Chapter 35: Family Dinner

On the night before they continued their work, they gathered for dinner at the Faerie Embassy, located on the McKenzie property. It astounded Wil how things had turned out, and that his family had been so willing to give up their farm and embrace a future of change and diplomacy. When Wil made his decision, they didn’t hesitate.

Now, six months after the disastrous Midwinter Feast that had ended with Wil’s imprisonment, it didn’t feel like home anymore. The land may have belonged to the McKenzie family, but they’d all but given it up in the name of peace and friendship. Along with the new man-made lake, the two massive trees serving as apartments for the fae, the fallen tree they used for restaurants, there was now a central building in place of their old wheat field. At just before sunset, it was lit up from behind by a burnt orange sun.

“Knowing you for about half a year now, I still have trouble believing this is all because of you,” said Thomas. He gawked openly, marveling at the difference in architecture. Fae homes were grown and shaped naturally, working with its environment rather than conquering it. The central building looked like a tree had grown from it, rather than the other way around.

“If it makes you feel any better, same.” Wil slapped his back and joined him in admiring things. A nearby pixie called out his name. Wil waved at a small group of fae cheering him on.

“They seem to like you,” Thomas remarked.

“What can I say? I’m a likable guy.” Wil grinned. “Is there anything you would like me to show you about the land before we go to dinner? Anyone you’d like to meet?”

The enchanter smirked. “From everything I’ve heard, that elf princess is supposed to be beyond gorgeous. Any chance of setting us up?”

“She is easily the most attractive woman I’ve ever seen, and she’s also a bit stuck up, bratty, and dating my brother, last I checked.”

“Must be nice, McKenzie,” Thomas said with a sigh. “Must be nice.”

“If you listen to him, she’s a lot of fun, but also demanding. Unfortunately, I think they’re both back in Faerie at the moment. I should be able to see her tomorrow, during my trip to Oakheart Spiral.” Wil began walking, and Thomas followed.

“And you’re sure I can’t come along?” Thomas tried again. “You know I won’t cause any issues. I won’t speak at all, if that’s what it takes. I need to see Faerie.”

Wil shook his head. “After what happened with Hugo, they are incredibly selective about which wizards they allow in.”

“Wasn’t that your call?” Thomas said.

Wil walked faster. “Maybe, but it was the right call and they agreed with me. Best that we give it some time. After we show off for the president, maybe that’ll give you enough clout to be on the short-list.”

Thomas jogged to catch up. They came across a split in the path. One way led to the McKenzie house, dwarfed by all the buildings around it. The other led to the fallen tree. Wil led them there. “I still can’t believe the president himself is coming to check our work.”

That just made him shrug. “He’s kind of pushy, but if he’s happy with us he’ll probably be friendly. And a bit obnoxious.”

“Look at you, unimpressed with meeting the president. Again. Oh, no big deal, he’s just a bit of a bully, but you’ll manage him.” Thomas shook his head. “Must. Be. Nice.”

Wil nudged him. “Shush. I’ll introduce you and talk you up. By the time I’m done, he’ll forget about me and focus on you.”

“Somehow, that sounds worse.”

“Then there is no pleasing you.” Wil stopped to shake hands with a golden haired centaur. After exchanging pleasantries, they headed into the restaurant.

It was, like many things in the Embassy, bigger on the inside. They’d managed to take a huge tree and make it even roomier and usable than Wil could’ve dreamed. The ceiling was a good ten feet above the ground, with glowing lights of all colors every so often, casting the cozy room in a kaleidoscope of pulsing lights. Tables were built right into the tree, along the sides, with some additional tables scattered out in the open. There were dozens of humans and fae alike getting food. In one of those open tables, their party waited for them.

Bob sat at the head of the table, as was his right as patriarch of the family and mayor of town. Sharon was at one side, with Bram on the other. Wil sat down at the other head, Darlene to his right and Thomas to his left. Bob raised a hand in greeting. “What took you two so long? Bram and Darlene were about to order without you.”

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“I was not,” Bram insisted. “I just said maybe we could get something to start.”

“I would’ve ordered without you,” Darlene admitted. “In a heartbeat.” She had a mug of something blue and fizzy in her hands, and she took a drink.

“Luckily, no need for that,” said Wil. “Thomas and I were working on the car. We’ve been having some problems with the extrasensory spell on it, and it’s been giving people headaches.”

“We got that sorted out,” Thomas added, adjusting in his chair until he got comfortable. His eyes darted around at everything and everyone, drinking in the sights. “Now we just need to make it a button you press. Nonmagical people have trouble with extra senses to deal with.”

