Sorcerer's Shadow

After a moment, Nyxara acknowledged, "So, she has been discovered."

Drevolan nodded in confirmation.

Turning to me, Nyxara asked, "And how does the Terran fit into all of this?"

"He played a part in her retrieval."

"I see."

"Now that she's been found, we request that she be allowed to resume her life from the point where…"

"Save the intricacies," Nyxara interrupted. Drevolan fell silent.

Celethor stated, "What you ask is beyond possibility."

"Is it really?" Nyxara countered.

"It's also prohibited," added Celethor.

"Too bad," Nyxara retorted.

Celethor started, "In our position, we have certain obligations, one of which is to maintain…"

"Enough with the sermon," Nyxara cut him off. "You know who Thaleia is."

"If she is of significant importance, we could propose a convocation…"

"By then, the Terran would have stayed too long to go back. And his little Vorgan companion too." I didn't react to this much, as I was taken aback by the spectacle of gods bickering. But I did note that Nyxara was aware of Opal, even though my familiar was tucked inside my cloak.

"That is none of our concern," Celethor retorted.

"A convocation will also be uneventful," Nyxara added.

"Would you betray our trust just to avoid ennui?"

"You can bet on it, feather-breath."

Both Celethor and Nyxara stood. They locked gazes for a moment, then vanished in a burst of golden sparks.

* * * *

Contrary to expectations, not only are the Imperions bereft of culinary skills, but it's even more astonishing that the majority confess to it. This is why Terran restaurants are such a hit, and the jewel in the crown is Thaladine's.

Thaladine & Sons has seemingly been around forever. It has been a part of Avandryl long before the Regency Break, when the city became the Imperial Capital. Hundreds of years have passed with this establishment under the same human lineage. As the story goes, it was the inaugural Inn within the Empire - the first establishment solely catering to food service, unlike the taverns that served food or hotels that provided meals for a cost.

There seems to be an unspoken rule about Thaladine's amongst those in power: "No matter what is done to the Terrans, leave Thaladine's be." It's that excellent.

The interior of the establishment is very simplistic, adorned with white linen tablecloths and minimalistic furniture, devoid of the usual embellishments found in most eateries. The waitstaff are pleasant, engaging, and remarkably efficient, almost as stealthy as Thorne, when they sneak up to refill your wine.

There are no physical menus; instead, the server stands by your table and orally delivers the chef's offering for the day, always referred to as "Mr. Thaladine," regardless of the number of Thaladines currently employed.

My companion for the evening was Kara, an exceptionally attractive blonde with a biting sense of humor that I found amusing unless directed towards me. Thorne was accompanied by an Imperion lady from the House of Vorgan, whose name I can't recall. She worked at a local brothel, and had a lovely laugh.

The opening act was the Star-anise Gelled Wapiti Bits, swiftly followed by the comforting Heated Tuberosum Broth tinged with Terran Capsicum. A delightful Citrus Frost Delight sorbet offered a refreshing respite. The main course was our Savory Triliver Mousse, a blend of goose, chicken, and gadina organs delicately mixed with aromatic herbs and pure cream, served atop our Stone-baked Loaf, complemented by Brine-kissed Cucumis Slices. A Greens Array drenched in a subtly sweet Acetum Elixir provided a delightful contrast.

Thorne indulged in fresh scallops in a lemon and garlic dressing, Thorne's date had an enormous stuffed cabbage, Kara savored duck in a plum brandy sauce, and I had galethna in a Terran red pepper concoction. We ended the meal with dessert pancakes – mine was garnished with finely ground walnuts and a creamy chocolate brandy sauce, topped with oranges. We also shared a bottle of Piarran Haze, a dessert wine from Venorium. I footed the bill for everyone, having recently finished a job.

Filled with glee post-dinner, we decided to take a walk to aid digestion. Then, Kara and I returned to my flat, where I learned that a meal at Thaladine's acts as quite an impressive aphrodisiac. I couldn't help but ponder what my grandfather would think of this revelation.

Kara lost interest in me a week or so later and ended things, but it didn't matter much.

* * * *

I remarked, "Feather-breath?"

Opal responded, "Seriously?"

"I believe," Drevolan noted thoughtfully, "that we've unintentionally landed someone in a predicament."

"Indeed."

Drevolan and I looked around. The other entities in the room seemed indifferent to our presence. After a few minutes, Nyxara made another sparkling entrance. Her eyes were glittering with excitement. Celethor arrived soon after, his face an inscrutable mask. That's when I noticed the staff in Nyxara's grip.

Nyxara instructed, "Follow me."

Descending from her throne, she led us behind it, into the gloom. She didn't utter a word, nor did Drevolan. I remained quiet too. Opal had returned to the shelter of my cloak.

We arrived at a tall wall. We followed it, passing a couple of purple-robed figures, until we reached a lofty archway. Underneath it, two passageways diverged.

Nyxara selected the right path and we trailed her. It led to a broad, shallow brick well, producing soft aquatic sounds.

Nyxara scooped up some water from the well and took a sip. Then, unexpectedly, she smashed the staff against the well.

Accompanied by a splitting noise, a blinding flash of pure white light ensued, followed by a tremor. When I finally opened my eyes, a strange optical illusion seemed to warp everything around us, except for Nyxara, who was clearly visible.

As things normalized, I spotted what seemed to be a female Imperion, adorned in the black and silver of the House of the Dragon, lying beside the well. I immediately noticed her blonde hair, a rarity among Dragonlords and humans alike. Her delicate brows and the shape of her shut eyes added to her allure. I believe an Imperion would have found her highly appealing. Nyxara scooped some more water and trickled it into the mouth of the unconscious lady, who I presumed was Thaleia.