A long string of melted cheese hung between my open mouth and the piece of pizza bread, aka Saucy Tomato Trencher. At the sound of Lady Churl's voice, I rushed into the main area, hastily shoving the rest of the crust into my mouth, to find Lady Churl striding toward the kitchen. Her clothes were dusty and disheveled.

  "Where have you been?" I asked, voice muffled. "I was worried about you."

  Lady Churl scratched her nose. "Reckon, that's real nice of ya. Being missed and all. We had us a visit to that big city under the tavern. It's nice. Bit dusty, like. Yeah. Kinda rusty. Kinda dusty, kinda rusty. That's a rhyme, innit? Yeah."

  "Frostfire went in the portal to look for you with Alic. Where are they?"

  "Them’s coming up behind us. Once that portal was shining, I got outta there. Probably a few extras comin', too. Might wanna get more food started," she said, brushing past me toward the kitchen. "Smells good in here. Don't smell no onions."

  Before I could respond, Mira strolled in with a ferrokin. I did a double take because this was clearly a female ferrokin.

  "Varix. It's been a long day. I need some ale," Mira said. "Oh, and meet Solbaris. I don't know if she drinks ale."

  "Alic has been looking for you," I told her. "He's worried. He was going to send out a search party."

  "Yeah. He found us and ran to the front gate to let Caden and the others know we were back."

  "Greetings, Solbaris. You greatly honor me by visiting my humble tavern. I've been to your beautiful city."

  "You're the one who came up with my kin, Triolux? Of course, he'd be the first to wake. It's his youth that gets him into trouble." The ferrokin nodded politely. Her copper-toned skin was lighter than Triolux's, but it was a little more burnished.

  "What happened?" I asked Lady Churl, as I fought not to choke on my food.

  Lady Churl grabbed a piece of trencher from the counter. "Mira heard a kid cryin' and thought it was comin' from the portal. I went ta help check it outwith her. The gnolls decided they was all tired 'a waitin' and followed," she explained between bites." Then Urzan and Moktar also decided to follow along. Reckon it was a party."

  "A party?" I repeated, running a hand through my hair.

  "Then we find out the city down there's wakin' up," she continued, talking with her mouth full. "And then we meet Solbaris. Turned out it was just ferrokin children playin' what made all that noise. Then the gnolls met a dusty old glowing statue and stuck around."

  I laughed at Lady Churl's explanation of what had happened to them. I guessed I'd get a better one from Mira or one of the others later. For now, it looked like I was about to have a full house.

  "Thank you for helping them get home, Solbaris," I gave her a quick short bow and retrieved a mug of the darkest brew I had in stock.

  "Chromidus," Solbaris added. "fixed the path. Our technology is advanced in many ways, but it's also ancient. I understand we've been hibernating for thousands of years."

  "How did they get into the portal in the first place?" I asked Solbaris.

  "My guess? They walked through during a period of stability. They got lucky. It appears another portal will soon activate and connect with this one."

  "Another? That has to be Triolux."

  Solbaris's eyes narrowed. "Where is Triolux? I very much need to speak with him."

  "He's in the capital. A place called Crownforge. I'm flying back there tomorrow if you want to come along."

  "Flying?"

  I put the brew on the counter for Solbaris. She leaned over, peered at the light layer of foam, and sniffed. Her eyes lit up, and she grinned. "Oh, now. That's a fine-smelling drink."

  "It's brewed in the village. Try it."

  She picked up the mug and sipped. Then she drank half of the mug in one go and smacked her lips.

  "This is exceptional."

  "Thank you."

  I looked at Lady Churl. "What did you mean about a glowing statue?"

  Lady Churl cut in, "Chromidus. Reckon I already mentioned him. So, how was your big trip to the capital?"

  "He was in hibernation," Solbaris added.

  I nodded at Churl but couldn't help laughing at her casual recounting of what must have been an incredible adventure. "I'm just happy you're back safely. We had a good trip to the capital. I'll fill you in later." I paused. "Are you up to working today?"

  "I'm alright and ready," Lady Churl said, licking sauce from her fingers. "Just need to freshen up and get a change of clothes on. This here's good. What is it?"

  "Saucy Tomato Trenchers," I replied.

  "Fancy name for bread with toppings." She snorted.

  "You're not wrong." I laughed.

  Urzan and Moktar stomped in next and looked around. The large green brutes surveyed the interior, and their gaze fell across the bar.

  "Greetings, gents. Looking for something spicy to drink?"

  "Urzan thirsty! Moktar thirsty!"

  I kept a special cask of Dragon's Breath Brew in stock for the orcs, although Lady Churl liked a sip from time to time, as well. Into two large tankards went the brew. The orcs both sat on barstools close to the door and turned them to face the entrance in case of trouble, since they were my self-appointed guards.

  Lady Ophelia and Sir Garin had taken up their old seats. Solbaris looked all around the room, and when she spotted the ghosts, she nodded at them.