Bram nodded enthusiastically. “The first time I tried to drive with that on, I nearly barfed.”

“Maybe don’t say that at the dinner table, Bram,” said Sharon, but she smiled.

“Right, sorry Mrs. McKenzie,” he said.

“I’ve been meaning to ask, Mom, how often do you eat out now instead of cooking?” Wil grinned at the way Sharon’s face dropped.

His mother groaned and covered her face with her hands. “It’s gotten so bad, but I’ve been busy! After your dad won the election, he needed someone he could trust to help him out. And then there’s also being the go-between for the fae here and now…I think I’ve cooked twice in the last month.”

Everyone but Thomas made a loud ‘ooooh’ at her confession. He laughed along, eyes darting around. He was a friendly, relaxed man most of the time, but it seemed like whenever he was around anyone Wil truly cared about, anxiety hit him and he clammed up. Not a lot, just enough for Wil to notice.

“Well,” said Bob, “it’s kind of hard to resist when we live right here and they never charge us anything for it. I always try to insist, but they won’t hear anything of it.”

A sprightly elf woman who could’ve been thirty or three hundred came up to their table. “Welcome, honored guests,” she said, bowing her head respectfully. “How may we serve you tonight?”

“We’re all hungry as hell,” said Bob.

“Well, in that case, can I recommend the King’s Feast?”

Wil’s eyes lit up. “What’s in that?”

The elf, upon recognizing him, favored him with a warm smile. “A sampling of all of our meals. Perfect for a group this size. You’ll go home fat and content, and dreaming of more.”

A quick look around the table showed it sounded good to everyone. Darlene spoke up for them, saying, “As long as you bring us food and fast. I’m liable to eat Bram if I don’t get something in me now.”

“I would taste terrible!” Bram protested.

“Not according to Isom,” said Wil with a pleasant smile. “He says you’d taste like beef. A high compliment from him, actually.”

His friend paled before laughing it off. The elf woman bowed once more and disappeared into the back before Wil could ask for whatever Darlene was drinking. Oh well, there’d be other chances. His mother got his attention again.

“Are you excited to go back to Faerie?” she asked. “What has you going there again?”

Bram bounced in his seat. “Our experiments!” he said. “We’re making really good progress, but faricite batteries are hard and we’re running out.”

Wil nodded. “I’m going to see if I can make a trade for some faricite directly, and also see how they’re doing. Six months after possible war, I want to make sure things are going well over there before President Bullworth comes to town.”

Darlene’s face darkened. “He’s the one who kept you there for four months?” she asked in an icy tone.

“Basically, but nothing to be done about it. Probably best if we don’t try to pick a fight with the most powerful man in the world.” Wil laughed, shrugging. In truth, his anger at being stuck in Cloverton had largely faded. He’d never get that time back, but he made the best of it.

Thomas shifted in his seat. “The President and some of the grandmasters at the hearing have a vested interest in seeing this through. And they’re not alone. My former master Ferrovani is chomping at the bit to have a hand in this.”

“Yeah,” said Bram, pointing at Thomas. “He sent some people to spy on us.”

“Just to be clear,” said Thomas, as everyone’s eyes turned to him, “I didn’t, Ferrovani did. I don’t want them there, but they’re spying on us for sure. Or at least trying to.”

Bob cleared his throat. “Do I need to see about encouraging them to leave town?”

“Couldn’t hurt,” said Wil. “But maybe don’t use your power like that just yet. We don’t want anyone to accuse you of being biased or furthering your agenda.”

Sharon made a face. “Too late for that, sweetie. It’s all part and parcel of being a leader. We’ve had to make a few less than popular decisions and it makes people talk.”

“You’re right, Wil,” said Bob, though he took his wife’s hand in his. “No use throwing my weight around if they haven’t broken any laws that we know of. But maybe I’ll have the sheriff keep an eye out for them.”

“Good,” said Darlene. She turned to Wil. “And you better get back within a few days. If you disappear on me again…”

Wil shook his head with a chuckle. “No need to worry about that. Just going to go in, say hello, inquire after the council’s health, and then make my request.”

“Do me a favor while you’re there?” Bob said. “Ask Jeb to come and visit for a few days. It’s been like a month since we’ve seen him.”

“You got it,” said Wil. “Anyone else have requests while I’m in Faerie?”

It turns out, they all did. The rest of the table talked over each other, and Wil had trouble keeping up with it all. He smiled and didn’t bother to slow them down. He was looking forward to Faerie, but he found himself deliriously happy then. Just him, his best friends, and his parents, enjoying a night together chatting.

Could it get any better than this?