Doctor Abbott

Untitled Part 27

Ben limped into the dinner party, sore from every angle and exhausted. He found Lúta in discussion with Mark's wife, the woman he met the day before, as the kids played happily with Jocelyn. He made his way over for a kiss then fixed himself a plate before sitting by the fireplace, hoping to make quick work of his food and be done with this charade.

Not more than a minute after he sat down Kevin joined him with a couple humans he had not met before. They had plates and mugs with vodka and ale but with the table being used as a buffet, they all found themselves holding their plates on their laps. Kevin looked around nervously, "I have never been in here before, any of you?"

The group shook their heads and they all stared at Ben, "I suppose I had dinner in here last night. Does it matter?"

Kevin took a swig off his mug and put it on the floor next to his seat, "When Vidar was king the only humans that saw this room were brought in here for questioning. They almost never came out alive. Wouldn't be surprised if this whole place is haunted."

The entire group including Ben sat up and scanned the room, he shot Kevin a stern glare, "Well thank you for that comforting thought, I shall be sure to keep a crucifix on hand."

A balding, heavyset man leaned forward and shook Ben's hand, "I'm Charles and this is Rob, we were both fishermen in our former lives. Now, these creatures won't even let us near boats without escort. They are in constant fear we will flee to our old world. Kevin says you were a surgeon, I saw the work you did on Mark. That was something huh?"

"I suppose." Ben made quick work of his plate, wanting to leave the group before these discussions could take a dangerous turn.

Charles replied, "Listen we are under order to attend this little soirée. Do you know how long we have to stay? None of us are exactly comfortable with this whole get up, especially with our kids being here and all."

Ben tossed a short look over towards the direction the kids were playing in only to accidently make eye contact with Mâvis. The king's curiosity now peaked, he nudged Avarr and they crossed the room. "Hello, Abbott, how was your training?" Ben's eyeroll earned a toothy grin from Mâvis.

Avarr pulled over a couple of chairs so they could sit and chat. Mâvis took immediate note of the averted gazes. It was Ben that took note of the mounting tension and meant to break it, "You know what I miss?" The other men looked at him curiously, "Fizz."

Kevin leaned in and whispered to Rob, "He's British I think he means soda."

Ben grinned, "Yes, you westerners call it soda or cola do you not? Would be nice to wash down this wolf meat." He let off a chuckle.

Rob leaned back reminiscing before bringing his attention back to the group, "I miss Chinese food. What I wouldn't do for a general Tso's chicken about now."

That drew a grunt from all the humans. Kevin chimed in, "I'd kill for a fudge brownie."

Charles broke out laughing. "You would have to because I would be fighting you for it."

Ben lowered his plate, "No offense gentlemen, but I have had my first official day of combat training. Which means I would be eating it over your carcasses. Frosted with peanut butter no doubt."

Rob laughed, "Why are you torturing us, man? Know what I really miss...movies. What I wouldn't give to snuggle up with my wife and watch a good movie. Tell you the truth even the radio would be nice? Just some tunes, man."

Ben smirked as if he was holding onto a little secret. He looked around the small group to be sure they were all listening then he started singing, "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone..." He paused to see all their faces perk up, "It's not warm when she's away."