Chapter 22 — Lunch in Estes
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Kael Grenfort:
We were walking through the city of Estes — looking for a good place to eat.
The city was crowded. Streets paved with stone, lined with tall four- and five-story buildings on both sides. People of all kinds — humans, elves, even a few members of other races. So much movement that my head started to spin.
"Hmmm… they say this place has its own unique dishes. Shall we try some?" Father said, scratching his chin and looking up.
His eyes were distant — as if lost in his own memories.
"Yes, Father, let's do that. I like trying new things," I said eagerly.
Father suddenly perked up. He rubbed his hands together and began:
"Pff… Estes has its own national dishes. And they're famous throughout the world. Difficult to prepare, but very delicious. In our town — Dester — we mostly eat dishes common across the continent. But the people of Estes have their own special cuisine…" He spoke with all sorts of hand gestures — tapping his fingers together, drawing circles in the air, as if preparing a spell.
I watched him and smiled. Father rarely got so animated.
"Yes, you're right, sir. I ate here once before — it was excellent," Silvan said.
"Exactly!" Father said cheerfully, with a hint of smugness.
I looked at them and suddenly burst out laughing. "Hahaha!" I laughed so hard I thought my stomach would split. Silvan cracked a small smile, and Father, after glancing at me, started laughing too.
"I know a really good place. If you want, I can take you there," Silvan said.
"Lead the way!" Father said.
---
A short while later…
The carriage stopped.
I looked out the window — and my mouth fell open.
A place like a grand palace. Four stories tall. Walls of white marble, covered in delicate carvings — flowers, vines, images of mythical beasts. Wide staircases, tall columns, and in front of the gates, two large statues — creatures like lions with spread wings.
In this world, this was the first time I'd seen such a structure. In Dester — the town where I'd lived since birth — there was nothing like this. There, the houses were low, the streets narrow, everything simple and plain.
But this place… this place was another world.
Note: Dester — the town where I grew up. Small, quiet, no one ever tried to build palaces like this.
Silvan opened the carriage door.
"We've arrived, gentlemen," he said, then bowed slightly.
He straightened and gestured with his hand: "Here's the place I told you about."
We both stepped out. Father walked straight toward the gate. I lingered for a moment, looking around — still amazed.
"Hey… Kael! Kael!"
"Yes, Father? I got a little distracted, sorry."
"Come on, hurry up! You too, Silvan."
"Yes, sir."
---
A short while later — inside the restaurant.
The food arrived.
I took a bite — and my eyes widened.
"Ohho! It's amazing!" I said, my mouth full.
"Hey, son, slow down," Father said, frowning.
"Heheh… sorry, Father."
The food looked strange. Some kind of porridge, with a weird color — a yellowish-green mix. There were small black specks in it. But the taste — incredible. Fresh, delicate, like nothing I'd ever tasted before.
"Well, how is it?" Father asked.
"The taste is good… no, it's absolutely wonderful!" I said, taking another spoonful.
From the other side of the restaurant, a voice rang out:
"Are the ingredients for the meal ready, Johnson?"
"Yes, I'm bringing them now, sir!" said a man near the doorway.
I happened to glance in that direction.
A man ran past us. In his hands — lots of worms.
Alive. Wriggling. Long, fat, black and white worms. They squirmed over each other, moving.
Wait… wait…
Worms?
Ingredients for the meal?
Ahhhhh… that's not what I thought, is it?
My heartbeat quickened. Something stuck in my throat. My eyes opened wide.
I slid down from my chair.
"Is everything all right, young master?" Silvan asked, taking a spoonful of food into his mouth.
"Yes… everything's fine. I think… heheheheheheh… fine, fine…"
"Ahhhhh!"
And I bolted toward the door.
---
I got outside.
The air was cool, fresh. But a bitter rush rose to my throat. I managed to bend over — and everything I'd eaten came rushing out.
"Ewwwww!"
Disgusting. Disgusting. Ewwwwww!
"Ufffff… did this have to happen? Ewwwwwwww!"
I leaned on my knees, my eyes watering, my breath short.
"Young master! Are you all right?!" Silvan ran out after me.
"Yes… I didn't expect something like this. Did you and Father know about this?"
"Hmmm… what do you mean?"
