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Cook stood on the little porch that led into the kitchen, one hand shading her eyes against the sun. Derufin and Anyopâ were just bringing the big wagon round, backing it up as near as they could to the Inn’s woodshed. She waved her hand at the two men as they climbed down from the seat and bustled over to speak with them.
‘Mind you put the greener wood in back and the dry to the front,’ she said, casting a critical eye at the load. Derufin smiled and nodded his head at her instruction. ‘And I hope you’re not working our guests to death,’ she went on craning her head round to where Anyopâ had begun unloading the split wood. Her admonition was met with an ‘Of course not’ from Derufin and a firm denial from his companion.
‘Well, then, just get on with it and then come on in. I’ve made some sugar cookies.’ She grinned at Derufin. ‘I’ve put a plateful away just for you.’
Cook turned round to go back into the kitchen. ‘Oh, and once you’re done there, do you think you could fix the door knob here?’ Derufin frowned as she showed him how loose it had gotten. ‘Hasty Elf,’ was all she said in explanation as she tromped back into the kitchen.
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