Chapter Four

Gretchen didn’t attend dinner that night, which Oliver took as a bad sign. Even when she had a fever, Gretchen mustered the energy to make it to dinner. She liked to make faces at Oliver when no one was looking. Since she wasn’t there, it was just her mother, Sir Henry, Wizard Fen, and Oliver. Normally, dinner was lively, but since Lady Everdain was in the city visiting, the dining hall was reduced to the clattering of silverware.

Sir Henry ate calmly, pretending to enjoy the silence. Wizard Fen purposely slurped at his wine, watching a vein squirm in Lady Everdain’s temple. Oliver tried desperately not to laugh as he focused on quartering a steaming potato.

Finally, Lady Everdain couldn’t bear the strained atmosphere any longer. She firmly set her glass on the table. Her voice was sharp and deliberate.

“It’s like someone died, for goodness sake,” Lady Everdain wiped her lips with a napkin, then turned to Oliver with an accusing glare, “I hope you’re satisfied. You upset Gretchen so much, she ordered the servants to bring her food to bed.”

“Let him be, I’m sure he’ll apologize,” Sir Henry’s voice was commanding. The knight turned a knowing eye to Oliver.

Oliver caught Sir Henry’s gaze and immediately looked down. The knight had the uncanny ability to say a lot with very little. Oliver poked at his potato absently. He knew he’d been harsh to Gretchen. No matter how much she tried to hide it, Gretchen’s life was a house of cards. Oliver was surprised when Gretchen didn’t run away after her mother forced her to take lessons to become the next Dutchess. What kept her here, Oliver hadn’t figured out.

“He better. Honestly,” Lady Everdain took a bit of her pinkish steak, chewing methodically before she swallowed and spoke again, “You have no tact, Oliver, I swear. Speaking to her like she’s some pest!”

Wizard Fen’s fork fell from his hands and splashed in his glass of wine, splashing over Lady Everdain’s lavender dress.

“Oops, clumsy me,” Wizard Fen muttered as he continued to eat. He stabbed at his steak with his knife and bit into it, tearing away a gluttonous chunk.

Lady Everdain’s face twisted in anger. A maid rushed in, having heard the commotion and pulled a towel from her apron. Lady Everdain snatched it without so much as a look. She stormed out, barking at a servant outside to bring the rest of her meal to her quarters.

Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

The enraged Dutchess’ voice echoed down the halls, “Gretchen’s wasted on him! Wasted!”

Sir Henry gazed flatly at Wizard Fen, “Now you’ve done it.”

“She’s bad for my health,” Wizard Fen pulled out his fork from the puddle of wine and licked it clean, “I’m surprised Westvale hasn’t thrown a coup.”

“That’s enough, Fen,” Sir Henry sighed, “She’s unpleasant, but she’s still a Dutchess. She technically outranks both of us, you know.”

Oliver was trying not to draw attention, but Sir Henry turned to him, “Please go and apologize. I’m sure you didn’t mean any offense. I know she teases you, but you two should remain pleasant towards each other. I believe she means well. Well, well enough.”

Sir Henry chuckled, then collected his plate to leave. Wizard fen topped off his wine glass again, then took a long sip. He savored the taste, then pointed at Oliver as Sir Henry left.

“I think you should let her stew; women take a mile if you give them an inch.”

Sir Henry’s laughter boomed, “That’s rich, coming from you. Oliver, I’ll see you off in the morning. Be sure you’re well-rested.”

With that, Sir Henry left. Oliver’s potato was rapidly growing cold, which was just as well. Oliver hated potatoes. They needed butter and salt to be palatable and were bland on their own.

“Alright,” Wizard Fen let out a long breathe, “Now that Sir Moral has left us, how about I play the good mentor and ask what’s bothering you?”

Wizard Fen focused more on his glass of wine than Oliver, but that’s just how he was. The wizard was naturally reserved and wasn’t one for small talk. Oliver was surprised he was even trying to relate.

“Honestly,” Oliver set his fork down, “I don’t understand the assignment. Why would you send me to investigate something as serious as a dragon sighting?”

Wizard Fen nodded, “That’s an excellent question. Investigating a dragon-sighting is a tricky situation, so the fact you’re so hesitant is a sign that you understand the potential danger.”

Oliver nodded solemnly; he knew it was beyond him to fight something as powerful as a dragon.

“However,” Wizard Fen continued, “Don’t underestimate yourself. You’re a second-ring magician and a great archer, as well.”

Wizard Fen returned to his meal while Oliver pondered the wizard’s words. Oliver realized he hadn’t been given an answer. Despite that, hearing that his two mentors, who were legendary warriors themselves, believed Oliver was up to the task was enough for Oliver to dismiss their cryptic responses.

The rest of the dinner moved by in silence. The two finished their meals and parted ways, but not before Wizard Fen gave Oliver one more piece of advice.

“When you’re out there, remember to keep an open mind. Things turn up that you’d never expect, you’ll have to make decisions.”

“What do you mean?”

Wizard Fen simply shrugged, “You’ll figure it out, somehow.”

With that, the wizard left Oliver. The young Guardian-in-training stood alone in the hallway. Something felt off. His mentors never went easy on him, but they never made an effort to hide the answers he sought. What could be so serious that they’d keep dodging his questions?