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wondered why it bothered Tyco so much that Eve decided to join them.
    Oh well , maybe he’s just grumpy in the mornings. I know I prefer to sleep in.
    Max reached down and helped Eve up behind him. She squeezed tight against his back, surprising him. Usually she left a little space between them, but that was without the packs strapped on Starlight. Max felt a little awkward and caught a funny grin on Mrs. Tassi’s face. He looked away and she cleared her throat.
    “Well, now that you two are comfy, I brought a little of my cooking for you.”
    She reached into the basket she had been carrying and brought out a cloth bundle. Max took the bundle and passed it under his nose.
    “They’re biscuits I made this morning. Since they’re fresh, they’ll be good until you reach Moenia. Be sure to save them until you get close. Trust me, after a few days of those travel rations you’ll be ready for some of my biscuits.”
    “Okay, Mrs. Tassi, we’ll wait. Thank you.”
    Max put the bundle in one of the side packs fastened to Starlight.
    “You’d better. Now,” Mrs. Tassi held out her hand, “that will be one silver piece.”
    Max jerked straight which caused him to bump Eve who shoved him back. “A silver piece?”
    Mrs. Tassi stifled a laugh and did her best to act serious. “You didn’t think those were free, did you? I do run a cafe, after all. Can’t just be giving food away.”
    Max’s shoulders sagged. “But a whole silver piece. Don’t you think that’s a bit much?”
    “Just think of it as back pay for all the food you’ve helped yourself to over the years. With you taking off across the dead lands, who knows when I’d ever get my due.”
    “But…”
    By this time, Mr. Penna had begun to laugh so heartily he needed to grab his saddle horn to keep from falling off the horse. “Just pay her, Maxwell. You are not going to win against Mrs. Tassi.”
    Max knew Mr. Penna was right. He gave in and dug one of the few silver coins he had out of his pocket.
    “Okay, here you go.”
    “Thank you, Max.” Mrs. Tassi took the coin and put it in her apron pocket. “Oh, I almost forgot.” She reached back in the basket and pulled out a smaller bundle. “This is for you, Eve.”
    Eve reached down and took the bundle from Mrs. Tassi. She peeped under the wrappings and giggled a moment before a more contemplative look appeared. “Thank you, Mother.”
    Mrs. Tassi smiled brightly at Eve. “You’re welcome.”
    Max tried to turn around to face Eve but with her so close behind him he couldn’t. “What is it? When did you start calling Mrs. Tassi Mother?”
    Eve put the bundle in her pocket. “It’s none of your business. Let’s get going.”
    Eve kicked her heels into Starlight, who jolted forward at a fast trot. Max quickly faced forward to steady himself, but shouted back at Eve.
    “I’m starting to think it was a mistake asking you along.”
    Eve laughed merrily. “And just think, it’s only the first day.”
    Max shook his head as he got Starlight to slow down. His thoughts swirled around the adventure ahead while Eve strained to hear the conversation between Mr. Penna and Mrs. Tassi back at the stable.
    “Do not worry, Mrs. Tassi. I will wait as long as possible to tell him about Evangeline’s papers. He won’t like it at first, but I think he will understand soon enough. He is much like his father.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Penna.”
    Mr. Penna chuckled. “I will say, you are a sly one, Mrs. Tassi. It is no wonder why that girl gives Maxwell so much trouble. She is your daughter through and through, adopted or not.”
    “I’ve done all I can for her. She’s on her own now.”
    “Not if Maxwell becomes…”
    Starlight carried Eve out of hearing distance, but that was fine. She had heard enough. Both Mr. Penna and her mother had faith in Max. She had to trust them that things would turn out okay. Eve, though she had no fear of falling, wrapped her arms around Max.

 
     
     
     
     
     
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