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something in a big black cauldron, when Aston walked into the room.
    “I hope you washed your hands before you came in here,” Alys stated. She turned around , likely to scold Delgrab . Her eyes widened and her face broke out in a beautiful white toothed smile when she saw Aston. “Oh, Aston! Delgrab didn’ t tell me you were coming!” she exclaimed, wiping her hands on her apron and rushing to give him a hug. He picked her up in his arms and swung her around once before depositing her back on the floor.
    “He didn’t know, if that helps him any. I wasn’t planning on visiting. I just sort of … arrived,” he said, hoping his being there wouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience. He needn’t have worried. Alys was one of those women who were always prepared, no matter what life threw at her. She reassured Aston that she had a room he could stay in and plenty of clean sheets. She told him not to worry about a thing and to go and wash up for dinner. With another smile, Aston nodded at the woman before heading into the back. When he turned around to look back at her, Alys was already setting another place at the table.
    Shaking his head, Aston closed himself in the small bath area. A tub sat at the far end of the room, logs set up underneath to warm the water. There was a small wooden table with a basin on it in front of a tall mirror hanging on the wall. A pitcher full of water sat beside the basin and Aston poured some of the water into the bowl. Less than two days on the road and already he felt dirtier than he had in his life.
    The knight had spent plenty of time outdoors. He’d spent weeks out on missions before, but this felt different. Maybe because he was running. It was his soul that was dirty, not his skin. Aston quickly washed his face and hands, wanting to get back to his friends as soon as he could. He’d had enough with the depressing thoughts for the night.
    In the kitchen, Alys was putting the finishing touches on a homegrown salad. Delgrab was already at the table, chugging a huge goblet of water. Aston took a long look at his friend, noticing the subtle changes in the man. His dark beard was starting to turn grey and had grown well past the man’s chin. Brown eyes were starting to wrinkle around the edges from hard times, but his mouth was forever curled up in a smile. His pants were snugger than they had been before, and Aston t hought that without the suspenders , his friend’s pants would snap right off. His white shirt was covered in dirt and drenched in sweat, and his boots were covered in mud. Alys was eyeing them, but Delgrab paid her no mind.
    The man spent his days outside, chopping trees and building wooden furniture. When he came in for the night , he did everything he could to make sure his wife was happy while playfully teasing her. If ever Aston needed a place to stay, he was always willing to help. Delgrab was the most selfless person the knight had met in his life, nothing like the monarchs he was used to.
    Aston took his spot at the table as Alys brought the last of the food out , and the three settled into a comfortable routine.
    “So, how’s life at the palace , Aston?” Alys asked. She was always too insightful for her own good. She was only asking because she knew something was wrong.
    “It’s great, Alys . Just taking a little break,” he lied. He didn’t have the heart to worry the woman.
    “Alys has been trying to perfect her apple pie recipe lately,” Delgrab interjected , and Aston was grateful for the change of subject. Alys sent him a pointed glare, but Delgrab glared right back
    “Perfect it? I didn’t know anything w as wrong with it, ” Aston answered, turning his attention from his plate to Alys. She smiled and blushed, looking down. He tried to ignore the tension his unannounced arrival had caused.
    “Oh, stop it, boys. You just know I’ve got one in the oven now and you want some,” she said. Aston and Delgrab both laughed as Alys stood and took