the process of loading carts to bring in their samples, if they aren’t already here.”

“I know. It was worth a shot.”

I leaned over and kissed Seraphina, wishing we could stay in bed. “If it were any other time. Curse these commitments.”

“You know… With my mother and father staying at my place, things are a little cramped. If you'll have me, I can stay here for the next few nights.”

“Seraphina,” I said and brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. “You can stay anytime. I’ll clear a drawer for you. Feel free to use it.”

“We’re at that stage?” she asked with a soft smile.

“We sure are,” I said and couldn’t help but kiss her again.

"I’ll take you up on that offer, kind sir.” She laughed, gently pushed me away, and said, “You should probably get the tavern ready."

"I know. I’m already so late, it’s hard to rush, now."

I rubbed my eyes. They felt glassy, but also like they were covered in a thin layer of fine grit.

"I need a gallon of water," Seraphina said.

"Great idea."

Lady Churl must have taken care of replacing the pitcher of water in the room earlier in the day. It sat on the low table next to my dresser. There was just one mug, upside down, on the surface. I turned it over and poured mostly fresh water in. I walked back to the bed, chugging about half of it down as I went, and returned to fill it again before offering it to Seraphina. "Sorry. I didn't know I was so thirsty."

She took the cup and drank. "That really hit the spot. Now we need a big pot of coffee. Better yet. Can you get me a latte?” She lowered her voice. “Extra foam, and I'll take a dash of cinnamon on top."

I laughed, leaned over, and kissed her lightly. "I wish I could get one for both of us. With any luck, Lady Churl still has a pot of hot water on the stove.”

She grabbed my hand as I turned to leave. "Are you okay after… after all that, well, power was unleashed?"

"The stuff from last night? I think so. I feel used, you know. What was revealed under Everspring is unprecedented. Truly, I can't help but feel like there could have been a better way to ask for help. Not that Triolux actually asked for help. He just assumed I would be able to fire up the Earthheart."

"He was desperate. I'm not saying it's right, but I can understand why he did it."

"That's just it. I can understand it, as well, and he should have found a better way to ask me."

Seraphina nodded and said, "How do you feel after all that power came from you know who?"

"I don't feel anything. Once this," I pulled out the Heart of Shadows, "was back around my neck, my tiredness evaporated. The feeling of dread, cold fingers up and down my spine, the whispers of so many dead…" I shuddered. "It all went away."

Seraphina sat up and placed the mug of water on the nightstand next to the bed. She pulled me toward her. "I'm glad you don't always have to deal with that."

"Me too," I said, leaned over, and kissed her.

Seraphina pushed the covers back, pulled herself to the side of the bed, and swung her legs over. "I'll freshen up and join you in a few minutes," she said.

"Take your time. I have a feeling this night is going to be a disaster. It's already off to a rough start."

"I can help," Seraphina offered.

"I don't want to keep you from anything. But I do appreciate the offer."

She shrugged. "I'm just here for the food and drinks. Why else would I want to date a tavern owner?"

I laughed as I headed out the door.

As I made my way downstairs, a rich aroma greeted me—savory meats, fresh bread, and herbs simmering in pots. There were voices, and I worried the event had already started. As I came into view of the main room, I nearly slipped and fell on my butt.

The tavern had been transformed! Long tables stretched across the main room, flanked by benches and extra chairs. Piles of dishes, utensils, cups, and mugs sat at one end of the bar. The floors were clean, the curtains pulled, and the side door was open. From beyond the door came the sound of Jessara and Milo chattering about something to one another. A shadow flickered against the frame, and I knew its source. They had started a fire out there, and the soft thumping I heard was the large oar-like spoon repeatedly striking the side of the cauldron as someone stirred.

I stopped in my tracks, taking it all in. "What happened here?" I exclaimed.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"Hey, boss. There you are. Got some rest, did ya?" Lady Churl emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel.

"It looks incredible," I said. "Did you do all this?"

She shook her head. "Had a bit of help."

Doan stepped out of the kitchen behind Lady Churl, followed by Ragna, Caden, and Shellen.

"What in the world is going on?" I asked, looking between them.

"You needed rest," Doan said with a shrug. "So we took care of setting up."

Caden nodded. "Figured you'd appreciate a hand."

"Them what's good at following directions," Lady Churl added.

"I don't know what to say. This is... beyond anything I expected."

Before I could continue, the door swung open. Jessara and Milo bustled in.

"Varix!" Milo called out. "You won't believe it—we sold out of lunches in minutes this afternoon. All anyone could talk about was a dragon. A dragon! Was that all true? You rode on it?“

“Her name is Frostfire Aetherwing, and she is very nice. I'll introduce you.”

His face appeared to be frozen.

“Milo?”

He finally closed his mouth and nodded. “Er. Yeah. Meet a dragon.”

I chuckled at him.

Milo shook his head. “When we brought the wagon back, you were still sleeping, so we started setting up for the event tonight. They all pitched in to help."

"You all didn't have to do this," I said, almost embarrassed by their act.

Caden tipped his head. "That's what friends do, especially after you helped stop the village from shaking down around our ears."

Ragna put her hands on her hips and regarded me.

Doan let out a hearty laugh. "And it’s probably a good idea to look after the man who's friends with a dragon."

Laughter rippled through the room. Warmth spread through me, and I couldn't help but smile. "I can't thank you all enough," I said, moving into the main room so I could personally thank them one by one. I shook Caden's hand, got a hug from Shell, a hearty shoulder clap from Doan that set me back on my feet, and a fierce embrace from Ragna that took my breath away because damn. That woman was strong.

Ragna backed away and looked me up and down. "Varix, my friend. You might want to clean up before the event."

