31 Ill Omen (2/2)
”I hope these seats are not taken,” Rijana smiled.
”Good morning, Bjoukia, Rijana, and Bjoukin,” I greeted and nodded to each newcomer from left to right.
”Oh, you remember me!” the elf maiden beamed in delight.
”How could I ever forget such a beautiful woman?” I winked.
Her brother rapped his knuckles on the table.”I didn't take you for a playboy, Lawrence,” Bjoukin chuckled.
”He's not,” Amelica interrupted while standing next to me.
Yikes!I looked up and offered the angry woman a sheepish shrug.
”We'll talk later,” the maid muttered under her breath.”So, what can I get you three?” she asked.
Rijana peered at my half-eaten bowl of soup.”I'll have what he's having,” she said.
”And same for us,” Bjoukin added.
”Make that five bowls of chicken soup,” Maisen's voice interrupted suddenly.
I looked up and saw that my bodyguard and my master, Kalistra, had both arrived.
Maisen sat to my left and Kalistra sat to my right.The duo started examining my new companions.
The earlier group to join my table reciprocated.
The two groups ended up having a silent staring contest for a few moments.
Finally, Rijana broke the silence.”Please introduce your companions, Lawrence,” she requested politely.
”Yes, of course!” I stammered.”I just enrolled in the Butterfly School of Swordsmanship, as I mentioned to you yesterday.To my right is the Heir of the school, Kalistra.To my left is Maisen; she is a senior student at my dojo and my bodyguard.”
The trio's eyebrows rose in unison at the word, ”bodyguard.”
”It's a long story,” I replied with a shrug.
Amelica returned with a tray and placed three bowls of soup in front of Rijana and the twins.”I'll be right back,” the barmaid promised and hurried back into the kitchen.
”We're just traveling through Tregome.We'll leave town once the public trial of Ebenthal is over,” Rijana said.
I was surprised that the trio wouldn't be staying longer as Rijana originally suggested last night at dinner.But I guessed that a public execution would dampen her willingness to stick around Tregome a bit longer.
Maisen nodded in approval.From the way the trio carried themselves, they were probably intermediate levels.It would be good to have more friendly faces in the audience for the public trial.Just in case.
Amelica returned with the rest of the soup plus the bread for each patron.
The group at the table ate their breakfast in silence.By the time the church bell tolled seven times, the bowls on the table were emptied out.
”Well, that's our cue to leave,” I said.”I need to go to the dojo.I'll meet you at the Public Square.”
Rijana and the twins nodded.”We'll see you there,” Rijana replied.
I left five silver coins on the table and left the tavern with Maisen and Kalistra following behind me.