Chapter 31

31

LECTURE NOTES FROM INTRO TO CULINARY ARTS:

A Simple Pickling Liquid

6 clove buds

2 star anise (whole)

8 coriander seeds

2 thyme sprigs

2 tbsp sugar

1.5 cups vinegar

1.5 cups water

T hessa blew out a long breath, sending a lock of her hair skyward.

The maple-smoked turkey on rye she’d eaten was her favorite sandwich at The Pickled Radish. Jars of pickled fruits and vegetables spread across the table were an added bonus of eating here.

Emiel had suspected something was wrong the moment Wayland entered the eatery. After forcing everyone to stay and eat, Leora had moved with the McPorter brothers to a quieter area—away from mead-swiggers.

Stabbing a pickled cherry with her fork, Thessa took another bite. Rather than eating, Soren had been monitoring the door and windows.

Ivy and Beatrix were still conjuring up their exit strategy, knowing the house matron wouldn’t be pleased with losing them both. “We can say my uncle from Gravenport has become undone with swollen tongue; he’ll need us to do his bidding.”

“ Or, ” Beatrix countered, “my pregnant cousin in Greenshire is bedridden and will need us to care for her, and soon the witchling too.”

Thessa gulped down the last of her sage water and pushed the pitcher toward Soren. “Drink, at least.”

He’d not ordered any food, nor picked at the jarred goods.He just ignored her, and everyone, with his eyes fixed on the cobblestone streets.

So, she poured him a glass, scooting it close enough to force his attention.When his dark eyes met hers, there was no mistaking the plans of vengeance in them. She wasn’t sure what happened to his parents, and didn’t feel right asking, so she leaned in close to whisper, “What happened was awful and I know sorry won’t do, but I promise I’ll help you make this right, and not only for you …” She shifted her gaze toward Ivy and Beatrix, then back to him. “This goes beyond us. All witches deserve to learn the truth about how the Elemental Army really serves Andera.”

Soren took the glass and drank.

Leora scurried over to inform the table she’d be spending sundown praying with Emiel at the House of Hekate. Trying to contain the grief welling in her own eyes, she sniffled before adding, “There’s no need to settle up, your meals have been paid for,” and spun back around.

Wayland returned, scooting next to Soren before speaking into his ear. Neither one looked at the other.

Thessa couldn’t help but think about how Leora lost her parents, tragically, and not long ago. The thought of her revisiting those wounds she’d worked so hard to mend, worried Thessa. Pushing out of her chair with haste, she chased Leora out the door.

Yanking her arm, Thessa twirled Leora into a massive hug. She squeezed for every bit of love and light she’d offered her, and whispered, “Thank you for being my friend.”

Sinking into her, Leora whispered back, “Forever, Tess.”

When she made it back inside, Ivy and Beatrix excused themselves to the washroom.

Thessa sat back down and stabbed another cherry with her fork.

Wayland and Soren were staring at her.

“What?” She asked, popping it in her mouth.

Soren’s jaw worked as he said, “We have a plan.”