A man in a corner booth raised his flagon in Flick’s direction. “Felbeast? With them long lashes and pretty eyes, Master Flick should be singing Lady Evelyne.”

As the men roared in laughter. Kyra slipped past Flick and sat down at an empty table. After the noise died down, a woman’s voice called from the kitchen. “Kyra! Flick! Have you eaten yet?”

Despite her exhaustion, Kyra smiled. It didn’t matter when or in what condition she walked into the dining room. That was always the first question Bella asked.

“No, Bella.” Flick’s voice carried a tragic air that rivaled Brendel’s best performances. “We haven’t eaten in weeks. What’s left?”

There was a pause as Bella took inventory. “I have some leftover lamb stew and a few rolls. It should be enough if Flick reins in that greedy maw of his.”

Flick pantomimed a knife to his chest and sank into a chair. A plump woman, brown hair streaked with gray, carried out a tray with a basket of bread and two bowls of hot stew.

“What mischief have you two been stirring up?” Bella placed the food in front of them and wiped her hands on her apron. Kyra slouched into her chair, hoping Bella wouldn’t notice her unkempt hair and dirty clothes, but Bella grabbed a rag from a nearby table and brushed the dust off Kyra’s back. “I see this girl’s been working.”

Flick broke off a piece of bread and dipped it in his stew. “Kyra had an adventure last night,” he announced, ignoring Kyra’s warning look. Bella’s forehead creased with concern, but a whistle sounded from the kitchen. As Bella rushed to tend the kettle, Flick dug through his bowl and started picking out turnip pieces.

“I don’t understand,” Kyra muttered, half to herself.

“You’re wondering why he gave you the coin?” said Flick. He’d made a pile of turnips on his bread plate and absentmindedly pushed them toward Kyra, who dumped the pieces into her own bowl.

“He was only supposed to pay me if I brought the stone,” Kyra said.

“The ruby didn’t exist.”

Kyra started at the certainty in Flick’s declaration. Flick chuckled.

“Ah, Kyra, fearless thief. Able to outclimb a squirrel on any tree and outrun a mountain lion in total darkness.” He tugged her ponytail. “Take your eyes off the ledges once in a while. You might actually see something.”

Flick was insufferable when he decided to play smug older brother, but today she was curious enough to humor him. Kyra crossed her arms. “By all means, Grandfather. Share your wisdom with me.”