Ties of Blood by D.W. Jackson Page B

as she realized her mistake she look at the barmaid who simply gave her a wink and laughed. “Men are all the same dear. I don’t understand why those Farlans need to have a queen. Show a man a little skin and they will do whatever you want and thank you for it.”
    Ballard face turned beet red and his hand went to cover his face. “Bring us three orders of stew and bread please Miss.” his voice was muffled but it was easy to tell that he had been thoroughly embarrassed by the situation.
    As the barmaid walked away she purposely swayed her hips and willing or not Ballard’s eyes were focused on her. It was a rare occasion that Eloen got the better of Ballard’s normally stoic demeanor and she wasn’t about to let a rare chance slip by. “Getting an eye full?” Eloen said throwing her arm around Ballard’s broad shoulders.
    “Nothing wrong with enjoying a nice view.” Though Ballard's voice was calm his face betrayed his true feelings.
    “What did I miss? Looks like Ballard ate a bowl of juri peppers. Almost looks like you could cook off his forehead.” Darryl said behind them making Eloen jump slightly and getting Ballard to moan as he rested his head in his folded arms.
    “Did you get everything we need?” Eloen asked trying furtively to hold back her laughter.
    I gave the shopkeeper a list of what we need. He wasn’t sure if he could get all of it but he’s going to deliver everything he can get to our rooms. I thought about staying around and picking it up myself but my stomach is grumbling louder than you do when you don’t get enough sleep.” Darryl gave a little laugh but stopped when Eloen narrowed her eyes. Backing away he put his hands up in a sign of surrender. “Please forgive me I forgot you have been short on sleep. If I had thought first I would have put on more armor.”
    “Go ahead and push it skinny and you can go to bed with an empty stomach.” Eloen said in mock anger.
    Laughing Darryl took his seat. “Anything but that. Should I beg for your forgiveness oh benevolent captain?”
    Eloen noticed the barmaid returning with their food. She was always amazed at how one person could carry so many plates at once without dropping them. “What do we have here another member to your little group. Looks like a beanpole. Are you sure one bowl is enough for you beanpole? You know ladies like their men to have a little meat on the bone.”
    “Well if you insist I’ll take another bowl. I’m not one to turn down a lady’s advice.” Darryl said flashing a childish grin. As soon the barmaid walked away Darryl turned to Eloen and let out a heavy sigh. “Looks like you’re acting more like yourself. I don’t mean to give you a hard time but it’s not as much fun when you’re not giving us a hard time.”
    Reaching over Eloen popped Darryl in the back of the head. The spoon of food that was halfway to his face hit him in the nose. Stuttering and cursing he gave Eloen a sideways glace, but she was already enjoying her own meal while humming happily.
    As they ate the three talked like it was old times. The tension that had been building drained away, and the stiffness in her shoulders began to fade. Thad was no closer to being rescued but she knew there was little she could do to change that fact. Stressing over it would gain her nothing but wrinkles.
    After soaking the last remnants of her food from her plate with a piece of bread, Eloen sat back in her chair and let out a satisfied groan. The food was still spicier than she liked but it was not nearly as bad as some of the other meals she had eaten since being in Abla. Letting out a light groan Eloen stood and pushed back her chair. “Think it's time for me to retire to my room and wash off the dust. With as much as I got stuck on me it’s going to take a good soaking.”
    “Enjoy yourself Captain. I know you could use the bath for the past few days I couldn’t tell what smelled worse you or your horse.” Darryl said with a slight