Eternal Read Online Free Page B

Candles were burning in a pottery wrath on the table, which was set for three.
    Madera looked up from carving a roasted chicken and smiled with delight. “Good evening,” was all he said.
    Len glanced at Savhoran as she finished putting rice into a serving bowl. “Hi, there, stranger!”
    He acknowledged the tease with a half smile. Len told us to sit down, we were in the way, then she quietly set a fourth place.
    I made a halfhearted offer to help, but everything was almost ready. Len brought bowls of rice and spinach to the table, and Madera brought over a platter of sliced chicken. That was what smelled so wonderful.
    â€œ Boy, Caeran will be sorry he missed this,” I said. “I thought he’d be back by now.”
    Len and Madera traded a glance.
    â€œ He called,” Len said. “He’s got some things he wants to do in town, so he’s staying over.”
    Trouble in paradise? She didn’t look distressed, but she didn’t look jolly either. It was none of my business, so I kept quiet.
    There was wine—red, in an unlabeled bottle. Madera poured and everyone helped themselves to the food. Savhoran took tiny portions, but I didn’t. I was starving even though I’d hardly moved all afternoon.
    â€œ I hope you enjoyed the day,” Madera said to me.
    I nodded and took a sip of wine. “It was nice—this is good!—nice to just relax.”
    â€œ If you need more to read, I have a small library. Not many current titles, I fear, but you are welcome to look at them.”
    â€œ Thanks.”
    I took a bite of the chicken and almost moaned aloud. It was fall-apart tender, with pepper and garlic and a tang of lemon. Heavenly.
    Len and Madera chatted about his garden while we ate. He was just now putting out tomatoes and cucumbers, because it froze late into May this far north. I gathered that he had a greenhouse somewhere.
    I admired people who grew their own food. I’d tried, but the climate in Portales is pretty unforgiving and only determined gardeners can get stuff to grow there.
    â€œ I’d love to help if there’s anything I can do,” I said. “I’m not much of a gardener, but I can pull weeds.”
    â€œ I will take you up on that tomorrow.”
    â€œ Great!”
    I meant it. If I made myself useful, maybe I’d get invited back.
    Madera was watching Savhoran push rice around his plate. He’d eaten some of the spinach, but the tiny slice of chicken was untouched. He sensed Madera’s gaze and looked up, and said something in that flowy language.
    â€œ It’s all right,” Madera said softly. “I can heat up some broth if you like.”
    Savhoran shook his head and stared unhappily at his food.
    It sucks being sick, and it’s sad to watch a beautiful creature suffer. I felt sorry for him and wished there was something I could do. Best thing I could think of was not to make an issue of it, so I pretended it wasn’t important and finished my own supper.
    Savhoran left as soon as we were done. I stayed to help with the dishes, figuring he probably wasn’t in the mood for company. Madera didn’t have a dishwasher, so Len washed and I dried while our host put away the leftovers.
    â€œ I still think you should get a hot tub,” Len said over her shoulder.
    â€œ It would use too much electricity,” said Madera.
    â€œ Not if you got one of those soft ones. They’re really efficient.”
    â€œ I much prefer hot springs.”
    â€œ Yeah, but it’s a mile hike to the closest one! And no bathroom, no shower—”
    â€œ Conveniences, but not necessary. Shall we go into the living room?”
    Len handed me the last plate to dry. “You’re changing the subject.”
    â€œ Yes.” He smiled. “Will you play the guitar?”
    She sighed and took the towel from me, drying her hands. “OK, you win.”
    Madera’s gaze shifted to me.