Free Shadowed by Demons, Book 3 of the Death Wizard Chronicles by Jim Melvin Page B

drink,” Ugga said. “It will help ya to forget your trub-bulls. It’s helping me, at least.”
    “Me too,” Bard said.
    To Lucius, that sounded like a good idea. He plopped down in one of the cushioned chairs near the hearth and stretched out his legs. Soon after, the flirty woman handed him a mug of ale, which he gulped enthusiastically. Then he studied the others, who were dressed in garb similar to his own. Ugga and Bard wore full-length velvet coats with gold tabs and brass buttons, though the crossbreed’s coat was too small to close around his stomach. Rathburt looked thin and dashing in a waistcoat of green suede. Little Elu had been outfitted in a special suit probably designed for a boy: a blue jacket over a checkered shirt with canvas trousers. Lucius felt as if they were ready for a costume ball.
    “I hate to admit it, but you gentlemen are a handsome lot,” he said. “I’m proud to be a member of your party.”
    In unison, their jaws dropped. Though Lucius had been much better behaved in recent days, they must have considered this the nicest thing he had ever said to them.
    “See, Bard,” Ugga said. “I told ya Master Loo-Shus was a good guy.”
    “Ya were right all along,” Bard agreed.
    Lucius chuckled. “You kind of rub off on a person, Ugga. Even in times of sorrow, you manage to cheer everyone up. When you’re around, it’s hard not to be nice.”
    Elu leapt up from his chair and hugged one of Lucius’ legs. “Elu likes you too. It’s wonderful to have such great friends, who’ll always take good care of each other.”
    “Speaking of taking care of each other  . . . here comes lovely Bonny with more ale,” Rathburt said. He turned to Lucius. “She may dress like a man, but she’s every bit a woman underneath, I’d surmise.”
    “Why, Master Rathburt  . . . I didn’t know you were such a charmer,” Bonny said. “But if you are trying to win my heart, it’s too late. I am quite taken by the yellow-haired gentleman. What a looker!”
    Rathburt feigned disappointment, but he obviously was amused. Ugga and Bard slapped their knees. Once again, Lucius was speechless; his face turned as red as Bonny’s scarf.
    “He doesn’t talk much, does he?” she said.
    “Not unless he’s got something to complain about,” Rathburt said ironically. They all laughed, including Lucius.
    “I’m sorry, my lady,” Lucius finally managed. “I’ve spent so much time as a soldier, I don’t know how to act around women—especially one as fine as you.”
    “Good one, Loo-shus!” Ugga said. “Say something else nicey to her, and ya will be bedding her in no time.”
    For the first time, Bonny’s face reddened, which Lucius assumed didn’t happen often. “Oh, my  . . . ” was all she said, and then she trotted off—but not before glancing back at Lucius and winking.
    After she left, the men guzzled more ale and congratulated Lucius on what appeared to be the start of a successful seduction. Even Rathburt got into the act, describing in intimate detail his secrets of how to pleasure a woman in bed. They all laughed, louder and louder. Elu ended up rolling around on the floor, hugging his legs against his chest.
    How quickly his friends were able to rebound from tragedy amazed Lucius. The terrible occurrence between Jord and the dragon earlier that evening had failed to dampen their spirits. Perhaps it was the wizard’s doing, for sounding so convincing that Jord would return.
    In the midst of the mirth, two more approached—and their appearance stunned them all to silence. Laylah and Torg stood before them. The sorceress was dressed in a long-sleeved blouse of white silk with tight-fitting black trousers and knee-high boots. A crimson sash with gold embroidery and fringes was wrapped around her waist. The wizard wore a black coat with button pockets and cuffs and a pleated back. He also sported black trousers with high boots. A sky-blue scarf was wrapped around his head and tied