  "Another that can see us," Lady Ophelia said.

  Sir Garin nodded.

  I leaned over and used my hand to gesture for Solbaris to come closer. I leaned over the bar and whispered. "Those two in the corner are ghosts. No one can see them except me and the ferrokin."

  "Fascinating," she replied.

  "If you talk to them, it will look like you're chatting with empty chairs."

  Solbaris nodded. "I see. I will try to appear as if my faculties are intact."

  "When the place is closed up, I happily chat with them. You're welcome to stay and meet them. They are a fascinating couple."

  Sir Garin loudly cleared his throat. "We're no couple. Just a couple of ghosts."

  "To be sure," Lady Ophelia said. She looked around the tavern. "You know, darling. You'll soon have so many friends in the tavern you won't have room for your regulars."

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  Sir Garin added, "Sounds a good way to spend an evening."

  "What, with non-paying layabouts?" Lady Ophelia gestured around at my friends.

  "Why, yes. Did you never have friends, woman?" Garin asked Ophelia.

  "Friends? Do acquaintances count?"

  "In your case, yes."

  I stifled a chuckle.

  Frostfire, in human form, strolled in next. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned. "I was not needed, after all. Where is that bard?"

  "He's asleep, upstairs," I answered.

  "Can he be awakened soon?"

  "I guess someone could throw a mug at his door."

  Frostfire picked up a mug from the bar and made for the stairs.

  "Wait. I was not serious."

  Frostfire sighed before saying. "I could go outside, change into dragon form, and shout at his window."

  "You should do that. As long as it doesn't break anything."

  Urzan and Moktar covered their mouths, but their bodies shook from trying to contain their laughter.

  "Very well." Frostfire spun and went back out the door.

  "Reckon things is back ta normal," Lady Churl said.

  "Things aren't going to be normal any time soon," I said under my breath.

  "Wha's that, boss?"

  "Nothing." I put on a bright smile.

  "Humans smile too much."

  "Agree with small squishy goblin!" Urzan added.

  "This small squishy goblin'll slit yer throat in yer sleep."

  Urzan's eyebrows shot up. Moktar smacked his friend's beefy shoulder and said something in Orcish. Urzan smacked his lieutenant back.

  "This new food needs a better name," Lady Churl turned her attention to another slice of food. "Saucy Trenchers sounds like something from a brothel."

  "Lady Churl!"

  She cackled. "What? Ain't no one else thinkin' the same? Reckon I'll go change now.”

  I chuckled at Lady Churl's brothel comment and had a sudden thought as she turned away. "Before you go, I wanted to ask. Would you like to come to the king's wedding with me? I received an invitation."

  Lady Churl paused and blinked twice. "Me? At a royal weddin'?" She scratched her chin. "Nah. Them dwarves in Crownforge might not be as acceptin' of us greenskins yet. Humans is one thing. Dwarves another."

  "I understand," I said. "And I'm sorry."

  "Urzan go to king wedding!" the orc boomed from his seat.

  "Really?" I turned toward him.

  Urzan slapped his chest. "Urzan want to see tiny king marry tiny queen! Urzan bring gift! Best axe from axe chest!" He grinned, displaying his tusks.

  "You have an axe chest?"

  "Of course Urzan have axe chest!"

  "Okay, then."

  Lady Churl waved a dismissive hand at us and shuffled to her little trapdoor in the floor. She yanked it open and disappeared down the ladder. The door slammed shut behind her, but not before Morth darted out through the narrow gap in a flash of fur flash and promptly raced up the stairs.

  The cat's appearance reminded me of something important. The wine cellar. The king deserved a special vintage for his wedding, and according to my ghostly companions, there was a huge stash underground. I glanced at Lady Ophelia and Sir Garin in their corner. I wouldn't be able to retrieve the wine independently and would have to ask for their help.

  The front door creaked open. Alic stepped in first, followed by his brother Caden.

  "The lost party is all here!" Alic announced, sweeping his gaze across the room.

  Caden raised his hand in greeting. "Greetings, friends! The tavern contains all my favorite people except for one."

  "Where is Shellen?" I asked him.

  "I'll be back in a few minutes." Caden darted toward the door.

  I ducked into the kitchen where Milo and Jessara stood prepping vegetables.

  "Looks like a full house tonight. Get the usual foods going," I said. "But be ready to make a lot of saucy tomato trenchers. I'm going to bring out samples."

  Milo nodded. "We have it covered, Mr. V. The trenchers with sauteed onions and peppers are almost ready."

  "Great work, you two. Lady Churl will be in soon to help."

  Back behind the bar, I poured ales and mixed drinks while my friends chatted around me. Doan, Alic, and Mira stood at the bar and offered jests at each other's expense.

