Free The Coastal Kingdoms of Olvion: Book Two of The Chronicles of Olvion by Larry Robbins Page B

were shadowed by some of the older teen aged males who seemed much interested in the young female visitor.  Taggart counted nine girls of all ages on the farm. 
    Dinner was served outside at a long wooden table flanked by rough benches.  There were several lit torches sunk into the ground around the table that pushed back the approaching darkness.  Taggart noted that no glass bulbs containing the luminous leaves were used, on the outside at least.
    Chadd sat at the head of the table with Sallum and Mag-Grea on either side of him.   Taggart had politely declined to take Chadd’s seat as a guest of honor.  He hoped he was doing the right thing.  In Olvion it was customary to offer the seat and it was also considered polite to decline. Taggart hoped that the customs were the same in the Coastal Kingdoms as they were in Olvion.
    One good thing about having so many cooks present; the serving of the meal was a quick affair, and all of them set about devouring the offering.  Taggart recognized the venison-like haunches of meat along with huge servings of fresh fish.  For starches they had roasted yams and yellow rice.  The meal was rounded out with two kinds of turnips that had been prepared in the rich butter from the Olvion version of a cow.  He’d never had them prepared in that manner and feared he may have embarrassed himself for taking so many helpings.
    Like at Mattus’ house the meal was finished off with a round of spirits.  Taggart was a little disappointed that there was no sween, but at least the offered drink did not taste of licorice.  As they sipped, the conversation naturally drifted around to him and the reason for his journey.  He explained about wanting to be reunited with Dwan.  The others, especially the women, seemed to find that a worthy aim.  Inevitably Toria invited herself into the discussion and again raised the issue of Tinker.  The younger people all found that to be an important topic.  Taggart did his best to explain that he, too, would enjoy connecting with his little friend.  “But you must understand,” he told the youngsters and older listeners that were gathered around the table.  “Tinker is a thinking and intelligent being.  She may look like a cuddly, furry animal, but she is not a pet.  She has her own life to live.  “We were united temporarily because she had been directed to do so by some mysterious entity with which only her kind can communicate.  We worked together to aid in defeating the invasion of the Greys.  That task is now complete.  If she wishes to continue our relationship she is uniquely equipped to find me.  If she doesn’t then it means that she is in her own land enjoying her own life.  She almost died helping me against the Greys.  She deserves to be happy.”
    The listeners nodded their agreement with his statements.  Only Toria seemed profoundly disappointed. 
    When the wind increased and the temperature dropped, the women shooed the children inside.  Their laughter could be heard coming from the great lodge.  The men and older boys remained outside. Sallum leaned forward with his arms on the table.  He had a grave look on his face.
    “I don’t want to disappoint you, Legend, but I was in the city last season.  I overheard a conversation about the Great War while eating in an inn.  I’m not entirely certain, but I think I recall someone saying that Dwan, the Healer, had decided to ply her trade in Aspell.”
    Taggart’s heart plunged.  “Who was telling this?” he asked.
    Sallum held both palms up.  “Please, I don’t really recall many details.  As I said before, I am not really certain of my recollections.”
    Taggart slammed his fist on the table making some of the younger men jump back.  He was immediately regretful and apologized for his outburst.
    “Have no fear, Tag-Gar,” Chadd soothed him.  “We all know you have been separated from your woman for far too long and through no fault of your own.  Remember,