Warsinger James Baldwin (read this if TXT) 📖

the Great Houses of Taltos for many years, until the last of the line expired last year. Since then, he has been the Warden of the Taltos Garrison, managing their hookwing stables and ensuring they are always fresh and ready. I asked if he would be willing to serve you, and he agreed.”

“Oh.” I looked to Suri. She shrugged. She had been going to take that position, but… “Well, thank you. I’d be honored to have you help out at Kalla Sahasi, Captain. We need all the help and experience we can get.”

“The chance to serve in the presence of a dragon is truly a once in a generation opportunity.” Vilmos bowed from the waist. He was an older man, round around the middle but hard through the arms and shoulders. “It will be my honor to assist the realm, Count and Countess.”

“Livia is a talented chef who formerly ran the kitchen of a winery beyond the city walls, but who recently applied for a court placement,” Ignas said, gesturing to the woman as she curtseyed to us. She was thin and horsey, with the compact energy of someone who’d spent their career managing other people. “And Rudolf is a skilled butler who used to work for the Royal Gemcutter, Stef-”

“Stefin Milosevic? I remember him,” I said, with a twinge of regret. I nodded to the tall, sober man, and he bowed his head sadly in acknowledgement.

Ignas sighed. “Indeed. Fortunately, Rudolf was out of town on business for his Master when Andrik arrested the family. I assured Rudolf his livelihood, and given he has not married and has no children yet, he struck me as an excellent candidate for your service.”

I didn’t know what to say. What did you say to a butler? Hey dude, don’t worry, I know how to dress myself. Instead, I blurted: “Thanks, and welcome to Team Myszno, Rudolf.”

“It will be my most sincere pleasure to work with you, my lord,” he replied smoothly. “And it heartens me that you remember my old Master’s name, when to my knowledge, you only met him the one time.”

Ignas nodded, satisfied. “I am yet to find you a Lady in Waiting who would suit your temperament, Suri, but my Valet has put out feelers. If we find someone, we will refer her to you for an interview.”

“Okay, thanks.” Suri looked as bewildered as I felt. “But uh, if it’s anything, I know how to dress myself already.”

The Volod chuckled. “My lady, your valet or lady-in-waiting does much more than pick your court outfits and lace your corsets.”

Suri rubbed the back of her head, grimacing. “Bit of a learning curve there, then, I guess.”

“The last and final thing is honestly less of a gift and more of someone demanding that they be released from my service and allowed to travel with you.” Ignas gave a small sigh. “She said she was coming, but... oh, of course. She’s riding Cocoa.”

Another hookwing had emerged out of the tunnel, a stocky brown animal pulling a small cart behind it. Masterhealer Masha was perched on its back like a cork, wearing a huge leather hiking pack that was far too large for her diminutive frame. She was scowling and lying on the creature's feathered backside with a small switch, but the hookwing was oblivious. Instead, it stopped moving completely to stand one foot, bringing its hind claws up to scratch its jaw with an open-mouthed expression of avian bliss.

“Cocoa, huh?” I glanced at Cutthroat, who was staring daggers at us. Long ropes of drool hung from her muzzle, and when she caught me looking, she hissed.

Ignas sighed. “Cocoa is possibly the stupidest ghora we have in the stables, but she is Masha’s favorite.”

“Masha's coming with us?” Suri exclaimed.

“Indeed.” Ignas nodded. “When she learned you had defeated the Demon and her home was in dire straits, she begged for leave to assist the recovery effort. As much as it pains me to let her travel at such an advanced age, she is still the best physician in the kingdom. The University of Karhad and its hospital were one of the finest in the land, providing doctors and alchemists that work in every city and province of the country. I would be unwise to not let one of our masters return to train others in the field.”

[New Hero Available: Masha of Myszno (S-Grade Healer/Alchemist)]

[New Facilities and Professions available: Hospital, Doctor, Nurse, Alchemist. Check your Kingdom Management System for details.]

“Holy shit.” I was stunned - and thrilled. “Thank you, all of you. I don't know what to say.”

“Don't thank him yet, Lord Tuun!” Masha barked as Cocoa finally ambled up, her tongue hanging out one side of her muzzle. “Because if you think for a moment I won't lay this whip on your hands if I see you using dirty glass in the laboratory, think again! Now, help me unload all of this nonsense with your supple young backs, eh? I trust you have a place for me to work?”

Chapter 21

The time difference between Taltos and Myszno was about four hours, so we left Taltos at dawn and arrived in Myszno at midday. That was just great, because I’d taken my helmet off and had forgotten to put it back on.

“Ow! Ow ow ow!” My scalp prickled as the sunlight hit it, like I'd touched poison ivy with my head. I slapped a hand over it and hissed.

Karalti let out a trumpeting cry as she dropped Cocoa the Hookwing to the ground, then touched down in the tumbled mossy stones of the courtyard. No sooner had she settled than the doors to the castle hospice opened, and Istvan strode out with one hand held up against the wind, squinting at us as two other familiar faces emerged from behind him. Or rather - one familiar face, and one familiar mask.

“Rin? Ebisa?” I called out when my feet were on the ground. “Holy shit.”

“Hector! You're back! OMIGOSH SURI!” Rin squealed and ran over as Suri shakily dropped