"Uhhhhh… ewwwwwww…" — I heaved again. — "What do you think, if I didn't know?"
Silvan suddenly understood. First surprise crossed his face, then understanding, then a hint of guilt.
"Ohhh… sorry about that. Hmm… but these worms are actually healthy. They won't hurt you."
"Enough, don't talk about it! Ewwwwww!"
"No, why —"
"I said enough!"
---
A short while later.
"Ahhh… finally. I'm done."
I straightened up. Wiped my face. My breathing finally calmed.
Hmm… come to think of it, while I was throwing up, everyone was staring at me. The restaurant patrons — all eyes on me. Some frowned, some covered their mouths, some just watched with disgust.
Most of them were elves — tall, with delicate ears, dressed in clean, elegant clothes.
And they looked displeased.
I'm in trouble…
"Hey, Silvan," I said, motioning him to come closer.
He leaned his ear toward me.
"What's wrong with these people?" I whispered.
"Ahhh… what can I say. You acted as if you didn't like their food — or rather, you insulted their… what's the word… their food culture. They have a very strong food culture here. And you… you trampled on it. They're probably a bit angry at you."
He… he… I think I'm in trouble.
"Yes, is that so? Where's Father?"
"He's inside, at the counter. He should come out soon."
"Yes, understood. Bring me some water. If possible… no, never mind."
Hmm… I have water magic myself. The influence of my own world. Ahhhh…
"Silvan, block me from view. Use some magic. So people don't see."
He flicked his hand — a small cloud of steam appeared around me, hiding me from sight. The mist was light, transparent, but thick enough.
"Ohho! Excellent, Silvan!" I said.
I took off my outer clothes. Used water magic — cleaned myself. Cleaned my clothes too. Then used light magic to dry them.
"Done, Silvan. Many thanks."
"Yes, young master."
---
Just then, Father came out.
First surprise appeared on his face, then — a cold expression. He looked at the people around — the locals, mostly elves. They all fell silent at once.
"What's going on here?" he said, his gaze icy.
For a second, no one moved. Then — the elves began to step back, one by one, and soon they'd all dispersed.
"Let's go, kids. We'll rest, and tomorrow we'll set out. For now… the caravan leaves," he said.
"What? We're not going with the caravan? To the next city?" I asked, surprised.
"No. After the mountains, we split off from the caravan in Estes. Because of this mountain range, we have to go around. Otherwise, we'd go straight through to the next city," he said.
Ah, now I understand. I was mistaken the first time. Aaaaaa…
I thought about it.
---
We got into the carriage.
Father looked at me. The coldness was gone from his eyes now — only fatherly concern.
"Well, are you feeling all right, Kael? Why did you run out like that?" he said.
I turned my head away — as if I were upset.
"Well, Father… it's your fault. I can't eat food made from worms and such — because it makes me sick. And you didn't tell me what the food was made of."
Father was silent for a moment. Then a small smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
"Ohhh… is that so? Actually, before you knew, you were eating faster than anyone else."
"No! That can't be!" I said, turning my head further away, in a cute pose — like a little child pretending to be offended.
He chuckled.
"Well, anyway, you're probably hungry again. When we get to the inn, you can eat something else."
"Yes, Father," I said. He knew me too well — my stomach really was starting to growl.
---
At the inn.
Here — alone in my room.
As always — not just since coming here, but even before, I've always slept alone. The only difference is that this room is huge. A double bed. Paintings on the walls. A window overlooking the city.
I got up from the bed and slowly walked to the window.
I looked down — the streets were still crowded. People were out even in the evening, lights flickering, distant music drifting through the air.
I opened the small window to get a better view. Standing on the third floor, looking down — rooftops, trees, and in the distance, the snow-capped mountain peaks.
Well, everything is strange.
Especially that old man — Zegfort.
Where did he go? Did he just disappear? What?
When I woke up — he was gone. Father said he went back to Abkhazia.
Hmm…
In my entire life, I've never seen such a laid-back, carefree person.
But at the same time — I respect him. He's strong. Very strong. And he helped me.
Well, I'll enjoy the fresh air for a bit, then go to sleep.
I leaned against the window frame. The wind brushed my face. In the distance, stars began to appear.
Tomorrow — the road.
Again the road.
Again forward.
My eyes closed.
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