CHAPTER 54 Does He Know?

CHAPTER 54

Does He Know?

Brownie

The gentle aroma of simmering strawberry syrup filled the troll’s cottage.

Henrietta was telling us about her duel with General Knolith as she used her crushing Strength sixty to whip the unigoat cheese into a creamy, fluffy texture that looked like pillowing clouds. The lizardkin had gone straight to the castle after checking in on Kith Bog … and one thing had led to another until they’d had an official duel. She’d defeated him, of course.

Gerda was listening intently while she mixed spices in a mortar. They would go into a bowl of crumbled—also by Henrietta—crackers that were going to act as the base of the cake.

Brownie was using her [Knife Play] to cut all of the remaining strawberries into the shape of rosebuds. They’d saved the tiniest berries to use as decorations, and Brownie was proud that her small flowers were turning out so cute.

“Knolith,” Brownie smiled wryly, “is an … interesting lizardkin.”

Gerda burst into laughter. “You mean he’s a pompous, self-assured, young-master type who’s reaching for the heavens?”

“Yes.” Brownie chuckled. “That.”

Gerda shook her head. “At least he’s easy to work with; he simply pays me to cross my bridge. It makes everything a lot easier.”

Brownie raised her eyebrows. “You mean he wasn’t personally offended by you barring his path?”

“He’s a good guy; it just took him a while to figure things out. Or in his case, figure out he shouldn’t bother wasting both of our time.” Gerda finished adding her last spice, an anise seed, and grabbed her pestle. “It took him a few hours the first time. ”

The pounding of the mortar and pestle filled the room for long enough to create a pause in their conversation. Brownie wondered if she was being too harsh on the General of the East.

“I’ve whipped the two pounds of cheese, a cup of sugar, a cup of soured cream, a squeeze of lemon juice, and one floofpoof egg.” Henrietta put down her bowl beside Gerda. “Am I missing anything?”

The troll scooped a dollop of fluffy cheese onto her finger and tasted it. Her face relaxed in appreciation, and she moved to wash her hand at the sink. “It’s perfect, though I’m tempted to add another half an egg … It’ll be fine.”

“Wonderful! Then I’ll fix us another cup of nettle tea.” Henrietta wandered to the counter designated entirely for the various jars of tea, honey, and tisanes Gerda had collected. Tiny, adorable teaspoons with mushroom motifs hung on a wall frame above the counter.

“What does the recipe say to do next?” Gerda asked. She was mixing her spices into the crackers.

Henrietta read aloud. “Gently pat the crust into the bottom of the dish, and then bake it for ten minutes.”

“Alright.” Gerda gave the crumble one final stir before pouring it into the baking dish and working to flatten it with her green hands. It didn’t take long, and we all watched as she slipped the dish into an oven hole above the fireplace. She used pink oven mitts to close and latch the metal door that sealed the oven.

Henrietta was wearing a familiar hedgehog print apron, Gerda was wearing one with little ducks, and Brownie was wearing one covered in unicorns. They were very nice aprons, with multiple pockets.

“So where are you headed next, Bronwynn?” Gerda accepted the tea Brownie offered before taking a seat at the table. The bard pushed the plate of strawberries forward to have space for her own cup.

“Peldeep. I’m making good enough time that I’m thinking I can stay a few days with my family there.” Brownie nursed her tea and enjoyed the warm aroma of the honeyed hot beverage. She’d opted out of milk, though Gerda and Henrietta both added some to their own. Henrietta left the bowl of creamed cheese on the counter and came to join us.

The Dark Lady cast her a sly smile. “So, you’re taking Rufus with you to Peldeep?”

“Yes?” Brownie hesitated when her friend used that tone of voice.

“Then, are you two dating yet?”

Brownie almost spit her drink. “No!”

Gerda just smiled and sipped her tea.

“Well, I just thought,” Henrietta pointed out, her own smile teasing, “that if you’re bringing the commander general to meet your family, then you must be at least interested in dating. ”

“I’ll have you know that I’m taking him to the Peldeep Assassin Assembly … but that’s only because that’s where he is going next on his quest. There isn’t anything else to it.”

“Does he know?”

Brownie shook her head.

“Know what?” Gerda asked, intrigued.

Brownie hesitated. She’d only grown close to the troll recently, but eventually decided to share, “My family works for the Peldeep Assassin Assembly.”

“So there really isn’t anything going on between you two?” Henrietta pressed.

“Well, I don’t know how he feels.” Brownie could feel the blush on her cheeks. “But I’ll admit I’m … interested. ”

“Great!” The Dark Lady, queen of the Dark Enchanted Forest, giggled.

Brownie suddenly frowned at her best friend. “ You didn’t tell him? Did you? About my family?”

“No! You made me promise when you told me last month.” Henrietta placed her cup gently on the table and waved her hands in front. “I haven’t even let Keith know. Though I would like to. I think Rufus will find out and report back to him on your trip, so if it’s alright with you, can I let him know after you both head out?”

Brownie sighed. “All right. It doesn’t really matter because I’m not an Assassin, so the worst that can happen is—” She stopped.

“What?” Gerda asked. The troll seeming amused by the entire conversation.

“I don’t wanna fae it,” Brownie said. “I’ve been held hostage enough times, and I’m not hoping for another one of those encounters anytime soon.”

Gerda nodded. “At least the commander general will be there if you need rescuing.”

“You know, it’s one of the reasons I was so excited he was coming with me.” Brownie relaxed, her face lighting up when she thought about her adventures with the golden beastman. “He’s wonderful company and scares away most of the inconvenient encounters.”

The ten minutes were up, and they paused so Gerda could bring out the pan and add layers of cream cheese to the dessert. The troll placed the filled cake pan in a deep dish with added water, then popped it into the oven for another hour to finish.

Henrietta sipped her tea and made an appreciative happy noise, then said, “I just hope that doesn’t mean your encounters are going to change to face obstacles that can deal with him.”

Brownie frowned. Hadn’t that just happened?