Tranquil Fury Read Online Free PDF Page B

percolating pot, with some water, which he also placed on the grill. He walked back towards the wagon and stopped. Lauren, Logan, Eric, and John were just standing there staring at him, their eyes wide, and their jaws slack.
    Mirtza looked at them for a second, w hat am I supposed to do? “Forgive me. I am being a terrible host.” He went over to them, “This is all new to me, and I am still trying to figure out what is happening. In my haste to leave the grasslands, we did not do formal introductions. My name is Mirtza. I am the son of a pig and root farmer, and I guess a magic student. I met the big and little one earlier, but you did not tell me your names.”
    Eric stepped forward, “My name is Eric,” and he held out his hand. Mirtza looked at him and did the same, but did not touch Eric’s hand. Eric grabbed Mirtza’s hand, and gave him a very strong, possibly too strong of a handshake.
    Mirtza pulled his hand back and rubbed it, “I assume that is some sort of greeting?”
    Lauren hesitated as she stepped forward, introduced herself, Logan and then John. Eric pointed to the wagon and introduced Zack and Ryan.
     “Yes, let’s check on your friends.” Mirtza retrieved his bag from the front of the wagon, examined Ryan and Zack, and from inside the bag, he withdrew the vials from when he had first treated them, and repeated the process.
    Lauren asked, “Are they going to be okay?”
     “Tomorrow we will meet some people who are more skilled in the healing arts than I am. We will keep them warm and dry tonight. They will be fine.” And the pots over the fire began to boil, indicating the meal was ready.
     “Eric, can you please bring the large trunk from the back of the wagon to the fire?” Mirtza went to stir the beans, and moved the other pot to the side of the grill.
    Eric brought over the trunk, and in an act of being helpful, opened it. It was empty, except for little golden figures attached to the inside surfaces of the chest, “I must have brought the wrong one.”
    Mirtza walked over to it, closed the lid, and opened it. He then pulled out a stack of plates and closed the lid. Then opened it again and pulled out five mugs, and once again closed the lid. He kept repeating the actions of opening the lid, and pulling new contents from the empty chest, until he had place settings and utensils for everybody. He looked up at the four, who were once again speechless, “Oh, I am sorry. I am so used to this that I do not even think about it. I will explain later, sit down.” He pulled the beans and fried meats from the fire, and then advised, “Please help yourselves.”
    Lauren went to the back of the wagon, grabbed Eric’s backpack and handed it to him, whispered to him, “You should eat your lunch, in case the food is drugged.” While starved, Eric nodded his head in agreement.
    Mirtza saw what was happening, “Look you can trust me. I mean you no harm. I am going to eat this food, just like you. There is nothing wrong with it, but if you prefer not to, it is your choice.”
    They were starving, and everybody but Eric grabbed a plate, and filled it. The meat had a unique taste to it and the beans were indescribably good. The buns and fruit were both fresh and delicious. After they had their fill, Mirtza grabbed a mug, and reached for the percolating pot, from which a caffeine-like aroma filled the air. The rest, except Eric, seeing this did the same. Logan and Lauren both had caffeine drinks numerous times, Lauren could take it or leave it, but Logan on the other hand, was a caffeine addict, and warm or cold, it called to him. John had been offered coffee before, had never accepted any, but with all of the others holding out a mug, he willingly joined in.
    Lauren took a sip and smiled. John, wanting to fit in, first tested the temperature with his finger, and then took a mouthful. His eyes opened wide, his face went flush, he turned his head away from everybody, and the liquid exploded from him.