Come Winter's End: Fairy Fire Book #1

~𝑪𝒉.17 𝑭𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏~

Place: Tolmach Apartments,
Jowan's Office,
Emberfrost Castle, Timberest
Date: Nollaig 5th 1617 9:21 am

"Thank you, that will be all," Jowan told the serving girl who refilled his pot of coffee. He waved his hand to dismiss her and the rest of the staff as he saw Lachlan standing in the doorway.

"Yes, my lord." the lady curtsied as they left the room. The curtains were open just enough to let some of the snowy morning's light thru. The fireplace crackled loudly and the room smelled of Pine, maple syrup, that bitter dark coffee aroma.

Lachlan stood in the doorway, visibly nervous and sporting a bandaged arm. He cleared his throat.

"I was wondering when you would show up," Jowan responded looking up over his plate. "Now explain to me what happened and the Emberfrost dungeon is full of "rebel" prisoners." He continued cutting his food.

"Sire, I can explain." Lachlan started.

"I'm sure you can," Jowan interrupted.

"It wasn't our fault my lord." He continued

"Oh, it never is." Lord Tolmach sucked the food from his teeth before taking another bite.

"Those two Elvenguard knights showed up when the girl left. I think she teleported to get them. They reappeared with her and the boy. We weren't expecting them to have such powerful help. That mage's magic is strong."

"Boy?" Jowan stopped him.

"Yes, some red-haired boy from Elvenguard showed up with the other two. I hear he's the mage's young apprentice." The man explained.

"I see, continue. Bisby" he motioned to Lachlan.

"We just meant scare them as you had commanded. Rattle them so they would run. But the prince attacked after he sent Lady Brightday and the boy away. I think she teleported back to their picnic site and got the knights." Trying to sound at least a little confident.

"Yes, I heard Sire de Avilla and Mage de Gabrielle had arrived last night." Jowan nodded as he took a bite of his toast.

"Yes, my lord. I think that might be why they decided to go out for the picnic yesterday despite the cold." Lachlan continued.

"Have you learned why the elves are here. What brought them to Siog Riocht during the holidays." He sipped his coffee, leaned back in his chair, and awaited his henchman's reply.

"They were bringing a package from Elvenguard for the Prince. It must be costly to have a personal guard bring it." He answered.

"Yes, but what's in the package. Really Lachlan you are such a disappointment. You can see the package is important, most likely rare or valuable but don't find out what's inside it." The lord set up and put down his cup.

"Yes, well there wasn't really time during the fight to che... " Lachlan started but was interrupted.

"Ah yes, the fight." Jowan stood and walked toward the window. "Where you and 25 well-trained men were decimated by a pretty boy prince, his skinny mage, one knight, woman, and a small child. and from what I hear your hired men turned against you and wanted to kidnap the prince and lady brightday" he looked out the window watching the snow and the fairies below put up yuletide decorations.

"Now the dungeon is full of your men. " he continued. "Which Flynn can and will interrogate since you attacked an important foreign dignitary's son. A prince for Faires' sake. If those men point the finger at you I won't know you exist, do you understand me. This is on you Lachlan, your screw up. You disappoint me greatly." He turned to his subordinate.