Outcasts of Velrune by Isaac Crowe

Penna come join the diggers and myself for dinner tonight? I’ll explain more then.”
    Eve anxiously wanted to know more, but Melody clearly meant to keep that information to herself until later. Eve shrugged her shoulders.
    “Okay.”
    Melody looked west. “The sun will start to set soon. We had better finish cleaning up and get back inside the camp walls.”
    The two of them finished bathing then re-dressed as the sun began to sink below the horizon. Together, they headed back into the camp.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER NINE
     
     
    Max sat under the stone shelter, staring restlessly at the east gate of the camp. With the sun slipping below the horizon, he stood, determined to find Eve despite Mr. Penna’s objection. He made it halfway to the entrance when Eve and the acolyte walked through. Seeing the worried expression on Max’s face, Eve giggled.
    “Hey, Maxy, off to save a damsel in distress?”
    Feeling his face start to flush, Max ducked his head.
    “No, no, I was getting hungry and didn’t want to sit around waiting for you if you weren‘t coming. You know, in case you’d drowned or something.”
    “Max, you know I wouldn’t go and do that. Who would keep you out of trouble?”
    The acolyte stifled a laugh as she walked past Max towards the diggers. Eve returned with Max to Mr. Penna and Tyco. There she faced Mr. Penna, standing straight as she could trying to take on an air of dignity.
    “We have been invited to dine with the diggers and Melody this evening. She would like to know more about us.” Eve changed back to her normal, excitable self. “She’s heard of your dad, Max; you too, Mr. Penna!”
    Max’s embarrassment about Eve vanished in an instant. “Really, what did she say?”
    While the others were bathing, Tyco had pulled out a dagger to sharpen to help pass the time. He paused at Eve’s news.
    “That woman is of the Children of the Immortals. They are an odd group. You should be careful who you choose to dine with. I would recommend staying over here.”
    Eve stuck her nose up. “I think you’re right, Tyco. We should be careful of whom we eat with.” Eve turned to Max and Mr. Penna. “Come on Max, Mr. Penna, let’s get our food and head over.” Eve looked back at Tyco. “I’m glad you don’t want to go. You weren’t invited anyways.”
    Tyco stared at Eve, a dour look on his face. Eve simply turned and headed for the center of the camp where the small stack of firewood now burned. Tyco grunted and returned to sharpening his dagger, a little more forcibly now.
    Max looked expectantly at Mr. Penna. “Mr. Penna?”
    Mr. Penna sighed. “I knew we would be recognized at some point. I had hoped it would not be so soon, but perhaps it being the Children is a good thing.”
    Max tried in desperation to contain his excitement. “Is that a yes or no?”
    “Yes, Maxwell, let us join them.”
    Without any further hesitation, Max gathered their food and ran after Eve. Mr. Penna followed at his own, slow pace. Max caught up to Eve as she arrived at the fire where Melody and the diggers already sat. At their arrival, Melody stood, greeting Eve with a curtsy.
    “Good evening, Evangeline.”
    Eve giggled, returning the curtsy. “Evening, Melody. I’d like you to meet Maxwell Laskaris and,” Eve patted her foot impatiently, “when he gets here Mr., um, I mean, Chiron Penna. Max, this is Melody.”
    “Good evening, Ms. Melody. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
    Eve turned to Max in surprise. “Wow, Max, you do have manners!”
    Max jabbed at Eve with his elbow, which she easily dodged. Melody started to laugh then cleared her throat.
    “Good evening, Maxwell. I’m glad to meet you. You as well, Mr. Penna.”
    Mr. Penna finally arrived, stepping next to Max. “Good evening, Ms…?”
    “Oh, I forgot to tell Eve my full name. I am Melody Eliades.” She gestured to the diggers Tyco mentioned. “With me are Zeth and Bastiaan.”
    The two diggers stood and shook hands with Max,