Page 127 of Spar of Hearts

Roderick caught up to Anya.

“Two ales,” he answered, holding up two fingers. “And whatever food you have.”

With a heavy sigh followed by a wolfish grumble, the woman turned around, poured one ale into a flagon and handed it to Roderick, then set a deep saucer of ale in front of Anya. Anya stepped back, offended by the dog-like treatment for a moment, then took two dutiful laps of the golden liquid. The barkeep slapped past the double doors to the kitchen, yelled something about fish and returned.

“Food’ll be right out. Catch of the day is pike.”

Anya felt her jaws begin to water. She’d hardly realized how hungry she’d gotten. The barkeep could throw one of those fish at her raw and she’d down it in a second.

Roderick sipped his ale, then cleared his throat and spoke a little lower than usual. “Sooo…how is your day going?”

“Fine,” the barkeep answered. She slid a flagon down the bar to an awaiting Kobold who looked much too young to drink.

“Busy day?”

The barkeep didn’t look up. “The usual.”

Roderick gave Anya a sheepish look. Apparently his flirting skills had vanished.

There were several minutes of awkwardness before boots clicked on the plank floor. Anya peeked around the corner of the bar, watching the barkeep head back to the kitchen again. Anya licked the ale from her lips. He was going to need some coaching.

Flirt. With. Her. Anya jabbed her head toward the bar, trying to whisper in her mind.

“I’m trying,” Roderick hissed.

Try harder.

The barkeep returned, once again putting Anya’s food in a dish on the floor.

But food was food.

“This is incredible,” Roderick said after a few bites.

“I’ll pass your compliments to the chef.”

“I’m sure every meal here tastes wonderful when you’re the one bringing it out.”

Anya nearly spat out her pike. But it worked.

The barkeep’s tone lightened just a bit. “Well, it may not be for much longer when the boss notices the totals are off.”

“Totals?”

“Those bastards from before only covered half their bill. Gotta make up the short myself.” The barkeep sighed. “But I’ve also got pups to feed.”

That made Anya wince and debate calling off the plan.

Roderick sat quiet for a moment, no doubt debating the same, then he replied quietly, “I think I can help with that.” He slid a few copper across the counter. “All I need is a letter sent from the falconry.”

Too late now. He must be confident the authorities wouldn’t blame the woman. Who knows. They may believe they used some kind of terrible Valerian mind control powers.

Anya held her breath, waiting for the barkeep to answer.

“Edmund!” the woman shouted. Anya tensed for a moment before she finished with, “I’m takin’ my break now!”

Chapter 42

Roderick Bryson