Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 110079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 550(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 550(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
“We will endeavor to help the Omari clan in any way we can.”
With introductions out of the way, Nori took a couple of cautious steps toward Tyche. The god edged closer to Shey, his shoulders pulling inward as if trying to shield himself.
“You are a god,” Nori announced, and Shey almost laughed because his statement reminded him so much of how Haru had reacted to Tyche that first time.
Tyche’s head snapped up, his eyes wide. “Yes, but a small one. Not even a powerful one. And definitely not one of the gods who started a war with you all those years ago.”
Nori grinned. “Yes, I know. Haru said you are the God of Luck. I believe we could all use some good luck right now.”
Shey’s lips parted as he prepared to explain that luck didn’t work quite like that, but Tyche surprised him by bowing his head.
“I will do what I can. But…luck is a fickle thing. Even for me.”
Nori nodded. “Haru has been unclear on many things, but he stated two things about you that were clear. You are his friend, and we must get you coffee. If you are a friend of Haru, you are a friend of all the Omari Clan. You have nothing to fear.”
Tyche lifted his hands and bowed to the clan leader. “I am deeply honored and will endeavor to always live up to that friendship.”
Nori looked over at Caelan and wiggled his shoulders slightly. In what could only be called a stage whisper, Nori said to Caelan, “The Omari Clan has two gods as friends. Let the Ito clan top that.”
Caelan snorted and choked on a laugh. “Grandfather, I think it would be best for all of us if the Ito clan doesn’t compete with you on that front.”
Drayce leaned past Caelan, flashing Tyche a huge grin. “I brought the coffee. You’re not gonna find a bean on this island otherwise.”
Tyche’s head snapped up so fast, Shey thought he heard the god’s neck crack. “Are they Besan beans?” Hope danced in his words, and Shey snickered.
“Oh my gods, not this nonsense,” Adrian groaned.
“What kind of beans?” Drayce asked, and Tyche immediately wilted. “I have no idea what kind of coffee beans they are. I snatched two big bags of beans out of the royal kitchen as we were packing to leave. The cook said it’s what they use to make Rayne’s coffee, so I figured it had to be good stuff.”
It was like watching Tyche on a roller coaster. Joy at the promise of coffee. Despair at hearing that Drayce didn’t know what kind of coffee it was. Joy again to learn it was from the royal kitchens. And then a dark cloud moved in at the mention of Rayne. The reactions didn’t make much sense, but Shey didn’t have the chance to ask him about it.
“Let us go inside and have some refreshments. You must be tired from your long journey. We will talk for a while,” Nori announced.
“Actually, I was hoping to see Haru. Cael—” Adrian cut himself off, wincing. “His Majesty stated I needed your permission.”
Nori made a tutting noise and wrapped an arm around Adrian’s shoulders, which was kind of impressive since Adrian was several inches taller than Nori. It forced the royal guard to bend down awkwardly as he walked with Nori.
“Soon. Soon. You need rest. Haru must rest. After you’ve regained your strength and have a clear head, we’ll be happy to take you to visit Haru,” Nori reassured him.
Shey glanced over at Tyche to find the god standing straighter now and looking at the clan grounds with what seemed to be fresh eyes. His body wasn’t huddled in fear, and there was even a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Not bad,” Shey murmured. “You’re getting quite a collection of friends.”
Tyche added a bounce to his step as they followed the others. “I know. If we become real friends, I wonder if Omari Nori would give me a tiny piece of land. I bet they have great soil and rain here. Just perfect for growing coffee beans. The Besan coffee plants would love it here. I can feel it.”
Shey put a hand on Tyche’s shoulder and squeezed while urging him forward. “And if you’re living here with the dragons, how are you going to visit me in Sirelis?”
Tyche’s face scrunched up as he tipped it toward Shey. “That’s a good point. I’ll need to work that out. Of course, you could always borrow a boat and come pick me up.”
The suggestion was insane. Ridiculous. He was the crown prince. When the world stopped being so chaotic, he would need to return to Sirelis and take on his former duties of helping to rule the kingdom. He couldn’t go gallivanting off to pick up a shifty god from the Isle of Stone so they could run around Sirelis snacking and drinking coffee.