  A thunderous sound shook the tavern. The shutters rattled. A loud scream pierced the air and rattled the building in its foundation. Mugs jumped on the bar top. Dust fell from the rafters.

  "Great gods on fire!" Kieran, the bard, tumbled down the hallway and scrambled down the stairs. His clothing hung askew, and his hair stuck up in all directions like it had been struck by lightning.

  "Good evening, Kieran," I said cheerfully.

  The bard shook his head and stared wild-eyed around the room. His mouth opened and closed several times. "What outrage is this? Are we at war? I was in the midst of composing a ballad about—" He stopped mid-sentence.

  "A ballad about snoring?" I interrupted the bard.

  Before Kieran could respond, Frostfire breezed through the door. She rushed to the bard and clasped her hands together under his chin.

  "You're awake," she said. "Sing us a tune." She smiled sweetly as if she hadn't just transformed into a dragon and roared at his window.

  "You want me to sing? Now?" He ran his fingers through his disheveled hair. "I was in the middle of a, ah, er, a creative…"

  "Nap." I cut him off again.

  The bard huffed dramatically. "Fine. But I shall require my lute. And I refuse to perform looking like this." He gestured at his rumpled appearance. "Give me a moment to make myself presentable."

  He stomped back up the stairs, muttering about "artistic integrity" and "proper preparation."

  "Happy now?" I asked Frostfire.

  She offered a broad smile. "Very much so, Varix. Very much so."

  I returned to pouring drinks while the tavern buzzed with conversation. The orcs drained their tankards and demanded refills. Alic and Mira stood close together, whispering into each other's ears. Their faces grew more and more flushed at each comment to the other.

  Caden arrived with Shellen. She waved and greeted me while I mixed up an Orange Blush for the butcher.

  A few minutes later, Kieran descended the stairs again. He'd changed into a deep blue tunic with silver embroidery along the collar. His hair was combed back, and he carried an ornate lute with mother-of-pearl inlays. The transformation was remarkable.

  "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced with a theatrical bow. "I shall grace you with a performance."

  "Do you mean you're going to do your job?" I shot back with a laugh.

  "Precisely," Kieran replied.

  He strummed a chord on his lute, and the tavern fell silent. His fingers danced across the strings to creat a lively melody. His rich baritone voice captivated everyone as he broke into a song.

  It was a popular drinking song about a warrior who fell in love with a baker. The chorus was simple enough that even those who didn't know the words could join in. Alic and Caden bellowed the refrain. Mira clapped along to the rhythm. Even Solbaris tapped her metallic fingers on the bar and nodded her head.

  Urzan and Moktar attempted to sing along, their deep, guttural voices overpowering everyone else's. They didn't know the words, so they made up their own, which mostly consisted of "DRINK ALE! FIGHT GOOD!" repeated at various times.

  The door to Lady Churl's quarters opened, and she emerged in fresh clothes. She rolled her eyes at the musical chaos but couldn't help tapping her foot to the beat as she paused to watch the bard. She joined me a few minutes later.

  "Reckon that's a good tune," she said, sidling up to the bar.

  "I think that's the point," I replied.

  Kieran launched into another verse and encouraged everyone to sing louder. The tavern shook with the combined voices. They would have given the dwarven singing in Crownforge a challenge.

  Urzan got so excited during the final chorus that he jumped up and knocked over his chair. A leg cracked beneath his weight and splintered into pieces on the floor.

  The music stopped. Everyone turned to look at the broken chair.

  "Urzan sorry!" the orc said, looking embarrassed. "Urzan pay for new chair!"

  Lady Churl snorted. "Reckon that's why we can't have nice things."

  The room erupted in laughter. Kieran strummed another chord and launched into a new song, this one about a clumsy giant who kept breaking furniture.

  I leaned against the bar contentedly. Humans, orcs, a goblin, a dragon in human form, and a metallic ferrokin all united by singing, good food, and of course alcohol. The ghosts of Lady Ophelia and Sir Garin swayed to the music in their corner. Morth the cat had returned and perched on a shelf, tail twitching in time with the melody.

  Milo and Jessara emerged from the kitchen with trays of Saucy Tomato Trenchers. The smell of melted cheese and spiced sauce wafted through the air, and hands of all shapes and sizes reached for the food.

  "More ale!" Moktar demanded, slamming his empty tankard on the bar.

  "Coming right up," I said, filling it from the special cask.

  Lady Churl hopped onto a stool beside me. "Never thought I'd see the day when orcs, humans, and whatever that shiny wossit would be singin' together."

  "Ferrokin," I corrected.

  "Right. Them." She took a bite of a trencher. "Still needs a better name."

  I laughed and continued serving drinks as the music played on. The tavern was loud, crowded, and chaotic—and I wouldn't have it any other way.

  QUICK REMINDER: I leave for Europe on March 28th and won't return until April 12. During that time, I probably won't be able to post many new chapters, or if I have time, they may be short.