[Envinyatar]

Derufin raised his chin toward Benat and grinned. ‘Look,’ he said, turning his head back toward Anyopâ. ‘Benat’s back.’ He raised the mug of ale he held in his left hand, signaling to Benat that they would join him.

‘So, here you are. How was your visit with the mayor?’ Derufin and Anyopâ pulled out chairs for themselves, helping themselves to the basket of bread and the cheese Ginger had brought out.

Benat was about to tell them about his morning, when Ginger sailed up with a tray with two large bowls of soup. She eyed the nearly empty basket of bread and the depleted plate of cheese. Derufin winked at her, and apologized. Then pointing at Anyopâ, he ordered another two baskets of bread, another plate of cheese, and two soups.

Just before she left their table, he called her back. ‘And do you think perhaps Cook has a few of her spice cookies hidden somewhere you could bring for us?’ He gave her his most ingratiating smile.

‘Now tell us about Sam and what you found out,’ he said, turning back toward Benat.