FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

They stepped inside together.

“Would you care for some tea near the fire?” He offered but was disappointed when she painstakingly turned down the offer.

“I need to find Nicholas to talk about our finances. I’ve some concerns.”

You shouldn’t. He collected a cup from the tray left on the Dining Room table for them.

Not as good as Elengard’s but Bronwynn does just fine.

Nicholas came down the stairs and they stopped in the entryway to talk.

Deragan could hear them as he poured and took a seat to sip his tea.

“At some point we’ll need to fix the leaks in the roof. And Beth and Airon have grown and need bigger clothes. Not to mention the twins have quite worn through their shirts working outside.”

“We’ll manage, Nore. We always do.” Nick reassured.

I can help. Just let me. Deragan willed. Wanting to intervene in the conversation. Wanting to offer without overstepping.

“How, Nick?” She asked urgently. “I know you’ve done well taking care of us but I can’t say that my anxiety is not rising being so far out here and with servants. We haven’t had servants like this in years.” She whispered anxiously.

“Do you not know?” Nick asked incredulously.

Perfect. He has figured it out. Deragan sat back and enjoyed his tea.

“Know what?”

Nick entered the Dining Room with Nora on his heels. They went to the unbalanced log pile the twins had set near the other side of the fireplace. Deragan reached between two logs in the bottom row-row was a gracious term, and removed the velvety bag the twins had found recently.

Thrusting it to her he pointed to the table. “Count it.”

She dumped it along the surface. Shifting them with her finger while Deragan pretended not to be listening nearby.

Everyone is so used to me sitting here now, I’m not sure Nick even noticed my presence when they walked in.

“Twenty coin.” She shrugged. “Same as it was.”

“Yes.” Nick nodded slowly. Waiting for her to catch on. “That’s before I paid for your pantry and since I’ve gone on several runs to town to stock the larder. The kitchen is full of fruits and vegetables.

Her gaze slipped from him to the coins on the table, in confusion. She said in a baffled voice. “I don’t understand.”

“Me neither. But no matter how much we remove, there’s twenty coin in that bag the next day. I take it out. Poof, it’s back in.”

“How?”

“You tell me.”

Me.

“That doesn’t make sense!” She shook her head.

“No it doesn’t. But we’re not complaining.”

“Then why haven’t the twins bought new clothes!” She demanded.

Trying to think of something more logical. She doesn’t understand. Deragan knew this was one of the phases she often went through when reintroduced to magic.

She’s a skeptic’s heart. Always has, ironically.

“Told them only you or I could get it out.” He said. “That’s why I was keeping it under there. They’d have bellies full of ale by now if they were given free rein.”

Probably true. Deragan’s teeth flashed in a silent grin. They’re hellions.

“Perhaps someone should take them to town and get them fitted for new clothes.” Deragan stood. “I have to do the same. I could take them to my tailor if you wished?”

Nick and Nora exchanged a look.

“Please do.” Nora blurted. Handing over the handful of coin.

“No need for that.” Deragan blurted. “You can provide it another time when the tailor’s bill comes.” He smiled politely.

It won’t. I’ll pay for it when we’re done.

“Sure. Good thinking.” Nick declared.