Doan and the others chuckled.

I glanced down at my wrinkled shirt and sniffed. "Good point," I admitted, laughing. "I fell asleep in my clothes. I was exhausted. Still am, but I feel a lot better than earlier." Turning to Lady Churl, I asked. "I don't suppose there's a pot of water on? I need coffee. Seraphina and I both do."

"Yeah, yeah. Got yer water on. I'll mix up a brew for ya."

"Thank you, Lady Churl."

She waved me off and headed back to the kitchen.

Seraphina came down the stairs and gasped when she saw our friends and the main floor.

"How…?"

"I have them to thank. They did all of this while we were napping," I told Seraphina as I headed back up the stairs. "I'm going to clean up and get a change of clothes on."

She nodded and said, "I also need a change. I'll run back to my shop, check in with my father, and I'll be back shortly."

"Can't wait," I told her.

I returned downstairs after having cleaned up, washed off the sweat and grime from a night underground, and changed into a fresh set of clothing. The evening light spilled through the windows and cast a warm glow across the wooden floors. It smelled like home here. I had only been underground for a night, and yet I had missed the smell of my own tavern.

The rich aroma of food greeted me—a blend of the hearty chili simmering outside and the scent of stew and spices wafting from the kitchen. I'd taught my crew well. The chili smelled like my recipe, or at least close to it. In the kitchen, pans clanked around, and Lady Churl yelled at Grondak, and he yelled back. I paused and listened. This went on for a minute before there was a meaty smack. Concerned that the orc had struck Lady Churl were unfounded when Grondak yelled, "Ow!"

"I'm staying out of that," I muttered.

I stuck my head outside and found the cauldron of chili.

"Hey, Mr. V. Want to taste it? We followed your recipe."

"I would love to taste it, Milo. Thank you for taking the lead on this. You and Jessara. I appreciate you both."

"It's not a problem, Mr. V." Milo grinned and handed me a spoon.

I dished out a little bit, blew on it, tasted the chili, closed my eyes, and grinned at Milo. "This is excellent, Milo. My compliments to the chefs."

Crafters began to arrive, their arms or carts loaded with casks and crates. They chatted amongst themselves, laughter mingling with the clatter of setting up. Each found their spot, and arranged barrels and bottles with care.

I spotted Doan, Caden, Ragna, and Shellen near the hearth; I made my way over. "Could I steal you all for a minute?" I asked.

They exchanged curious glances but followed me to a quieter corner. From beneath the bar, I pulled out a dusty bottle wrapped in cloth. "I've been saving this," I said, unveiling one of my last bottles of Iron Forge whiskey. The amber liquid glinted softly in the light.

"I'd like a spot of that," Sir Garin said from the corner.

"What's the occasion?" Doan asked, his eyebrow raised.

I met each of their eyes. "I wanted to thank you all properly. For everything you've done. This place, this night, wouldn't be possible without your help."

Ragna waved a hand dismissively. "Ah, we just pitched in a bit."

"It's more than a bit," I insisted. "You've all gone above and beyond."

Caden grinned. "Well, when you put it that way, I won't say no to a drink."

I poured the whiskey into small glasses. It was strong, but the smell was also a little sweet. Holding up my glass, I said, "To friendship and community."

"Here, here," Shellen agreed.

We clinked glasses and took a sip. The whiskey was smooth and warming.

Just then, the door opened, and Seraphina stepped inside. Her green attire was simple yet elegant. Her eyes caught mine, and a smile touched her lips.

"Excuse me," I said to the group as I left them to approach her.

"You look refreshed," she said softly.

"Thanks to a good nap and a bit of magic from everyone here." I smiled, and gestured toward my friends.

We gathered and watched as the local crafters setup on the prepared tables. Barrels, labeled with hand-painted signs, boasted ales with names like "Autumn's Gold" and "River's Edge Ale." The air soon mingled with scents of hops, malt, and sweet mead.

As we were about to open the doors to the waiting crowd outside, Roland opened the front door and stepped inside, his posture tall and with a satisfied smile on his face.

Beside him stood a striking man. He was tall, with a mane of dark hair lightly touched with silver at the temples. His attire was impeccable, with a tailored jacket over a crisp blue shirt, and yet there was a casual elegance about him.

“Kieran, may I introduce Varix Vel'Naris, proprietor of The Shadow's Respite," Roland said, gesturing between us. “Varix, this is the one and only Kieran Darkrune—a true bard’s bard.”

"It's an honor to meet you," I said, extending my hand.

Kieran barely touched my fingers before withdrawing his hand as if afraid of touch. "Charmed, I'm sure." His honey-smooth voice carried just a hint of condescension. "Baron Swiftwood spoke so... quaintly of your establishment. Though I must say, it's rather... rustic compared to The Wandering Boar."

His eyes swept across my tavern, seeming to linger on every imperfection. "Quite the gathering you've arranged here. A bold choice, mixing common brewers with such..." he paused deliberately, "simple fare. The Baron assured me his establishment would have a more refined selection tomorrow evening."

I shrugged, brushing off the comment, and said, "It may look simple, but this place has one thing the baron doesn't."

"Oh?" One of Kieran's eyebrows quirked up.

"Me. A guy who is friends with a dragon, and who just yesterday visited an ancient city beneath Everspring. Oh, and there will be someone here later tonight you simply must meet. Triolux. A member of a long-lost race called the ferrokin. Imagine the stories a bard could spin from all of that."

His eyebrows shot up, destroying the wrinkles of disdain he'd developed since walking through the door. "Is any of that true?"

"Oh, it's all true. One hundred percent. Now, shall I show you where to set up?"