25 A Mothers Worry (2/2)

When we arrived at The Noble Lady, I was disappointed by the lack of a pop-up.I guessed that I wasn't going to receive any more experience for the trip between the dojo and the tavern.I entered the tavern and quickly took a seat at the back.As I walked across the common room, I noticed that the patrons immediately lowered their voices and started making furtive glances at me while whispering amongst themselves.When I looked back at the common folk, none of them dared to meet my eyes.Nor was anyone inclined to talk to me either.Honestly, I had no clue what happened.I was basically ignored yesterday; today, I seemed to be the subject of the conversation among the patrons.

Maisen sat across the table from me.She had already scanned the room for possible threats to me, but none stood out.She was very appreciative of the fact that I sat on the side of the bench facing the back wall because this allowed Maisen to keep her eyes on the patrons sitting near me.In other words, she had my back.

After we were seated, Amelica appeared at our table.”May I speak to you privately, milord?” the maid asked politely while eyeing my new companion.

”I'll be right back,” I told Maisen and followed the worried mother into the kitchen.When she turned around, I said immediately, ”Your son is doing fine.”

Amelica exhaled a deep breath.”Gendun was very upset this morning,” she said quietly.Her face was full of worry.

I put my hands on her shoulders.”I think Gendun was afraid that Vern was abandoning him.It was a misunderstanding that Kalistra helped clear up by suggesting that the tavern keeper wanted Gendun to learn some fighting skills before taking over the tavern when Vern retires,” I explained.

The mother nodded.”I will make sure that will happen,” she said cryptically.

I was taken aback.What kind of influence did Amelica have over Vern to make this kind of statement?However, I saw that Vern was standing nearby and watching us; Vern certainly overheard our conversation regarding the future management of the tavern but chose not to deny Amelica's declaration.I decided to ask her about this another time.”I would like to order today's special for myself and my bodyguard,” I said, ”and as for drinks something without alcohol is fine.”

The maid's eyes widened in surprise; why would I need the services of a bodyguard?She will ask about this arrangement tonight.”Okay, two specials coming up!” she confirmed my order and waltzed toward the chef to pass along my order.

I nodded to Vern and left the kitchen.

”Is everything okay?” Maisen asked when I returned to my seat.

”Couldn't be better,” I grinned.”Amelica was worried about her child.”

”Her child . . . you mean Gendun?” the warrior asked after a momentary pause.

”Yes,” I nodded.

Maisen stared at me for a moment; her facial expression was guarded again.”And you're staying here?” she asked quietly.

”Yup,” I confirmed.

”Under the same roof as that fair lady,” Maisen grinned as her eyes lit up in mischief.”Milord and Amelica sitting under a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” she teased.

”Hey!” I protested.”Let's not go there!”

”Ah, but you ARE interested in her,” my tormentor continued.

”We slept together last night,” Amelica interrupted nonchalantly as she served our orders.Yes, she was making a VERY deceptive comment but Amelica did NOT want a romantic rival for my affections!

The maid was able to return with my meal so quickly for a reason.The chef had premade a huge batch of the daily special and kept the food warm during the lunch hours. Thus, patrons will receive their lunch quickly and then clear out the table for the next group of patrons.It took a while for Amelica to convince the chef to serve the daily special in this manner but the faster service meant more revenue for the tavern.Today's special was honey glazed barbecue spare ribs with corn and cauliflower.

Amelica also gave each of us a large mug of honey mead to wash down our meals.

As I groaned aloud at Amelica's deceptive comment, the mischievous maid winked at me and slowly sauntered back to the kitchen.With growing dread, I lifted my eyes to Maisen, who still had a big grin on her face.Sighing aloud, I lowered my head and focused on the delicious looking meal before me.Ignoring my bodyguard, I started devouring my lunch.